INFLUENCE OF

CLIMATE
ON VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

Responsiveness of Vernacular
Architecture to the Climate
One of the most significant influences on vernacular architecture is the macro climate of
the area in which the building is constructed. Vernacular architecture is climatically
responsive.
Climate responsive design is based on the way a building form and structure moderates
the climate for human good and well being.
Climate responsive design in buildings takes into account the following climatic parameters
which have direct influence on indoor thermal comfort and energy consumption in
buildings:

The air temperature

The humidity

The prevailing wind direction and speed

The amount of solar radiation and the solar path

Long wave radiation between other buildings and the surrounding environment and sky
also plays a major role in building performance.

 Buildings in cold climates invariably have high thermal mass or significant

amounts of insulation. They are usually sealed in order to prevent heat loss,
and openings such as windows tend to be small or non-existent.
Buildings in warm climates, by contrast, tend to be constructed of lighter
materials and to allow significant cross-ventilation through openings in the
fabric of the building.
Buildings for a continental climate must be able to cope with significant
variations in temperature, and may even be altered by their occupants
according to the seasons.
Buildings take different forms depending on precipitation levels in the region
leading to dwellings on stilts in many regions with frequent flooding or rainy
monsoon seasons.
Flat roofs are rare in areas with high levels of precipitation. Similarly, areas
with high winds will lead to specialised buildings able to cope with them, and
buildings will be oriented to present minimal area to the direction of
prevailing winds.
Such specializations are not designed, but learn by trial and error over
generations of building construction, often existing long before the scientific
theories which explain why they work.

The following Locations have

been studied in the presentation:

Himachal Pradesh
Assam
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Kerala

Himachal Pradesh
The Traditional Architecture of Himachal
Pradesh is the outcome of the prevailing
topography, extremes of the climate and
other natural forces.
During hundreds of years man has
developed some constructive techniques to
obtain the internal comfort considering the
local climatic condition.
The character and forms are different from
one climatic and geographic zone to other
which can be identified in three separate
zones, i.e., upto 4000 ft. (1200 m approx.),
upto 9000 ft. (2700 m approx.) and above
9000 ft. (2700 m approx.) So the state of
Himachal can be broadly classified into
three zones depending upon their
elevation.

Foot Hills or The Lower Himalayan Region

In the first climatic zone i.e., up to height
of 4,000 ft. (1200 m approx.), where
climatic conditions are mild throughout
the year, i.e., pleasant summers, mild
winters and medium rain falls. The
special characteristics of this zone are
absence of snow fall.
ln areas of heavy rainfall such as
Dharamshala and Palampur steeplysloping roofs and deep verandahs are
necessary, the former to drain off the
rains quickly and the later to allow openair living during rainy season and for
protection of the walls.

Mountains Of Medium Height/Mid Hills

Or The Middle - Himalayan Region
The climate throughout the year is mild to chilly
in comparison to planes, i.e., cool in summer and
rainy season with heavy rain fall. During winter
there is always snow fall and temperature goes
down below zero.
The design of buildings in this zone is influenced
by the elements of snow fall, chilly winter and
heavy rain fall.
Floors are made of wood not more than 2.10-2.40
m high for better insulation.
The upper floors project out of the stone wall with
wooden balconies creating a sun space for sitting.
Thus maximizes the heat gain.
A typical Dhajji House is composed of small
panels, stone masonry and timber of thickness
0.45- 0.60 m which has a time lag of 8 - 9 hours
which keeps the house warm in winter and cool in
summer for maximum part of the year

Higher Mountains or the Higher

Himalayan Region
The climatic conditions keep on changing
with the altitude, i.e., from 9000 ft. to 11000
ft. (2700 - 3300 m approx.) there is rain falls
as well as snow fall, but after 11000 ft. (3300
m approx.) there is only snow fall.
Due to climatic conditions the development
of vernacular architecture is based on
construction techniques which are entirely
different than any other region. The rocks
keep on disintegrating due to vast
temperature difference between day and
night. The snow falls is also in powder form,
due to winter temperature of minus zero
reaching upto minus 32 degree in mid winter.

 The method of construction used is

rammed earth block for walls beaten
earth for flooring and flat roof
consisting earth layer over 6-7 layers
of Bitula barks which are placed over
wooden planks supported by wooden
joists
There is 0.10 m layer of sand in
between two layers of Bitula barks. To
conserve energy the height of rooms
are confined to 2.10 m and openings
are very small.
Thick walls upto 0.60 m wide are built
with by pouring wet mud mortar and
ramming it to make it compact before
pouring another layer. Monolithic walls
thus constructed keep the interiors
cold in the chilling winters.
Thick flat mud roofs are used for
insulation in Lahaul while in places
with rainfall slate roofs are adopted.

Kerala
Kerala Architecture is one of the most exciting
examples of preservation of vernacular styles.
The evolution of domestic architecture of
Kerala followed closely the trend of
development in temple architecture.
The primitive models of circular, square or
rectangular plain shapes with a ribbed roof
evolved from functional consideration.
The climate of Kerala greatly influenced the
traditional architecture.
The natural building materials available for
construction in Kerala i.e. stones, timber, clay
and palm leaves have anchored and guided
the acceptance or rejection of outside
influences

Influence of Climate
Kerala has a warm humid climate.

The rainfall is very heavy from south west and north east
monsoons
To keep the rain and sun away from the walls the roofs of
the building come down very low.
They have verandah all round the building protecting the
external walls from sun and rain.
The width of the verandah varies from 2 ft. to 12ft.
In rooms were people spend most of their time during day
the window openings were brought in at ground level
otherwise the windows were small so that there was only
subdued light inside or had timber jalis to give diffused
light without glare.
They also have an internal courtyard for better flow of air.
A lot of timber was used in architecture those days due to
its availability. It was also meant to bring life into the
buildings. The woodwork used for roofs, columns, doors
etc. later on became one of the main characteristics of
Kerala architecture.
Most of the buildings had sloping roofs. It was meant to
withstand the heavy rains. Since water was plentiful, every
house had a well.

Roofing System
The ridged roof pitched at angles between 30degree to
40degree.
The roof with intricately carved gables protruding from the
roof with overhangs supported by wooden brackets.
The roof is prefabricated that is different members are fixed
on the ground and assembled at the top. No nails are used.
The roof is kept in position by interlocking with the hole in
the rafters.
Walls made of timber or earth and roof of coconut leaves or
tiles are common in many parts of Kerala.
Structurally the roof frame is supported on the pillars on
walls erected on a plinth raised from the ground for
protection against dampness and insects in the tropical
climate. The roofs are steep and pointed, and covered with
copper sheets.
The Kerala roof resembles those found in the Himalayan
regions and those in East Asia.
The shape of the roof is in accordance with the plan of the
space below. With a circular plan, one sees a conical roof,
while with a square plan the roof is pyramidal.

Assam
In Assam, British started their kingdom in 1826.
During 120 yrs of their rule in Assam they had
constructed many buildings, bridges, bungalow, school
and colleges etc.
British Colonial Architecture
Before the British the building constructed by kings were
very uneconomical and the construction system were
very difficult.
The house of the common people were of thatch roof
with bamboo walls plastered with a mixture of mud and
cow dung.
The British were studied the local environment and local
building materials and accordingly designed comfortable
and beautiful buildings.
They had started a special type of construction, which
finally become the typical building type and called
assam type house.

Climate of Assam
In Assam, pleasant sub-alpine climate prevails in the
hills.However, the plains experience tropical climate during
the rainy seasons.
Winter starts from around the end of the month of October
and lasts till the mid of march. The temperature drops to a
minimum of 6 to 8 o Celsius, the nights and early mornings
are foggy.
Summer arrives in the middle of May accompanied by high
humidity and rainfall.The temperature reaches a maximum
of 35 to 38 o Celsius.
However The frequent rains push the mercury level
down.The Monsoons blow full blast during the month of April
and is known as Bordoichilla

Building Type
The building is of two storied house.
Building is symetrical on both side.
1st floor is connected with a timber stair case.
Open spaces in front (chotal) and back side (bari) of
the house.

Walls are of timber frame work, inside those panels

The plinth is made of one brick thick brick wa
ikara used to fill.
These ikaras are cut in size of the panel and laid
vertically.
The horizontal members usually bamboo.
After putting the ikara it is left to dry for few days.
Then it is plastered in both side with mud mortar.
3 layers of plaster are done alternatively after dying
of each coat.

From finished floor level the walls are of half bric

Finished coat is of liquid mix of mud and cow dung.
thick brick walls up to a ht. 60 cm.

Roof
Roof layout is very critical.
It is in various level and multi-cornered.
But the angle of inclination is same.
Roof is of corrugated iron sheet.
Sheets are fixed in timber purlin by nail.
Rubber washer is used to protect the rain drop
penetration through the side of the nail.
Ceiling
Made of wooden beams.
Wooden members are stick very close to each other.
Supported by vertical wooden /steel column.
A fully wooden structure.
Flooring
Flooring is of cement flooring.
Accommodation of dust coming from the street in all rooms in
the front side

SPECIAL FEATURES
Front facade
As the site is compact with so many houses, so as to provide better
ventilation, front faade is very important.
Contains large no of openings.
Sheds are provided, restrict rain fall.
Arrange in different level.
Better ventilation in front rooms.
Sill level of the window is about 60 cm only
Roof is of sloping from to provide shed durng rain
High plinth level

Plinth is of about 60-70 cm.

To provide foundation.
Reduce dust and smoke of roads to enter inside the house.
To provide better air circulation for light inside.
Entrance

Two entrances.
Directly open to the street.
Ideally built according to their needs.
10 mts of open space infront of the house.

Gondia, Maharashtra
Gondia district (almost on Maharashtra and
MP border) is located near Nagpur in
Mahrashtra.
The traditional dwellings situated there, are
typical for that region.
The houses varied from small single storied
mud structures to three or even more, in
similar pattern.
This is a study of a three storied haveli
belonging to a zamindar.
Spaces are arranged about a central space
which is the main bedroom.
The plan is a rough 7x7 grid.
The wall thicknesses vary from 1m and
downwards.

 The building seems to be built keeping

in mind all the seasons.
Though it is best suited for summers.
The upper floors act as false ceiling.
The side passage rooms act as wind
channels.
Absence of openings reduces the heat
exchange to the minimum.
The roof extends almost a meter
beyond the walls, probably to protect
the heavy rainwater from soaking the
walls.
As well as to provide shade from the
sun and prevent heating up of the
building.
Front courtyard faces the north,
preventing direct solar rays on the most
used part.
The rear verandah can be used much
more in winter due to suns southern
inclination.

Specific Features Keeping In Mind The

Climatic Conditions
To resist heat gain
Increase of thermal resistance and capacity by maximizing the
building depth.(The thick walls increase the time lag)
Increase of buffer spaces
(Low utility areas like verandahs, courtyards, storages,
etc.)Low utility upper floors act as false ceilings.
Light colouring to minimize heat absorption by the walls.
Promote heat loss
Vegetation outside to decrease glare
Others
Overhanging roof to the north and south to provide protection
from sun and rain and glare from the bright overcast sky
Planting and layout provide protection from hot dry and cold
winds
Walls to provide some shade to external spaces
Main habitable rooms facing north and south
Main openings to the north and south
Dwellings facing onto fairly generously proportional
courtyards

Madhya Pradesh
The climate of central India is tropical.
However for thermal comfort, climate
and microclimate plays a significant role.
Typically thermal comfort requires low
solar gain, ventilation and adequate
natural light in day time.
During the night time in winters the heat
gain inside the house needs to be
retained. In monsoon protection for
dwellers as well as the cattle is required.
The habitats on plains have moderate
climate as compared to the hilly regions.
In hilly regions the days are warmer and
the nights are cooler.

Model 1
This is essentially the house of farmer and not the house of tribes, who inhibits
them. It is the richest in terms of size, hierarchy of spaces and use of material.
This house has an enclosure for protection. It has a formal open courtyard used for
social activities, semi enclosed private space which is used for guests, a covered
living space which is sometimes two storied and cooking space with rear
courtyard.
The roof type is lean to for semi open space and double lean to for covered and
private spaces.
The walls are 60 to 90 cm thick mud walls. The roofing is done with earthen tiles
supported by timber framework. For supporting roof of semi open spaces timber
columns are used. The openings have door panels only on the external walls. For
ventilation small vents are provided on the external walls.

Model 2
The second type of house Model-II is found in linear pattern and follows the
hierarchy of semi open, covered and semi open spaces. In this case the house is
elongated along the major axis and there are no openings on side walls. Bamboo
baskets or the grain storage made up of mud are used for creating partitions in
living spaces. The house is of mud walls with pitched roof with earthen tiles, reeds
are used for partitions. For cattle a temporary structure is erected either in front of
the house or along the side walls.

 The habitats on plains have moderate climate as compared to the

hilly regions.
The houses on plains shown in Model I and II follow hierarchy of
open, semi open and covered spaces. This helps in reducing the
solar gain, in covered areas. The semi open spaces lower downs
the temperature of air before it enters into covered spaces.
The pitch roof of covered space allows hot air to escape from the
perforation and joint of the roofs and creates air draft. The thermal
gain in the covered space is retained during winters. The
inhabitants prefer to sleep in open courtyard in summers, in semi
open areas during monsoon and particularly when the humidity is
high and in covered spaces in winter.
The open courtyard, low height semi open spaces and covered
spaces with pitched roof modulates the air movement. The
elongated house plans with minimum internal partitions or
partitions created by storage bins, allows an easy passage for cross
ventilation.
The multileveled floor and the strategic staggering openings help in
enhancing the air velocity
The projected eaves, semi covered spaces around the main living
area and the cattle sheds adjoining the houses reduces the
exposure of sun on walls and also protect the mud walls from rains.
The ventilators, circular in shape, which are above the lintel level
allows diffused sunlight and maintains privacy of inhabitants.

Thank
You!