The Influence of Building Orientation on Thermal Performance in Palapa Village Housing, Lhokseumawe

The enhancement of the community's standard of living has intensified the desire for an improved environment. Nonetheless, new issues have arisen concurrently with a notable increase in energy consumption, particularly in type 36 residential dwellings in Palapa Village Housing, Lhokseumawe, Aceh. Excessive energy use elevates indoor temperatures and undermines the thermal comfort of the inhabitants. This study seeks to examine the impact of building orientation on thermal comfort in residential properties within the region. This study employs a quantitative methodology on 53 residential samples to assess the impact of solar exposure on achieving optimal interior thermal conditions. The research findings demonstrate that northern orientation is superior in mitigating heat load from noon to evening, consistently offering enhanced thermal performance compared to western and southern orientations. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous in tropical climates, especially when integrated with designs that facilitate cross-ventilation and natural shading. The building's orientation significantly influences airflow and the efficacy of natural ventilation. Under diurnal simulation settings, the building orientation in Palapa Village significantly affects airflow patterns and ventilation efficacy, although the surface temperature distribution remains rather consistent across orientations. In conclusion, a correlation exists between building orientation and thermal performance, yielding design recommendations that can improve thermal comfort and promote energy efficiency in comparable housing in the future.