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Influence of Wall Colour on Indoor Thermal Conditions

Abstract

The study examines the influence of wall colour on indoor thermal conditions, with emphasis on how differences in wall surface colour may affect the amount of solar radiation absorbed or reflected by building surfaces and consequently influence the indoor thermal environment. Wall colour forms part of the visual and environmental characteristics of a building and can influence surface heat absorption, particularly where external walls are exposed to direct sunlight. The choice of wall colour may therefore contribute to the thermal performance and comfort of occupied spaces. The study will assess selected wall colours and their relationship with indoor thermal conditions. Relevant characteristics will include wall colour, surface exposure, wall orientation, wall material, surface finish, room dimensions, and the relationship between external wall surfaces and occupied spaces. Indoor thermal conditions will be assessed using indicators such as indoor air temperature, wall surface temperature, relative humidity, and occupants’ perception of thermal comfort. Attention will also be given to differences between spaces with varying wall colour characteristics under comparable environmental conditions. A descriptive comparative research design will be adopted for the study. Selected buildings or rooms with different wall colours will be assessed through physical observation, wall-surface assessment, indoor environmental measurements, photographic documentation, and structured questionnaires administered to occupants where appropriate. Data obtained will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while appropriate comparative or correlation tests may be applied to determine the relationship between wall colour and indoor thermal conditions. The study is expected to reveal variations in indoor thermal conditions associated with different wall colours. Lighter-coloured wall surfaces may reflect a greater proportion of incident solar radiation and consequently contribute to lower surface and indoor temperatures, while darker colours may absorb more solar energy and contribute to increased heat gain. However, the observed effect may also depend on wall material, surface finish, orientation, shading, insulation, ventilation, and surrounding environmental conditions. The findings will be useful to architects, building designers, housing developers, environmental designers, facility managers, and other professionals involved in building planning and environmental performance. The study may provide useful information on the potential role of wall colour as a simple passive design consideration for improving indoor thermal conditions. The findings may also support decisions on external and internal wall finishes that contribute to thermal comfort and reduced dependence on mechanical cooling. The study will conclude by establishing the influence of wall colour on indoor thermal conditions. It is recommended that wall colour should be considered alongside wall materials, orientation, shading, insulation, and ventilation when making building envelope and finishing decisions. Further studies involving different climatic conditions, wall materials, surface finishes, and colour characteristics are recommended to provide broader guidance on the use of colour as part of climate-responsive building design.

Keywords: Wall colour, indoor thermal conditions, thermal comfort, wall surface, solar radiation, heat absorption, heat reflection, indoor air temperature, surface temperature, relative humidity, building envelope, wall finishes, passive design, energy efficiency, climate-responsive architecture.