Thermal comfort perception in naturally ventilated affordable housing of India

Abstract

Indoor thermal comfort is critical to building sustainability besides improving occupants’ health, well-being and productivity. However, the applicability of the existing comfort standards within different climatic conditions and contextual settings is often in question. This study presents the findings from a longitudinal thermal comfort study conducted in low-income affordable housing in Mumbai, India. Surveys were conducted in three distinct seasons within a warm–humid climate. The linear regression method yielded a mean neutral temperature of 28.3°C and a wide comfort band ranging from 24.6°C to 32.2°C indicating high thermal adaptation among the occupants. The preferred temperature was found to be 26.3°C. Adaptive comfort standards, ASHRAE and the National Building Code of India prescribed a narrow range of comfort and were ineffective in predicting comfort conditions within affordable housing units. The role of income in shaping comfort expectations was established, lending support to the economic dimension of comfort. The results would be helpful in providing design recommendations for the future affordable housing stock and the development of an adaptive comfort model for vulnerable low-income communities.