Sustainable Homes
5 Homes in India That Coolly Combat Harsh Climate
See how five stunning homes were designed to reduce the impact of harsh climates ahead of time
Given the scenario of climate change and unexpected weather patterns, adopting techniques that help a structure withstand bitter climate conditions is becoming a crucial consideration for everyone building a new home or refurbishing an existing one. Climate-responsive design practices not only let us avoid hassles in adverse hours, but can also help us save money on future repairs and renovations. Additionally, they can also help reduce a home’s reliance on energy from the grid, offering a more sustainable, eco-conscious solution.
In India, growing numbers of architects and designers are taking steps to tailor homes that are resilient and adaptive, without compromising on aesthetics. Here, we look at five such homes for inspiration.
In India, growing numbers of architects and designers are taking steps to tailor homes that are resilient and adaptive, without compromising on aesthetics. Here, we look at five such homes for inspiration.
Screens of thin timber verticals are a recurring passive-design element in this home. They were installed on the walls, entrance canopy, windows and terrace, not only to aid privacy and ventilation but also to limit the harsh glare and heat of the sun.
The stairwell of this home is made to act as a sky courtyard that induces a stack effect (where hot air rises and is expelled from the interior via openings in the upper storeys). It also allows fresh air to enter the home through the narrow windows at each level, maintaining natural air movement and ventilation throughout the home.
Searching for an architect? Find one near you who can put passive-design principles into action
Searching for an architect? Find one near you who can put passive-design principles into action
The screened rooftop terrace offers a cool and intimate spot to unwind right in the open, without having to worry about peering neighbours or the piercing sun’s rays.
2. Location: New Delhi, India
Designer: Kumar Moorthy & Associates
Organic farming and sustainable living aside, the architects aimed to achieve resilience in the design of this home by introducing architectural elements that induced cooling effects.
Designer: Kumar Moorthy & Associates
Organic farming and sustainable living aside, the architects aimed to achieve resilience in the design of this home by introducing architectural elements that induced cooling effects.
A courtyard-centric plan ensured the internal volumes remain sufficiently ventilated and naturally lit. Deep, shaded verandahs run along the courtyard and living spaces of the home to establish cross-ventilation and to help cool the breezes as they enter the house from the courtyard.
Strategically placed, tactically shaded openings capture air and light. They also allow the lofty and sprawling rooms to make the best use of sunlight and wind, while countering the harsh subtropical climate of New Delhi to a substantial degree.
3. Location: Mumbai, India
Designer: Spasm
This structure was carefully crafted to stand strong against the heavy monsoons of the region.
After being demolished, the debris of the pre-existing structure was retained to make an earth mound, which creates sheltered spaces. The partially underground rooms of the home stay cool in warmer seasons and are effectively protected from the torrential rains.
Designer: Spasm
This structure was carefully crafted to stand strong against the heavy monsoons of the region.
After being demolished, the debris of the pre-existing structure was retained to make an earth mound, which creates sheltered spaces. The partially underground rooms of the home stay cool in warmer seasons and are effectively protected from the torrential rains.
Daylight and air movement are coaxed into the sheltered areas by the strategic placement of courtyards. Additionally, the courtyards provide openness and indoor-outdoor connection to these sunken zones.
Blue-grey Kota stone, a natural Indian stone, is predominantly used in the form of chips, strips and slabs both on around the house. Its hard, non-porous qualities resist the severe humidity and rains.
Retaining maximum trees on the site made the overall design eco-conscious as well as climate-responsive.
4. Location: Ahmedabad, India
Designer: J + D Architects
This home’s climate-responsiveness is a result of its harsh east-west orientation. This was tempered with exposed-brick, shaded openings and plain white finishes on the exterior.
Designer: J + D Architects
This home’s climate-responsiveness is a result of its harsh east-west orientation. This was tempered with exposed-brick, shaded openings and plain white finishes on the exterior.
The living area of the home flows onto a shaded open courtyard, which not only provides respite from the heat by producing a stack effect, but also fills the interiors with diffused light.
While marble flooring and plain white surfaces keep the interiors cooler and visually light, shading treatments (including overhangs and perforated screens) on the openings help control the indoor temperature effectively.
5. Location: Ahmedabad, India
Designer: Spasm
The design of this family home is an attempt to preserve the prevailing greenery while responding to the hot and dry climate of the locale.
Designer: Spasm
The design of this family home is an attempt to preserve the prevailing greenery while responding to the hot and dry climate of the locale.
Courtyards and vegetation were pivotal among the various strategies the designers implemented to mitigate the brutal summer heat. Courtyards were designed to let hot indoor air escape the interior and to direct fresh air inside, cooled by the shading and lush greenery.
Heat and glare from the sunlight is filtered out with the help of vertical wooden screens, which act as pivoting louvres and edge the courtyards.
On the upper levels, the designers installed perforated Corten steel jalis, or latticed screens, to protect the rooms from the strong sun.
On the upper levels, the designers installed perforated Corten steel jalis, or latticed screens, to protect the rooms from the strong sun.
Rammed-earth walls were also used to improve the thermal mass of the structure and maintain a steady and comfortable temperature inside.
Your turn
How does your home hold up to weather extremes? Tell us which design aspects make the biggest difference. And remember to like this story, save your favourite photos and join the renovation conversation.
More
Keen to read more about this important topic? Get your next dose here with Building for Extreme Weather: The Pressure on Our Architecture
Your turn
How does your home hold up to weather extremes? Tell us which design aspects make the biggest difference. And remember to like this story, save your favourite photos and join the renovation conversation.
More
Keen to read more about this important topic? Get your next dose here with Building for Extreme Weather: The Pressure on Our Architecture
Designer: Spasm
The architects took into account the city’s tropical steppe climate, with its grasslands and temperature extremes, and designed this home in an introverted fashion. This ensured it was well-ventilated and well-lit throughout the year.