This paper assesses natural ventilation in residential buildings to achieve passive
cooling for thermal comfort within the buildings interiors. Non-probability method of sampling
was adopted in which two samples were selected deliberately from a homogeneous population. The
two samples were replica of the two building typologies in the staff quarters. Data were gathered
through structured observation method and analyzed for factors that affect natural ventilation.
Temporal users perceptions about natural ventilation provided in the understudied buildings were
also obtained through oral interviews. Area and percentage of openings, floor areas and length to
depth ratio of the buildings were calculated. Total area of openings was compared to the total floor
area of the ventilated space, and the result was compared with the national and international
standards on natural ventilation in buildings. The result shows that opening areas provided in the
buildings are adequate for natural ventilation but users of these buildings still depend on fan and
air conditioners for body cooling except on few cold periods. Some factors affecting natural
ventilation such as envelope design, internal planning and room layout are inadequate. Consequently,
these factors should be considered alongside other measures when designing buildings in order to
have adequate natural ventilation for thermal comfort.
Key words: Natural ventilation, residential buildings, thermal comfort, cooling, energy
