Improve intrinsic properties of walling materials to create occupant comfort

Abstract

Abstract Buildings and architectural spaces are built for occupant comfort. Thus tropical climatic condition is the worst climate to achieve the occupant comfort. Tropics are favourable for bio receptive activities such as fungus and moss. Fungus and moss produce mycotoxins, spores and fragments which are toxic to occupants. However, the relationship between buildings envelops and bio receptivity should be studied prior to find a sustainable solution. This study was conducted to understand the relationship with intrinsic properties of wall construction materials and the bio receptivity. The study was conducted after studying several intrinsic properties of walling materials such as organic matter content, surface roughness, water absorption and pH value according to laboratory test standards. Fungus and moss growth standard tests were conducted in the real world-controlled environment. Results of this study showed that surface roughness is the significant intrinsic property on bio receptivity. According to the test results fungus and moss growth on walling materials has a reciprocal connection with surface roughness values and no growth occurs on wall plasters where the surface is smoother. This study concluded that covering walls with cement plaster can reduce the growth of moss and fungus on tropical homes. Therefore smooth, plastered surfaces are best for homes with occupant comfort. But the cost of plastering might prevent poor families from acting on this concept. Therefore it is necessary to develop sustainable, cost effective and environmentally friendly wall, smoothing materials and techniques.