ABSTRACT
Climatically responsive building design principles are considered to be effective in obtaining comfortable, healthier and sustainable living spaces. Due to rapid urbanization, urban and highly developed areas are often characterised by large number of surfaces that absorb solar radiation giving rise to higher surface and ambient temperatures. In order to mitigate urban heat island in an area, implementing microclimate design strategies can serve as an effective tool. This study aimed at exploring microclimate design strategies as a passive technique in improving thermal comfort in hot dry climates. Mixed methodology research approach was used in carrying out this research which is descriptive and experimental in nature. It was carried out through local case studies and computer simulations to determine the extent to which parameters affecting the microclimate were considered are further carried out using ENVI-met software to conduct a microclimatic analysis by altering dependent variables to observe its effect on thermal comfort. The results show that surface materials and vegetation are virtuous strategies in improving the microclimate of an area. Therefore, using high albedo surface materials and a range of small to large trees incorporated with green areas can improve the ambient temperature within a building of a site by 12-18% in the hot dry climate of Nigeria. This research further concludes through a demonstration of the appraisal in the design of Postgraduate Residence Dutse applying the strategies studied such as cool roofing systems and shading devices that depict the cultural character of the area of Dutse.