Improving the Thermal Environment of Abuja’s Affordable Housing Through Passive Design Solutions

West Africa is increasingly becoming more vulnerable to extreme heat due to climate change intensification with forecasts predicting hazardous heat days to double by 2060 affecting all societal classes and life sectors. This study examines the relationship between urbanisation, energy-efficient building design, and government guidelines within the Nigerian context. The review of the current national building codes and energy efficiency regulations revealed an alarming gap regarding the abandonment of basic sustainable design practices when addressing the needs of low-income housing. Validated simulations were used to assess the thermal performance of six distinct residential prototypes for low- and middle-income mass housing, which were previously developed by the government and are still used today as development blueprints. The effectiveness of incorporating passive design solutions into the selected prototypes was examined, providing insights into their thermal performance and practical recommendations for improving occupants’ comfort. The findings highlight the value of utilising a combination of passive design methods to achieve occupant thermal comfort, suggesting a reduction of up to 20% in the frequency of thermal discomfort during the hottest period of the year. The study advocates for more comprehensive guidelines to facilitate sustainable housing design that prioritises low-cost passive approaches to enhance indoor comfort and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources, ultimately fostering resilience in the face of climate change.