Integrating Passive Cooling Strategies in Mid-Rise Residential Buildings: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation

Thesis Abstract

The rapid urbanization and growth of mid-rise residential developments have heightened concerns about energy consumption and thermal comfort, exacerbating environmental impacts and operational costs. This study addresses the critical need for sustainable cooling solutions by investigating the integration of passive cooling strategies within mid-rise residential buildings to reduce reliance on mechanical systems. The primary aim is to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive passive cooling framework tailored for mid-rise apartments, with specific objectives including identifying effective passive cooling techniques suitable for local climate conditions, designing building modifications incorporating these techniques, and empirically evaluating their impact on indoor thermal performance and occupant comfort. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative analysis of passive cooling techniques with quantitative assessment of thermal performance. The research design involves a comparative case study method focusing on two comparable mid-rise residential buildings within a temperate climate zone. The target population comprises residents of these developments, with a sample size of 150 occupants selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representation across apartments and demographic groups. Data collection instruments include structured interviews, occupant thermal comfort surveys, indoor environmental sensors, and thermal performance modeling tools such as EnergyPlus. The validity and reliability of the survey instruments are established via Cronbach's alpha and pilot testing, while sensor calibration ensures measurement accuracy. Quantitative data on indoor temperature, relative humidity, and energy consumption are analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression analysis to examine the effect of passive cooling strategies on indoor climate and energy savings. Thermal modeling simulations further validate empirical findings by comparing baseline and modified building configurations. Qualitative data from occupant interviews are analyzed through thematic analysis to understand occupant perceptions, comfort levels, and acceptance of the passive interventions. Expected findings include substantial reductions in indoor temperatures—anticipated decreases of 2-3°C during peak summer months—in buildings incorporating strategies such as daylighting control, naturally ventilated facades, shading devices, and thermal mass optimization. Energy consumption for cooling is projected to decrease by up to 30%, corroborated by sensor data and simulation results. The study also anticipates improved occupant satisfaction and thermal comfort, as evidenced by survey responses and interview themes emphasizing perceived indoor climate improvements. This research significantly contributes to the academic discourse by providing a validated, context-specific passive cooling framework adaptable to mid-rise residential architecture in temperate climates, thus filling gaps related to empirical evaluations of integrated passive strategies in such contexts. Theoretically, it extends existing models grounded in the Theory of Comfort and Sustainable Design Principles, demonstrating their applicability in practical building modifications. Methodologically, the study exemplifies an integrative approach combining field measurements, modeling, and occupant perceptions to holistically assess thermal performance. The study concludes that the effective combination of passive cooling techniques can substantially enhance thermal comfort while reducing energy dependence, thereby promoting sustainable urban housing development. Key recommendations include implementing design guidelines that emphasize natural ventilation, shading, and thermal mass, as well as fostering policy incentives for passive design adoption in mid-rise residential construction. Future research should explore long-term performance monitoring and cost-benefit analysis to reinforce the economic feasibility and scalability of passive cooling solutions in diverse climatic zones.