ASSIGNMENT NO: 2

CLIMATE RESPONSIVE
ARCHITECTURE IN TROPICS
MARC-607

RUBY MATHEW
M.ARCH (SUSTAINABLE
ARCHITECTURE) 1ST SEM
6TH SEPTEMBER 2016
 PASSIVE VENTILATION

CONTENT:

 CASE STUDY 01: NATHMAJI’S HAVELI, JAISALMER

 CASE STUDY 02: TYPICAL HOUSE OF ATHANGUDI (CHETTINAD HOUSE)
 CASE STUDY 03: HOUSE OF BHOOSHAN FAMILY MYSORE
 CASE STUDY 04: PADMANABHAPURAM, KERALA( 15TH -18TH CENTURIES)

 CASE STUDY 05: GOLCONDE, AURBINDO ASHRAM, PONDICHERRY (1936-48)

 CASE STUDY 01: NATHMAJI’S HAVELI,
JAISALMER

INTRODUCTION
In the absence of the corrupting influence of water and
electricity supply, mechanised transport and modern
building technology, the builders of the medieval Indian
town of Jaisalmer have done a remarkable job of creating
an urban environment that is in tune with nature and
provides for more than just the basic needs of the
inhabitants. Situated in the heart of the Thar Desert,
Jaisalmer is famous for its richly carved building facades
(Fig.1). Less known perhaps is the fact that the town and
buildings in it overcome the problem of the severe desert
summer by special passive design features.

The natural cooling systems used at Jaisalmer include:

1. Dense clustering of buildings. Fig.1. Richly carved building facades in Jaisalmer.

2. Sun control through orientation and structural projections.

3. Cooling of sunlit surfaces by use of fins.
4. Massive construction for roofs and walls.
5. Courtyards and other air ducts for ventilation.

HOT AND DRY CLIMATE

Fig.2. Plan and Section of Nathmal’s haveli

 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
BUILDING MATERIAL
The common building material used in Jaisalmer is stone of which
there are two types. Light yellowish sandstone is used for walls,
which are 0.45m or more in thickness. In better quality construction
the stone is dressed and joints made accurately without any mortar.
The individual stones are held together by stone keys cut into the
blocks themselves or by iron cramps. These are deeply carved in
various geometrical patterns and from outside the building they give
Fig.3.. Construction of the roof of Nathmalji’s Haveli the appearance of latticework (jali). Both the limestone used for
carving and sandstone used for masonry are light in colour and
provide a permanent natural finish. Due to thick walls and mud
plaster, thermal load on the building is reduces.

BUILT FORM
The entire building is unequal heights with wind
pavilions and high papapet walls, creating an
uneven skyline and shading in the process. At
the second level they have a number of
projections like sunshades and balconies and at
the lowest levels, the flats part of the building
façade are deeply carved creating finned surface

VENTILATION
In Jaisalmer buildings, a number of interconnected
vertical shafts are used for ventilation. The Fig4.. Courtyard Effect
courtyard effect(Fig.4.) is well known and used in
almost all hot-dry climates. In addition to the simple
courtyards, very narrow vertical ducts and staircase
shafts are used to deflect wind down into the house
in Jaisalmer (Fig.5.). The differential heating of the
vertical ducts ensures continuous airflow through the
house Coupled with the high thermal inertia of the
massive stone walls, such shafts
temper air before it enters the living space in much
the same way as happens in the Iranian wind towers.

Fig.5. Air ducts of Nathmal’s haveli.

 CASE STUDY 02: TYPICAL HOUSE OF ATHANGUDI
(CHETTINAD HOUSE)

CASE OF ATHANGUDI:
The type of weather prevailing in region is hot and humid with
relative humidity of 63% and average temperature of maximum of 37
degree centigrade and minimum of 24 degree centigrade. The average
rainfall for this region is 75mm. In northern hemisphere near to
equator regions the day temperature is high particularly during the
summer season.
The nattukottai chettiars hail from a place called chettinad in
South India an area situated in the south- eastern region of tamilnadu
approximately 35kms to the west of the coastal line of the bay of
Bengal in the district of sivangangai, The architecture of the chettinad
region is well known and appreciated for its unique combination of Fig.6. View of the chettinad house
various styles in the buildings. The house itself is built on the raised
level with 6-7 steps leading to the entrance. The resemblance of the
house with a temple is observed in the carving at the main entrance
and paneled windows.

The house has three main levels

 Ground
 Mezzanine
 First floor

Orientation of the house:

The entrance of the house is towards east. The main ventilation by
which the light enters the house is through central courtyard. On the
Westside of the house there is a garden which also acts as a main
source of fresh air into the house which promotes warmth in the
house, and in the night the absorbed heat is radiated out through the
courtyard. Fig.7. Ground floor plan of Fig.8. Mezzanine and first
the chettinad house floor of the chettinad
The courtyard acts like a thermostat which controls the house
temperature of the house. Negative pressure is created in the
courtyard as it is surrounded by rooms and less exposed.
This low pressure helps to draw more air towards it.

Fig.10. Orientation of the house facing towards east

HOT AND HUMID CLIMATE

Fig.9. Section of the chettinad house

Day analysis:
As the temperature in the day time is high, little amount of heat is
absorbed by the ground due to the top opening of the central courtyard
and the light is reflected in the awkward direction resulting in the rise
of temperature inside the house.
Due to the sloped roof, the heat and light from the sun travels
towards the central courtyard creating and developing negative energy
Night analysis:
The negative pressure and effect created inside the house during the
daytime escapes out during the night time due to the floor materials of
the courtyard projections.
Window projections:
There are different types of projections used in the house depending Fig.11. Showing the positive and negative energy
on the length and size of the window. The projections of windows are
built in such a way that they prevent the direct entry of sunlight which
helps to reduce glare effect and radiation without obstructing the
airflow into the room.
Courtyard projections:
The courtyard roof is projected 0.26m into the courtyard such that all
the rainwater accumulates in the courtyard itself and to provide shade
to the surrounding corridor. By this projection the roof provides ample
shadow to the corridor as well as the room surrounding the corridor, in
turn reducing the intensity of heat.

Fig.12. Showing negative energy emitted from the house

during the night

Fig.13. Showing the view of courtyard

Walls:
The walls are of baked bricks, plastered over by sand and lime mortar with a mix of fiber roots which acts as a
bonding agent and also coated with egg white to give silken smooth walls which are washable. The bricks are made
up of red soil available in the local area. These bricks reduce the temperature surprisingly, giving a cool and
comfortable atmosphere inside the house and also providing an immense stability.
 CASE STUDY 03: HOUSE OF BHOOSHAN
FAMILY MYSORE
Type of residence: Single family Residence
Architect : Dr. B.S. Bhooshan
Year of completion :1989

Climate Analysis:
Located on the Southern tip of Deccan Plateau, Mysore city enjoys a very
comfortable climate. Its temperature hardly crosses 35 degree Celsius in
summer and hardly touches 15 in winter nights. It also gets good breezse from
south west and enjoys fairly good rain spread most of the year. The design
parameters are to respond to hot Summer months between April and August
and heavy down pours on many days spread over the year, mostly during June
to December.. It becomes sultry summer as relative humidity would range
between 50-60 during. Needs good air movement. Fig.14. Showing the view of Bhooshan’s residence

Design Approach:
Concept
Perched up on eight columns, this small house for a young family at a
tight budget was designed responding to hot months. At the same time,
compactness to maintain easily was a consideration. The double pitched
roof was a response to the form of houses found around in the
traditional rural Mysore. Leaving lot of space for greening with trees
was part of the concept.

Special Features: Fig.15. Showing the Ground floor plan

Natural Lighting

Natural diffesed light using a central skylight, all round strip ventilator
openings in split level roof ,long windows to light floors make the
spaces pleasant and bright with changing moods through
out the day. Even in night the house is never in total darkness.

Water efficiency
Use of sump wells and overhead tank manages erratic civic water
supply.. Rain water harvesting with centrifugal filter use 90 percent of
the roof capture. The pavements of drive way with pebbles and local
granite slab with gaps percolates rain to the ground. So does green
areas. Fig.16. Showing the First floor plan

Passive heating/cooling
Mysore's climate is mild. never too hot, nor too cold. Summer
temperature could reach 35 degree Celsius and could go up to 38
rarely. Good air circulation and allowing hot air to escape from top
could make the building comfortable. The center of the building has WARM AND HUMID CLIMATE
the perforated stairs raising up like a chimney with a glass box
ventilator on top. This makes the hot air raise and sucks in fresh air at
various levels. See section. Even the walls of the bedroom do not
reach the ceiling to allow air circulation at higher level. 2.. The roof is
a low radiating filler slab with hollow clay blocks and screed concrete
on top. This reduces heat by 5 to 8 degree Celsius during height of
summer.between external and internal temperature. Ceiling fans are Fig.17. Showing the Section
used largely for air movement and also because of mosquito menace
at summer nights.
 CASE STUDY 04: PADMANABHAPURAM,
KERALA( 15TH -18TH CENTURIES)

The Padmanabhapuram Palace Thuckalay, is one of the old palaces in

Kerala, once the residence of the royal family of Travancore, is located in
Southern India adjoining the State of Kerala, in a region with high realm,
fall and a tropical climate. It is one of the best examples of wooden
architecture that has come to symbolise the vernacular architecture of
Kerala. The palace complex is a masterpiece - an intriguing play of
volumes, scale, spatial planning & courtyards, all of which have a strong
underlying cohesiveness.
The space system of a naalukettu has design elements generated in the
structure by the material and construction systems, as part of the wall and
roof as the barrier separating external environment from internal
environment. These physical design elements are effective in cooling of Fig.18. Showing the Section
the traditional buildings and the spaces they enclose by passive and low
energy systems which include comfort ventilation, providing direct
human comfort mainly during the daytime and cooling of the structural
mass by ventilation during the night.
The traditional roof form of steep overhanging eaves protects the
openings on the walls and suppresses direct entry of strong winds, thus
optimizing ventilation. While the minimal opening ‘Sootram’ ensures
entry of fresh air even in an unused and locked built form, other openings
in the wall, as well as the larger open areas of balconies are detailed Fig.19. Showing the plan
with horizontal bands of wooden trellis work called ‘Azhi’ the visual
appeal of which lends a unique character to the built form of this
region. These and the attic level ventilation that controls heat gain by
the superstructure. These two design elements, sootram and azhi
enclosed openings have traditionally provided comfort ventilation in
the spaces, in the absence of any kind of active systems based on
electricity consumption which have become an essential part of all
buildings in hot humid region. The flow of outdoor air with a given
speed through a building extends the upper limit of the comfort zone, Fig.20. Showing the Section of the thai kottaram or Mother
beyond the limit for still air conditions, and may provide a direct Palace, the core of the complex, and the sacred centre of the
Vastu-Purusha Mandala, on which the entire plan is based.
physiological cooling effect.
Roof systems of traditional architecture of Kerala complement the
space system of planning through a complex and well articulated
combination of material and construction system using timber as the
main material.
From a functional point of view it is observed that in these roofs
wherever there is an attic space created above the wooden floor, the
space is ventilated with floor level openings that allow fresh air to flow
in, trapped by the overhanging sloping roof externally. This has the dual
advantage of keeping the attic space ventilated, while removing the
Fig.21. Showing the Section of the thai kottaram or Mother
stack built up from spaces below, by promoting wind movement Palace, the core of the complex, and the sacred centre of the
through convection to apex openings called ‘mukhappu’ at the crown of Vastu-Purusha Mandala, on which the entire plan is based.
the roof.
HOT AND HUMID CLIMATE

Fig.22. Showing the non-structural wooden screens called jaalis and other openings
 CASE STUDY 05: GOLCONDE, AURBINDO
ASHRAM, PONDICHERRY (1936-48)

Sited on the coastal edge of the Bay of Bengal, the finest example of
modern functional architecture built in India in the pre-independence period,
Golconde, a dormitory for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, India, was
designed by architects Antonin Raymond and George Nakashima.
Golconde masterfully combines a superb understanding of light, ventilation and
local living patterns, with extraordinary inventiveness and creativity.
The building itself is a marvellous tropical contraption of operable louvres and
thin shell concrete walls ensuring cross ventilation and sun protection to its
occupants.
Golconde remains a remarkable architectural edifice, seamlessly negotiating the
tenets of early modernist architecture, while addressing the pragmatic
Fig.23. Showing the façade with operable louvres
impositions of a tropical context . Presented with the condition of a hot and
humid climate, Raymond sought a design solution that would mitigate the effects
of the Pondicherry weather. The building is sited such that the major façades are
oriented toward the north and south, availing of the breeze . The landscape plan
situates lines of water channels and reflecting pools along the northern and
southern gardens; furthermore, the northern garden has a spare ground cover,
whereas the southern shade garden has been densely planted with trees. The
temperature differential between the northern and southern gardens facilitates
natural convection currents through the building.
Fig.24. Showing the plan

Given our current professional engagement with sustainability, it seems fitting to

examine littleknown historical precedents where the symbiosis between design,
construction, and the environment remains exemplary. The conceptual force of
Golconde’s design solution remains radical even by the standards of today. In
articulating an unambiguous stance toward minimal resource consumption, the
building nonetheless champions a unique aesthetic. Eschewing the prevailing
stylistic norms, Golconde proposes a visual identity that constantly affirms the
primacy of its environmental agenda: a protective skin of
manually operable louvers, a roof system where concrete roof
tiles create an insulating zone above the concrete roof deck,
woven teak-wood sliding doors that permit the passage of
breeze without compromising visual privacy, and a system of
pools and gardens that cool the ambient air
FEATURES :
Fig.25. Showing the operable louvers
1. Horizontal louvers are provided in windows.The
louvered lock each other.
2. Rooms are secreted from corridors by sliding doors
that allow air to circulate freely when open.They have
staggered state which allow ventilation even when doors
are closed. Topmost part of all the doors is a skylight with
sliding glass panes which allow for wind movement.
3. On both the north and south sides, the entries building
surface louvered to afford protection from the sun and
from violent winds and rains, while allowing for
HOT AND HUMID CLIMATE

ventilation.
Fig.24. Showing the formwork Fig.23. Showing the pivoting concrete
section windows of basement
Reference:
1. VINOD GUPTA (1985): Natural Cooling Sysytem of Jaisalmer .Architectural Science Review .
School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi 110002,India.
2. International Journal of Chemical, Environmental & Biological Sciences (IJCEBS) Volume 1,
Issue 4 (2013)
3. tropicalbuildings.org/case_studies/61.pdf
4. http://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.html
5. http://architectboy.com/padmanabhapuram-palace-architecture-2/
6. http://www.archiestudio.in/linkages_in_architecture__traditional_to_modern/design_elements_as
_linkages
7. http://www.motherandsriaurobindo.in/_StaticContent/SriAurobindoAshram/-
03%20The%20Ashram/Departments/Golconde/-01%20Golconde_Construction_Part1.pdf
8. http://aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/ek_public/documents/ pdf/aiap080052.pdf