Study on indoor thermal performance of traditional timber houses in Bangladesh

Abstract

Traditional timber houses enhance the shape of local Bangladeshi architecture which is the product of a century-long trial and error processes resulting in region-specific sustainable, economic and culture-specific commodities that presumably provide a comfortable indoor environment. With the advent of metal sheets more and more buildings are being replaced or built with manufactured iron sheets. In the process indigenous knowledge of timber architecture along with adaptive measures suitable to local climate are in the process of being lost. There is a great need for scientifically observing the environmental performance of such building types. There is a lack of quantitative data and scientific justification of often claimed performance of these buildings of being comfortable. In the current study thermal performance of a traditional timber house envelope has been evaluated in relation to previously established indoor thermal comfort for rural subjects. Over time in-situ data on indoor environmental condition has been monitored continuously through data logger. Surface temperature and thermal images have been recorded by laser non-contact thermometer and thermal imaging camera respectively. A three-dimension model of the traditional timber house has been developed and whole building parametric studies using EnergyPlus simulation engine have been performed to visualize year-round thermal performance and to identify most discomfort period of the year. Following this, several simulation studies have been conducted considering material and construction as variables where performance of thirty-three walls, six roofs and two floors’ constructions have been observed towards enhanced indoor thermal comfort. The focus of this study is to evaluate the indoor thermal performance of the traditional timber houses in the local climatic situation towards clarifying some accurate understanding and improvement of these houses which will contribute professionals and policy-makers establish architectural design strategies that will help improve occupant’s well-being in the future.