THERMAL COMFORT IN TRADITIONAL RURAL HOUSINGS WITH PROPOSAL TO REPLACE THE ENVELOPE: COMPUTATIONAL SIMULATION

Abstract

To seek proposals to promote viable living conditions and quality of life in rural communities in Northeastern Brazil, this research investigates the thermal performance of low-income housing using rammed earth and straw roofs, located in the municipality of Bequimão, Maranhão. Using computer simulations in SketchUp®, OpenStudio®, and EnergyPlus® software, three construction scenarios were evaluated: S0 (rammed earth with straw roof), S1 (masonry with chipped tiles), and S2 (masonry with ceramic tiles). The original configuration (S0) presented the highest annual thermal comfort percentage (45.49%), followed by S1 (44.35%) and S2 (44.06%), according to ISO 7730. Although conventional masonry and tile solutions result in a slight reduction in thermal comfort, they are justified by the greater durability and structural safety of the buildings. The thermal sensation was also investigated and obtained the following results for the conditions defined as ST (without forced ventilation) and STV (with forced ventilation): 27.18°C (S0), 27.48°C (S1), and 27.59°C (S2) in ST; and reduction to 26.07°C (S0), 26.70°C (S1), and 26.36°C (S2) in STV, with the insertion of a table fan. The study reveals that simple mechanical ventilation mitigated the thermal sensation experienced and reinforces the usefulness of simulations in the development of safe housing solutions adapted to the regional climate.

DOI: 10.56238/edimpacto2025.063-003