In this paper, one-dimensional coupled heat and mass transfer through a plane geometry porous building component submitted to intertropical climatic conditions is studied. An analytical method using the periodic solution approach has been proposed to evaluate the heat and moisture transfer process in building materials. Results are discussed using the three climatic regions of Cameroon (2-13 degrees N). With latitude of 11 degrees, it offers examples of practically whole range of intertropical climates. Influence of latitude on various temperature and moisture content through the building component has been presented. The results are in good agreement with the experimental data and other analytical solutions published in the literature. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.