Conventional materials used in modern construction such as concrete, steel and glass often lead to the creation of spaces that are not thermally comfortable in a natural way. Such buildings rely on mechanical ventilation methods to ensure comfortable indoor environments. However, before the development of electricity, architecture relied only on natural methods to create cosy spaces- this is because buildings have always been developed on the basis of local climatic conditions. Read on to discover what this climate responsive architecture really means, learn about the climate zones in India and how design responds to these climates.
What is Climate Responsive Architecture?
Architecture that is guided by the study of local weather and geographical conditions can be termed as climate responsive. Climate responsive buildings are constructed with a focus on ensuring sufficient cross ventilation, natural light and thermal comfort and preventing natural disasters. Rather than combatting natural elements, such buildings attempt to harness their power to incorporate energy-efficiency, eco-friendliness and resilience.
Why is Climate Responsive Architecture Important?
- Sustainability: Climate responsive buildings typically make use of natural materials and methods for construction and also incorporate alternative energy sources. This significantly reduces greenhouse emissions and the carbon footprint of these buildings.
- Energy Efficiency: With lower reliance on mechanical ventilation appliances, climate responsive buildings incur reduced utility bills and promote energy efficiency.
- Enhanced Comfort: With measures taken to ensure adequate natural light and ventilation, optimal thermal conditions are achieved indoors. This enhanced thermal comfort has several physical and mental health benefits for occupants, such as a reduction in breathing problems, increased productivity and regulated biological cycles.
- Building Longevity: Climate responsive design includes steps taken to prevent natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes and floods that frequently affect the local region. These increase the building’s resilience and ensure its long lifespan.
Elements Guiding Climate Responsive Design
- Temperature: Measured in degree celsius (°C), temperature refers to the amount of hotness or coldness present in a space. Comfortable indoor temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C.
- Wind: While strong winds can make spaces uncomfortable, controlled winds are necessary to ensure adequate cross ventilation. Different types of ventilation systems can be used to create ideal indoor conditions.
- Rainfall: Rains are necessary to cool down burning temperatures and for maintaining the water cycle. Indian regions experience heavy rainfall (more than 200cm annually), moderate rainfall (50-200cm annually) or low rainfall (less than 50cm annually).
- Relative Humidity (RH): This is the ratio of the actual moisture present in air to the amount of moisture air can hold at a certain temperature. Comfortable indoor RH levels generally vary between 30% and 60%.
- Solar Radiation: The duration, angle, direction, intensity and amount of sunlight that could be witnessed by spaces all have an impact on climate responsive design.
- Local Topography: Altitude, distance from the sea and vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods and storms majorly influence the type of climate responsive architecture to be incorporated.
Climate Zones in India
Climate responsive design is mainly guided by the climatic zone in which a particular project is located. India can broadly be divided into six climatic zones:
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Warm and Humid Climate
Defining almost all the coastal areas in India, warm and humid climate is characterised by high humidity and precipitation levels. Average daytime temperatures in this zone range between 27°C and 32°C, while mean night time temperatures are between 21°C and 27°C. Buildings in this climatic zone must prioritise increasing natural air ventilation and protection from heavy rains.
Hot and Dry Climate
Commonly referred to as desert climate, hot and dry climate is experienced in many parts of Western and Southern India like Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Kutch. Regions in this zone endure very dusty, high speed winds with low rainfall. High temperatures during the day (40-50°C) and low temperatures at night (10-24°C) are common. The main objectives of buildings here are to increase humidity, reduce winds and maintain moderate temperatures throughout the day.
Composite Climate
Many parts of Central and Northern India—such as Delhi and Kanpur—experience a composite climate, in which both winters and summers are extreme. Extremely varying temperatures ranging between 0°C and 45°C are witnessed across the year. Climate responsive design in such regions is complex and attempts to reduce the effect of external weather conditions on indoor spaces.
Cold and Sunny Climate
Regions such as Ladakh witness a cold and sunny climate. Here, average temperatures vary from -20°C to +25°C throughout the year, with a probable change of 10°C-15°C even during the course of a single day. Since the humidity is low, clear skies and sunny conditions can be observed generally. In these regions, climate responsive buildings aim to reduce the amount of openings to lower the penetration of both harsh winds and sunlight.
Cold and Cloudy Climate
This climate is witnessed in parts of North and North Eastern India. Although summers can be pleasant, winters are extremely cold, with temperatures ranging between -15°C and +10°C. Relative humidity and rainfall also remain high during most parts of the year, making it essential for buildings in these regions to prevent the entry of harsh winds and rains.
Moderate/ Temperate Climate
Regions in the moderate climatic zone—such as Bengaluru and Pune—have fairly comfortable weather conditions throughout the year. Average temperatures range between 20°C and 35°C, with low humidity in both summer and winter. Light rains generally reduce the temperature when it gets too high.
How is Climate Responsive Architecture Implemented?
Climate responsive design typically navigates the following steps:
- Site Evaluation: The site is investigated on a broader level (climate, altitude, vulnerability to natural disasters, etc.) as well as at a local level (weather, surrounding vegetation and built structures, site contours, soil exploration, etc.)
- Investigation of Local Materials: The areas surrounding the site are explored to find any relevant materials that can be used for construction. Local construction methods are also observed to gain knowledge about how they have survived in the prevailing local climatic conditions.
- Design Development: The data obtained from the above steps is studied to develop a design that is eco-friendly, resilient and energy efficient. The necessary climate responsive building elements are incorporated in this design.
- Sustainable Building: Sustainable construction methods, such as the use of local labour and materials and energy-efficient technologies and equipment are utilised to develop naturally climate-resilient buildings.
Sustainable Building for the Future
With the fast approaching onset of global warming and climate change, climate responsive architecture is not just a trend, but a necessity for all types of building projects. Brick & Bolt, a tech-enabled construction company in India, employs a team of expert architects who customise designs for every project by analysing local climatic conditions as well as individual requirements. With the backing of experienced contractors, project managers and other construction professionals, the company has completed 7000+ homes with a focus on climate responsive design. Get in touch with Brick & Bolt today to carry out your construction project with sustainability in mind!
Hemali Patel 
Apoorva H P Achar 