Natural Brise Soleil: The Effects of Vegetation Shading on Thermal Environment of Residential Buildings in Hot and Humid Tropics

Abstract

Abstract In hot and humid tropics, excess solar gain in buildings results in high cooling load. Shading is a common strategy used to protect the building’s skin from excessive solar exposure. Vegetation shading is often used minimize the incident solar radiation and cool the building and affect the building’s energy performance. Thus, the study present findings on effects of vegetation shading on indoor and outdoor thermal environment in the hot and humid tropics of Malaysia. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of vegetation shading on the thermal environment of urban housing. An experimental study was conducted to determine the effects of vegetation on two residential buildings of 2 1/2-storey of typical materials and construction. Findings from the study evidence that vegetation has significant effects in modifying the microclimate by shading and evapotranspiration process. The results show that the outdoor temperature of CS1 (with vegetation) is significantly lower (3.3°C) in comparison with CS2 (non-vegetated) as the effects of vegetation shading. There is also a significant reduction of 3.4°C in the indoor temperature compared to the outdoor at CS1. The results show that vegetation shading is an excellent passive cooling strategy for buildings, potentially improving thermal environment and conserving energy.