Investigating the potential to achieve thermal comfort using passive strategies in courtyard housing in hot-arid climates

Alqaed, Abeer 2025. Investigating the potential to achieve thermal comfort using passive strategies in courtyard housing in hot-arid climates. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Traditional courtyard housing in hot-arid regions faces increasing thermal discomfort and energy consumption due to the abandonment of passive cooling strategies and rising temperatures from climate change. The aim of the thesis is to ‘investigate opportunities to reactivate passive cooling systems combined with active technologies to achieve thermal comfort in vernacular courtyard housing in hot-arid regions.’ A mixed-method approach has been employed, combining computational modelling, empirical field measurements, and laboratory testing. Focusing on Bahrain, three courtyard houses were selected as case studies. Parametric models were developed using Rhino/Grasshopper, integrated with EnergyPlus, Radiance, and OpenFOAM, to analyse thermal and airflow dynamics. Thermal comfort was assessed using operative temperature (OT), relative humidity (RH), air velocity (V), and Exceedance Degree Hours (EDH), while energy efficiency was quantified through End Use Intensity (EUI). The results revealed that relative to the naturally ventilated baseline, the cooling tower provided the greatest individual improvement, reducing EDH by 72% and OT by approximately 4 °C. Combining a cooling tower with date palm fibre insulation, a wind tower and green roof achieved an 84% reduction in EDH compared to baseline conditions, with OT reductions of around 6 °C. To achieve thermal comfort standards, the combination of Phase Change Materials, Insulation and a Green Roof were identified as the most feasible solution for integration with active solar systems. Photovoltaic (PV) simulations showed that 43–74% of the roof area could offset the cooling energy demand under current climatic conditions to achieve thermal comfort. The research provides a replicable framework for evaluating and ranking individual and combined passive strategies under contemporary and future climatic scenarios, offering a pathway toward resilient, low-carbon housing in Bahrain and other hot-arid regions.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Architecture
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	21 April 2026
Last Modified:	22 Apr 2026 12:31
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186574

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