Thermal Performance Evaluation of Buildings with Coconut Leaf Roofs

Local materials for construction are becoming more popular due to their natural, exotic, and beautiful qualities, which can help the community's economy. Roof materials that mimic organic materials derived from unsustainable synthetic plastics could contribute to environmental pollution. Coconut leaves (Cocos nucifera), found across Indonesia, can be utilised as roofing. This study investigates materials' conductivity, effective thickness, and design and production methods to maximise their economic worth and usefulness. An evaluation was performed to assess the heating capacity of coconut leaf roofing materials relative to unpainted zinc roofs and heat-resistant painted zinc roofs. Evidence indicates that coconut leaf organic roofs effectively lower temperatures on roofs, in attics, and within indoor spaces. Three models of test houses show that coconut leaf roofs reduce heat on the roof surface by 19.6% and 7.3% and in attics by 5.9% and 2%, respectively, compared to unpainted zinc roofs and heatproof painted zinc roofs. Determining the primary influence on indoor air temperature—whether it is solely the surface temperature of the roof or the temperature within the attic—presents a complex challenge that resists straightforward conclusions. The use of coconut leaves as a roofing material offers a promising sustainable architectural strategy to address problems related to global warming. Further research can be directed to improve the durability of the material.