Synergistic heat stress response strategies for rural and urban Southern African dwellings

Purpose – Extreme heat exposure is globally a concern. The Southern African region is particularly vulnerable to heat stress exposure due to macro-climatic patterns and poor built environments. This study investigates indoor heat stress exposure of pregnant women living in rural and urban dwellings in Southern Africa. It focuses on urban informal dwellings in central South Africa, and rural informal dwellings in northern Zimbabwe. The study reports on the thermal performance of a purposive sample of dwellings to define informal urban and rural building typologies, assess their associated thermal performance and identify synergistic low-cost adaptation packages to reduce their overheating risks. Design/methodology/approach – The study employed a mixed method approach combining indoor thermal monitoring and building performance simulation. The dwellings were monitored using thermal loggers for up to 91 days. Additionally, using an observational survey method, the dwellings' spatial and material characteristics were documented. The data were used to develop digital simulations of the worst-performing dwellings to test synergistic heat adaptation packages. Findings – Through descriptive statistical analyses, the study identified high-thermal mass typologies without adequate thermal insulation, resulting in excessively high indoor temperatures. These typologies represent maladaptations where inappropriate building upgrades increase heat stress exposure during hot periods. However, the study also identifies locally adopted vernacular response strategies incorporating synergistic solutions which cumulatively improve indoor thermal conditions. Originality/value – The paper contributes by providing empirical and simulation data related to the living environments of a vulnerable population group in Southern Africa. By including urban and rural typologies, the findings can potentially contribute to regional heat adaptation planning.