Low-cost, low-tech, low-carb: strategies to improve indoor comfort in bamboo-based houses in a hot and humid climate (PH)

Abstract

This thesis explores the strategies to enhance indoor comfort in bamboo-based houses located in the hot and humid climate of the Philippines. Bamboo, a sustainable and locally abundant material, is utilized by the BASE Bahay Foundation to construct affordable and ecologically friendly social housing. This study addresses the hygrothermal performance of these bamboo houses, aiming to improve indoor thermal comfort by analysing temperature and relative humidity levels. The methodology involves a combination of user interaction, on-site measurements, and numerical modelling using WUFI Plus software. Key findings indicate that current indoor conditions often exceed comfort thresholds, necessitating improvements. Effective strategies identified include adding an interior finishing to the roof and planting vegetation for natural shading, significantly reducing heat gain and improving comfort levels. These solutions are not only low-cost and low-tech but also align with sustainable construction principles. The study contributes to the limited literature on indoor comfort in hot and humid climates, providing actionable insights for enhancing the living conditions of bamboo house residents in the Philippines.