Assessment of Natural Ventilation Strategies in Residential Buildings in Kano State

Natural ventilation remains one of the most effective passive cooling strategies in hot, dry climates, and its application in residential buildings across Kano State represents a significant opportunity to reduce energy consumption and improve thermal comfort for inhabitants. This study assesses the natural ventilation strategies employed in low-rise residential buildings in Kano Municipal and Nassarawa LGAs, examining how building orientation, opening placement, courtyard configurations, and local construction materials influence airflow and indoor thermal performance. Data were collected through field surveys of sixty residential buildings, structured interviews with occupants, and on-site measurement of indoor air temperature and relative humidity using calibrated data loggers over a four-week dry season period. Observations were classified using a typological framework based on building form and opening geometry. Results indicate that buildings featuring cross-ventilation configurations and internal courtyards maintained indoor temperatures an average of 3.2 degrees Celsius lower than comparable closed-plan buildings without courtyards during peak afternoon periods. However, modern concrete block constructions replacing traditional earth walls showed significantly poorer thermal performance. Most residents reported discomfort during Harmattan months despite employing natural ventilation, suggesting that current strategies require complementary thermal mass improvements. The study recommends the reintegration of courtyard design principles and earth-based wall construction into contemporary residential architecture in Kano State. Architects and developers are urged to consider passive cooling precedents from the Hausa vernacular tradition as evidence-based design guidance. Keywords: natural ventilation, thermal comfort, residential buildings, Kano State, passive cooling.