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Thermal Performance and Cooling Mechanisms of Thatch Roofs in Nigerian Traditional Architecture
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Architecture
Abstract
Contemporary architecture in Nigeria has largely abandoned indigenous building typologies in favor of Western-derived, energy-intensive designs reliant on reinforced concrete and corrugated metal sheets. This shift has resulted in severe indoor thermal discomfort, necessitating massive energy consumption for mechanical cooling. This paper provides a comprehensive thermodynamic and architectural analysis of the cooling efficacy of thatch roofs combined with mud walls in Nigerian traditional architecture. By examining the physical properties of organic materials, structural geometry, and aerodynamic ventilation, this study elucidates how indigenous builders achieved optimum indoor comfort under tropical conditions. Comparative data analysis indicates that thatch-roofed mud structures maintain significantly lower interior temperatures and higher thermal damping compared to modern counterparts, offering critical lessons for sustainable, low-energy tropical architecture.
Keywords
thatch roof; mud house; thermal comfort; traditional architecture; Nigeria; high-pitched roof
References
[1] Akinbamijo OB (2000). Microclimatic conditions and thermal comfort in traditional dwellings in southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Technology, 4(1), 45–52.
[2] Aliyu AS, Dada JO, Aliyu I (2015). Indigenous architecture and sustainable thermal comfort in Nigeria: A review. Nigerian Journal of Environmental Sciences and Technology, 2(1), 112–124.
[3] Givoni B (1998). Climate Considerations in Building and Urban Design. Van Nostrand Reinhold.
[4] Jatau D (2012). The physics of vernacular architecture: Thermal performance of mud and thatch structures in the savannah belt of Nigeria. Journal of Architectural Research and Development, 8(3), 89–104.
[5] Ojo A (2016). Sustainable building materials in West Africa: Properties of earth and organic thatch. International Journal of Tropical Construction, 11(2), 201–215.
[6] Olgyay V (1963). Design with Climate: Bioclimatic Approach to Architectural Regionalism. Princeton University Press.
How to cite this paper
@article{1724388,
author = {Dr. Ochi Ejimofor, Chukwuma Anya},
title = {Thermal Performance and Cooling Mechanisms of Thatch Roofs in Nigerian Traditional Architecture},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {3829-3837},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1724388.pdf},
abstract = {Contemporary architecture in Nigeria has largely abandoned indigenous building typologies in favor of Western-derived, energy-intensive designs reliant on reinforced concrete and corrugated metal sheets. This shift has resulted in severe indoor thermal discomfort, necessitating massive energy consumption for mechanical cooling. This paper provides a comprehensive thermodynamic and architectural analysis of the cooling efficacy of thatch roofs combined with mud walls in Nigerian traditional architecture. By examining the physical properties of organic materials, structural geometry, and aerodynamic ventilation, this study elucidates how indigenous builders achieved optimum indoor comfort under tropical conditions. Comparative data analysis indicates that thatch-roofed mud structures maintain significantly lower interior temperatures and higher thermal damping compared to modern counterparts, offering critical lessons for sustainable, low-energy tropical architecture.},
keywords = {thatch roof; mud house; thermal comfort; traditional architecture; Nigeria; high-pitched roof},
month = {October},
}