Many studies focused on low-cost housing have been developed in recent years, pointing out similar problems in different countries. The adoption of solutions that are unsuited to the local climate leads to poor thermal performance. This paper presents a study of the thermal performance and occupants' thermal sensation in low-cost housing in southern Brazil through an analysis of users' satisfaction. Thermal performance was determined by inner surface condensation, global flow heat coefficients, and radiant asymmetry. The perceived thermal sensation was analysed according to the ISO 7730. Questionnaires were applied twice a week during January, February and July 2012. During the application of the questionnaires, indoor and outdoor temperatures were measured in order to compare with the occupants' opinions. The results indicate poor thermal performance of the building and inadequacy of the building envelope to the local climate. The roofs were the feature that most contributed to the poor thermal performance of the building. Users considered their houses most uncomfortable in the summer, showing greater tolerance to cold. During the interviews, high (39 ºC) and low (8 ºC) indoor air temperatures were registered, revealing poor indoor thermal conditions.
Low-cost housing; Thermal performance; Thermal comfort
