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Article

Thermal Comfort Challenges in Home-Based Enterprises: A Field Study from Surakarta’s Urban Low-Cost Housing in a Tropical Climate

by
Kusumaningdyah Nurul Handayani
1,2,*,
Solli Murtyas
3,
Agung Tri Wijayanta
2,4 and
Aya Hagishima
3,*
1
Department Architecture, Faculty Engineering, Research Group Urban Rural Design and Conservation, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36 A Kentingan, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia
2
Center of Japanese Studies, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36 A Kentingan, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia
3
Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasugakoen, Kasuga City 816-8580, Fukuoka, Japan
4
Department Mechanical Engineering, Faculty Engineering, Research Group of Sustainable Thermofluids, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36 A Kentingan, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166838
Submission received: 3 June 2024 / Revised: 19 July 2024 / Accepted: 28 July 2024 / Published: 9 August 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)

Abstract

The growing global concern over heat-related health risks, exacerbated by climate change, disproportionately affects low-income populations, particularly in tropical regions like Indonesia. This study investigates indoor thermal conditions in home-based enterprises (HBEs) within the informal urban settlements of Surakarta City, Indonesia, focusing on the struggle for thermal comfort under constrained conditions. By addressing the thermal comfort challenges in low-income urban housing, this research contributes to sustainable development goals, aiming to enhance living conditions in tropical climates. Our methodology included detailed field measurements of thermal comfort using standard indices in these dwellings, complemented by surveys and interviews to understand building designs, occupant behaviors, and adaptation strategies. Findings indicate that temperatures inside the dwellings frequently exceeded 30 °C during 50–60% of working hours, prompting residents to adopt coping strategies such as opening windows, adjusting work schedules, and utilizing shading devices. Space limitations necessitated multifunctional use of dwellings, exacerbating heat and humidity from activities like cooking and ironing. Despite reliance on natural ventilation, ineffective architectural layouts impeded airflow. This study highlights the urgent need for sustainable architectural solutions that accommodate the dual residential and commercial functions of these spaces, aiming to improve living conditions in such challenging environments.
Keywords: thermal comfort; home-based enterprises; occupant behaviors; utilized spatial pattern; informal settlement; urban sustainability thermal comfort; home-based enterprises; occupant behaviors; utilized spatial pattern; informal settlement; urban sustainability

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Handayani, K.N.; Murtyas, S.; Wijayanta, A.T.; Hagishima, A. Thermal Comfort Challenges in Home-Based Enterprises: A Field Study from Surakarta’s Urban Low-Cost Housing in a Tropical Climate. Sustainability 2024, 16, 6838. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166838

AMA Style

Handayani KN, Murtyas S, Wijayanta AT, Hagishima A. Thermal Comfort Challenges in Home-Based Enterprises: A Field Study from Surakarta’s Urban Low-Cost Housing in a Tropical Climate. Sustainability. 2024; 16(16):6838. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166838

Chicago/Turabian Style

Handayani, Kusumaningdyah Nurul, Solli Murtyas, Agung Tri Wijayanta, and Aya Hagishima. 2024. "Thermal Comfort Challenges in Home-Based Enterprises: A Field Study from Surakarta’s Urban Low-Cost Housing in a Tropical Climate" Sustainability 16, no. 16: 6838. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166838

APA Style

Handayani, K. N., Murtyas, S., Wijayanta, A. T., & Hagishima, A. (2024). Thermal Comfort Challenges in Home-Based Enterprises: A Field Study from Surakarta’s Urban Low-Cost Housing in a Tropical Climate. Sustainability, 16(16), 6838. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166838

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