A Biomimetic Thermal Comfort Model for Office Buildings in Nigeria’s Composite Climate Based on Termite Mound Principles: A Pilot Study

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Abstract

Achieving thermal comfort in office buildings within Nigeria’s composite climate remains a persistent challenge due to high solar radiation and seasonal variations. Previous studies have examined isolated parameters such as Window‑to‑Wall Ratio (WWR), orientation, and spacing, but an integrated predictive model adapted to variable climatic conditions is lacking. This pilot study developed a biomimetic thermal comfort model inspired by termite mound ventilation principles. A quantitative experimental simulation approach was used: a standard office module in Abuja’s composite climate was modelled in DesignBuilder software. The simulation tool was first validated against field measurements from three real office spaces; the mean bias error (%MBE) for operative temperature was –4.35%, well within the acceptable ±15% range. Four design parameters were then systematically tested – opening shape (circular vs. rectangular), orientation (N, S, E, W), WWR (10–30%), and inter‑opening edge‑to‑edge distance (0.5–2.0 m). Multiple regression analysis was performed on a limited dataset (11 simulation scenarios). The results suggest an optimal configuration of circular openings, South orientation, 20% WWR, and 2.0 m spacing. Preliminary predictive equations were obtained: Peak Hours (T_peak = 29.50 – 0.45S + 0.20N + 1.30E + 1.85W + 10.50WWR – 0.55D, R² = 0.98) and Cooling Hours (T_cool = 22.80 – 0.25S + 0.15N + 0.80E + 1.20W + 5.50WWR – 0.60D, R² = 0.97). Because the regression was fitted to only 11 observations with six predictors, these R² values are likely overfitted; the equations should be treated as hypotheses requiring validation with a larger dataset. WWR emerged as the dominant factor during peak hours, while spacing critically influenced nighttime cooling. The study provides a dual‑phase biomimetic framework for future investigation.