Progress on Thermal Performance of Courtyard Buildings in Hot Humid Areas: A Review

Esraa Sh. Abbaas, MA Che Munaaim

This literature review discusses the effect of design variables of courtyarded buildings, such as shape, orientation and shading devices of the courtyard, on thermal performance in hot humid climate. It is found that choosing appropriate shape of courtyard, taking the orientation into account and using good shading device can enhance the thermal performance in internal courtyard adjacent areas. In term of courtyard shape, central-close squared and U-shaped rectangular courtyards provide the optimum thermal performance compared with closed rectangular and U-shaped square courtyards, respectively. The courtyard orientation impact depends on the season, where during summer northern direction gives the optimum thermal performance due to high shading and wind speed, while during winter courtyard recommended to be oriented with an angle of 30o with respect to east to achieve high sunlit area. Last but least, the shading tools have a positive impact on thermal performance where using trees and vegetation show better performance compared with other types of roofing. However, having space between the roof of the courtyard and its opening level highly effect on the thermal performance. Further investigation on the effect courtyard walls material, size and number of openings, and material of courtyard roof shading on thermal comfort and energy consumption need be considered in future.