Abstract:
Building regulations significantly influence residential building design and functionality,
particularly in maintaining indoor thermal comfort. However, their effectiveness depends
on local climate, enforced strictness, and adaptability to environmental issues. Inadequate
regulations lead to reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems, increasing energy
costs and environmental impact. In Arba Minch, built-up areas have increased and
contains a densified mixed residence with no urban ventilation space, leading to higher
thermal discomfort. The objective of the research is evaluating the building regulation
framework in residential buildings of Arba minch with related to indoor thermal comfort.
Which the researcher identifies the building regulations that affect their indoor thermal
comfort. Secondly the researcher identifies the thermal perception and building
information in the study area. Lastly finding the optimal dimensions for proper ventilation
was determined. The research utilizes a qualitative and quantitative research approach,
with case study method. Primary data was gathered from residents, which the total house
hold where 1834 and the sample size of households for questioner survey was 128 whereas
the case buildings for data survey was 7 residences. Secondary data was gathered from
books, journal articles and legal papers. The study found over 60% of respondents are
dissatisfied with their thermal condition. To address this issue, the research recommends
updating building codes of building setback and room height according to the local climate
conditions. By doing so, the study area significantly improve indoor comfort, ensuring
long-term compliance and sustainability as showed in the thermal simulation of a
residence model reveals a temperature gradient, with cooler temperatures in the lower
parts and warmer ones near the ceiling, suggesting that room height increases thermal
comfort. Finally, based on the adaptive model of ASHRAE-55 and ISO-7730, the results
showed that the building setback with 4m and room height 4m was taken as the optimal
dimension of the building set back and room height respectively.
