Building Orientation Pattern for Microclimate Comfort along Slopes in Okigwe Zone, Southeastern Nigeria

The research scope is on building orientation pattern for microclimate comfort along slopes. The findings determined the mean daily maximum temperature of Okigwe Zone to vary between 33oC in January to 28oC in July; while the mean daily minimum temperature varies between 20oC in January to 22oC in March. The purpose of the study include: (1) To encourage building orientation through responsive concepts to immediate slope microclimate (2) To maximize the cooling efficiency and thermal comfort of buildings along slopes. The methodology utilized reconnaissance survey; and secondary data collection involving Okigwe Zone contour map profiling; and the analyses of the profiles of slopes in the Zone. The results identified peculiar site conditions that influence buildings microclimate along slopes to comprise; the site orientation, slope profile orientation, topography, and landscaping. The conclusion classified the analyses of these factors as key to best practice building orientation pattern for microclimate comfort along slopes.

Keywords: Building orientation, Microclimate, Slopes profile, Wind direction, Sun direction, Topography.