Implication of Shading Passive Strategies in Buildings of Hot and Humid Climates for Energy Optimization: Lessons from Vernacular Dwellings in Nigeria

Abstract

Residential buildings consume approximately 30% to 40% of total primary energy, representing a significant share of the world's energy consumption. The contemporary designs of residential high-rise buildings in Nigeria borrow from different climates and adapt to Nigeria's hot and humid climate. Shading is an effective strategy for reducing solar heat gain and improving cooling conditions in hot and humid climates. This study tries to explore the most effective and most adaptable shading elements in the study area to be implicit in the contemporary design of high-rise residences. This study has a particular emphasis on shading techniques; hence, it will examine and present existing literature on shading devices and strategies. The aim of this research is to minimize energy consumption in residential buildings in Nigeria. Therefore, the research investigates the most effective shading strategies in the vernacular buildings that can be utilized as design criteria in future buildings. The findings led to identifying the effective and adaptable shading strategies found in vernacular architecture, which can be utilized in contemporary high-rise residential buildings in Nigeria for energy optimization. Finally, the research suggests guidelines to support architects in reducing energy usage in high-rise residential buildings in Nigeria.