Effects of shading device on thermal comfort of residential building in northern Nigeria

Thermal Comfort has the powerful ability to create moods and it also affects working conditions of individuals. In order to harness maximum comfort, a conducive environment can be created. The use of shading device is the one of the best means of creating a conducive environment. This research assesses the effect of shading device on thermal comfort in residential building and how effective these sun shading elements are, in reaching a thermally conducive environment. The scope of the study is limited to residential buildings in the Northern part of Nigeria, particularly, Zaria area of Kaduna state. The research identifies the advantages of shading device, and how they influence thermal comfort depending on their orientation, location, type, all of these analyzed and discussed in detail in the preceding chapters. To achieve the set aim of the project, the extent to which shading device affect thermal comfort was measured using simulation software (Ecotect 2011). The research collected the necessary data to conduct the analysis which were inputted into the simulating software; Ecotect 2011. The overall thermal comfort percentage of the structure was simulated for using Ecotect 2011, after being modeled using Autodesk Revit. Conclusively, findings from the research revealed that the presence of shading device in the residential buildings increases the average thermal comfort in the structure. It is recommended that simulation of building models during design stages be adopted as a preventive approach, to avoid poor thermal comfort in buildings.