Assessment of Natural Ventilation in Multi-Storey Residential in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The design of domestic buildings which adopts a purely natural ventilation strategy is now commonplace in many parts of the world, and increasing this strategy has been shown to be viable in city centers as well as ‘green field’ locations. However, the adoption of natural ventilation in high-rise residential buildings are less common causing environmental problems and cost implications associated with mechanically ventilated buildings. The study is aimed at assessing natural ventilation strategies and ways in which it can be implemented in multi-storey residential buildings. This is to be achieved through it's objectives; to understand the respondents knowledge about natural ventilation, ,to understand the building operation and how it affect proper ventilation in multi storey building, identify and examine other factors that can affect the operation of natural ventilation on the comfort of building occupants. The study will make use of quantitative type of research which includes survey, by making use of questionnaires and fact finding enquires of different kinds, use of journals, book and articles. In this discourse, the issues of natural ventilation and natural ventilation strategies will be explored to bring out their significance in promoting a naturally ventilated building in order to minimize energy consumption and to reduce the reliance on "mechanical" ventilation for a more sustainable environment. These strategies are to be considered before and during design in order to maximize its effect. This paper proposes to significantly enlighten general populace and provide greater awareness of the several benefits gained from a well-ventilated building.