Thermal Performance and Cooling Mechanisms of Thatch Roofs in Nigerian Traditional Architecture

Contemporary architecture in Nigeria has largely abandoned indigenous building typologies in favor of Western-derived, energy-intensive designs reliant on reinforced concrete and corrugated metal sheets. This shift has resulted in severe indoor thermal discomfort, necessitating massive energy consumption for mechanical cooling. This paper provides a comprehensive thermodynamic and architectural analysis of the cooling efficacy of thatch roofs combined with mud walls in Nigerian traditional architecture. By examining the physical properties of organic materials, structural geometry, and aerodynamic ventilation, this study elucidates how indigenous builders achieved optimum indoor comfort under tropical conditions. Comparative data analysis indicates that thatch-roofed mud structures maintain significantly lower interior temperatures and higher thermal damping compared to modern counterparts, offering critical lessons for sustainable, low-energy tropical architecture.