Adaptive Thermal Comfort of Planned Low-income Housing of a Developing Country: Case of Kigali, Rwanda

Global warming is expected to raise the average temperature of tropical region by up 3–4°C in next 70 years. Due vulnerable living conditions that are predominant most developing countries region, this will dramatically affect indoor thermal performance exclusively, naturally ventilated buildings form majority residential less-industrialized nations. In addition, lack knowledge about built environment and comfort design guidelines may significantly locals’ health well-being, especially among low-income groups. This study evaluates low- income housing were constructed as a governmentsponsored project for urban revitalization Kigali, Rwanda. Dynamic simulations carried out through EnergyPlus software using DesignBuilder program user interface. Annual discomfort hours degree-days calculated ASHRAE 55 adaptive model. The results indicate poor environmental planned structure. Indoor operative outside range 70% time annually with 955.3 degree-days. roof was found be key element causing exceed upper threshold, while wall material mostly influenced below lower limit.