Outdoor Thermal Comfort Analysis for the Dhond Residence in GOA, India

Abstract

The hypothesis of this study is to create a thermally viable microclimate for a residential outdoor space in the hot humid climate of the state of Goa in India with innovative and intelligent use of landscaping materials and shading conditions to control radiation, direct heat, air movements and moisture. This research focuses on the optimization of the performance of outdoor spaces using computer simulations. Outdoor spaces form an important part of houses in the hot-humid region as the humidity levels are high and natural air currents are the best option. A typical house in the tropical region would be defined by three types of spaces- indoor, outdoors and a combination of the indoor and the outdoor consisting of generally of a verandah or a loggia. This thesis focuses on the “indoor- outdoor” spaces where the breezes could be used to cool the space as well as the use of non–radiative materials so as to lower the temperature in the outdoor spaces and restore conditions to the thermal comfort zone. This study is aimed towards the integration of architecture with landscape architecture to achieve thermal comfort for outdoor spaces and to demonstrate how these can be optimized for better comfort for the residential structures in the tropical zone.