PHYSIC

Thermal Physics in
Traditional
architectural
buildings of Ladakh
and Karnataka
ART INTEGRATION
PROJECT
Name : Akshaya Shivashankar
Admission number: 5814040
Class : X B
Subject: Physics
Topic : Art Integration Project
Thermal Physics in traditional architecture
of Ladakh and Karnataka
Guided by : Physics teacher Mr.Dharshan
Sir
School : Narayana E techno BLR-KRM
 Acknowledgemen
t
I want to express my deep gratitude to my Physics
teacher, Mr Dharshan Sir, and Principal
Mr. Manjunath sir for their exceptional support
throughout the project. Their guidance and
encouragement were indispensable in bringing this
project to fruition. Thank you for giving me this
wonderful opportunity.
Introduction to
Thermal
Efficiency in
Building Design
Designing buildings with optimal thermal efficiency is crucial for
reducing energy consumption and creating comfortable indoor
environments. This section explores the key architectural
features that enhance thermal performance in the diverse
climates of Ladakh and Karnataka.
Geographical and
Climatic Context of
Ladakh and Karnataka
Ladakh is a high-altitude desert region in northern India,
characterized by rugged mountains, arid climate, and intense
solar radiation. In contrast, Karnataka is a southern state with
diverse landscapes, ranging from coastal plains to Western
Ghats mountains, and experiences a tropical climate with both
wet and dry seasons.
Traditional Architectural Features in Lada
Flat Roofs Thick Mud Walls Small Windows
Ladakhi buildings The thick mud walls of Strategically placed
feature flat roofs Ladakhi structures help small windows minimize
designed to withstand regulate indoor heat loss while allowing
heavy snowfall. These temperatures by in natural light. Wooden
roofs provide insulation providing thermal mass. frames and shutters
and serve as terraces They maintain warmth provide additional
for communal activities. in the harsh winters and insulation.
coolness in the hot
summers.
Traditional Architectural
Features in Karnataka
Vernacular Courtyard Design Elevated Sloped Roofs
Construction Foundations
Many historic Structures
Karnataka's buildings in Homes are often incorporate
traditional Karnataka feature built on raised steeply pitched
architecture is central courtyards platforms or roofs, sometimes
characterized by that provide plinths to protect with overhanging
the use of locally natural against flooding eaves, to
sourced materials ventilation and and moisture. efficiently shed
like stone, mud, light. These open This design monsoon rains
and thatch. spaces also serve strategy helps common in the
Structures are as gathering maintain a region. This roof
built to harmonize areas for the comfortable design also helps
with the community. interior with passive
surrounding temperature. cooling.
landscape and
climate.
Passive Solar Design Strategies in Ladak
Siting and Orientation
Buildings in Ladakh are strategically positioned to maximize exposure to the
sun and minimize wind exposure, leveraging the region's intense solar radiation
and harsh winds.

Thick Earthen Walls

Minimal Fenestration
Windows and other openings are minimized to reduce heat loss, with small,
south-facing windows designed to let in low-angle winter sun while blocking
high-angle summer sun.
Passive solar design strategies in Karnatak
Orientation
Positioning buildings to maximize southern exposure for
1
optimal solar gain.

Shading
2 Incorporating overhangs, screens, and
vegetation to control solar radiation.

Thermal Mass
3 Using high-density materials like stone
and mud to store and release heat.

In the hot, humid climate of Karnataka, passive solar design strategies play a crucial role in
enhancing thermal efficiency. Architects in the region have developed innovative
approaches to harness the sun's energy and minimize heat gain, including strategic building
orientation, thoughtful shading solutions, and the incorporation of thermal mass materials.
 Thermal Mass and Insulation in
TheLadakh
traditional architecture of Ladakh employs thick, stone walls that act as thermal mass. These walls
absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night, helping to regulate indoor temperatures.

Roofs in Ladakh are often made of layers of materials like mud, straw, and wooden beams, providing
excellent insulation against the extreme cold. The narrow, winding streets and compact building layouts
also help trap warm air and minimize heat loss.
Thermal mass and insulation in Karnataka
In the hot and humid climate of Karnataka, traditional architectural features focus on
harnessing thermal mass and insulation to regulate indoor temperatures. Thick mud-brick
walls, often several feet thick, act as thermal sinks, absorbing heat during the day and
slowly releasing it at night.
Roofs are constructed using layers of thatch, mud, and stones, which provide excellent
insulation and thermal resistance. The use of materials like bamboo, straw, and leaves
helps create a breathable, climate-responsive envelope that moderates heat transfer.
Comparative Analysis of Thermal Efficien

Temperature Regulation
Insulation Techniques Passive Solar Design
Traditional Ladakhi Ladakhi buildings Ladakh's architecture
architecture utilizes thick incorporate high thermal strategically orients
mud walls and strategic mass through earthen buildings to maximize
window placement to materials, providing natural passive solar heating, while
maintain a comfortable insulation against the Karnataka's designs
indoor temperature year- extreme cold. Karnataka's prioritize natural airflow
round. In contrast, structures rely more on and shade to stay cool.
Karnataka's buildings ventilation and shading to Both regions demonstrate
leverage steep roofs and regulate temperatures, effective climate-
ample shade to mitigate with lighter construction responsive approaches.
the intense heat. materials.
Conclusion and
Recommendatio
ns
The architectural features of traditional buildings in Ladakh and
Karnataka demonstrate effective strategies for enhancing
thermal efficiency in vastly different climatic contexts. Key
lessons can guide future sustainable design in these regions and
beyond.
THANK
S!