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Assessment of Indoor Humidity Levels in Naturally Ventilated Buildings

Abstract

Indoor humidity is an important component of indoor environmental quality because it influences thermal comfort, occupant health, building durability, and the performance of interior materials. In naturally ventilated buildings, humidity levels are strongly affected by outdoor climatic conditions, ventilation patterns, occupancy activities, building orientation, and moisture movement through the building envelope. In tropical environments, high outdoor humidity can contribute to elevated indoor moisture levels, discomfort, condensation, and the development of mould and other biological contaminants. Assessing indoor humidity is therefore essential for understanding the environmental performance of naturally ventilated buildings. This study assesses indoor humidity levels in naturally ventilated buildings by examining variations in relative humidity across selected spaces and periods of occupation. The assessment considers factors such as room function, building orientation, window configuration, ventilation openings, occupancy density, and seasonal climatic conditions. Measurements of indoor relative humidity can be compared with outdoor conditions to determine how effectively building design and natural ventilation influence moisture levels. The study also considers differences between rooms with varying levels of exposure, occupancy, and ventilation. Particular attention is given to the relationship between ventilation and indoor humidity. While natural ventilation can facilitate the removal of internally generated moisture, opening windows during periods of high outdoor humidity may also increase indoor moisture levels. The effectiveness of cross-ventilation, single-sided ventilation, window positioning, and the size of ventilation openings is therefore considered in relation to humidity control. Building orientation and airflow patterns are also examined to determine their contribution to moisture movement within occupied spaces. Occupant activities such as cooking, bathing, cleaning, drying clothes, and high-density occupancy can generate significant amounts of indoor moisture. The study therefore considers how patterns of occupancy and daily activities influence humidity conditions. Building materials, floor finishes, wall surfaces, and roof construction may also affect moisture retention and release. Understanding the interaction between these factors can help identify design characteristics associated with more stable and acceptable indoor humidity conditions. Excessively high indoor humidity can create discomfort and increase the risk of condensation, mould growth, material deterioration, and poor indoor air quality, while excessively low humidity may also affect occupant comfort and certain interior materials. These challenges highlight the importance of balancing ventilation, moisture control, and climatic responsiveness in building design. The findings can provide useful information for architects and building professionals seeking to improve the environmental performance of naturally ventilated buildings without relying extensively on mechanical dehumidification. The study aims to provide an improved understanding of indoor humidity behaviour in naturally ventilated buildings and identify architectural strategies that can support healthier and more comfortable indoor environments. By examining the relationship between building characteristics, ventilation practices, occupancy patterns, and humidity levels, the research can contribute to climate-responsive design approaches. The findings are expected to support the development of naturally ventilated buildings that respond effectively to humid climatic conditions while improving occupant comfort, indoor environmental quality, and building durability.

Keywords: Indoor humidity, Natural ventilation, Relative humidity, Thermal comfort, Indoor environmental quality, Moisture control, Tropical buildings, Building performance, Cross-ventilation, Occupancy patterns, Building envelope, Passive design, Mould prevention, Climate-responsive architecture.