Optimization of building envelopes using indigenous materials to achieve thermal comfort and affordable housing in Abuja, Nigeria

Purpose This paper aims to demonstrate the optimization of an existing residential building in a tropical climate using indigenous materials as alternative conventional envelopes achieve thermal comfort and affordable housing. Design/methodology/approach study mainly adopted quantitative research methodology through comprehensive simulation on selected prototype building. The energy plus tool DesignBuilder was used predict average monthly annual typical area. Also, cost analysis final interventions conducted estimate construction savings. Findings comparative results for base-case optimized models indicates potential advantages replacing envelope with materials. showed that operative temperature is more than adaptive set points climates, by 8.26%. often leads mechanical cooling systems, thus triggering overconsumption increase CO 2 emissions. floor, walls roof were replaced low U -values until considerable terms overall achieved. ground external could substantially reduce 8%, thereby increasing predicted three months nine annually. Likewise, there 32.31%, 35.78% 41.81% reduction emissions, loads costs, respectively. Originality/value knowledge sustainable buildings not new. However, most available focused achieving There dearth showing extent these can be improve indoor developing countries climates such Nigeria.