CLIMATE RESPONSIVE BUILDINGS

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS IN
HOT AND DRY CLIMATE
WARM AND HUMID CLIMATE

Presented by:
Vishal

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Climate Responsive Buildings An Introduction

Background: Buildings, as they are designed and used today, contribute to serious
environmental problems such as global warming, ozone layer depletion and shortage of
fossil fuels because of excessive consumption of energy and other natural resources. With
the input of sufficient energy almost everything seems possible and too often climatic
factors are neglected in construction. The unrestricted demand by the affluent for more
comfort and living standards, changing life-styles and the unconsidered use of technical
means increase these tendencies. On the other hand, those who cannot afford these suffer
Climate
Responsive
An Integrated
in unhealthy,
overheated orDesigncold shelters.
Approach - A possible alternative is the application of
soft measures and natural means to reduce energy
consumption by design, construction and materials
which are adapted to a specific climate.
Climate
Responsive design is based on the way a buildings form
and structure moderates the climate for human good
and well being. The shape/form of buildings and their
orientation, the integration of suitable vegetation and
the arrangement of the external/internal space require
Climate responsive design can save
careful consideration. The correct use of building
energy, reduce costs, and preserve
materials, designs of openings and their shading,
natural
resources
while
reducing
natural cooling, passive solar heating and the wellenvironmental pollution
aimed utilization of prevailing winds for ventilation are
Climate
Comfort:
The climate
of ahas
location
is affected by its latitude, terrain and
importantand
supporting
elements.
This also
its positive
altitude,
as well
as nearby
vegetation,
consequences
in terms
of economy,
properwater
use ofbodies
local and their currents. The most
important
elements
of climate
weather parameters that affect human thermal comfort
resources and
reduced
energy and
consumption.
and are relevant to building design are: Solar Radiation, Long wave Radiation,
Temperature, Humidity, Wind, Precipitation.

Climate Responsive Design Considerations in Hot

Dry
Region
Climatic data: The climate ofand
hot-dry
zones
is in general
characterized by high temperatures (40 - 50C in summer),
with sharp variations in both diurnal (day / night) and seasonal
(summer-/ winter) temperatures; precipitation (rainfall, snow)
which is scarce, irregular and unreliable. Cold winds and
dust/sandstorms prevail in winter. The solar radiation intensity
is high and enhanced by the radiation reflected from the
ground. The air humidity is low and the humidity tends to
Design
objectives
: Theand
main
goal of climatic
design, on a macro (settlement) and micro
reduce diurnal
variations
moderate
temperatures.
(building) level, is to reduce uncomfortable conditions created by extremes of heat and
dryness. Buildings must be adapted to extreme summer/winter and day/night conditions.
Not only cooling is needed; passive heating may also be needed in winter and during cold
nights. For humans, a good shelter in arid areas is the one that could protect them from
the intense radiation from the sun, ground/surrounding buildings, from dust, sandstorms;
provide them with moisture and ventilation as well. Glare has to be reduced and dust
Design
Considerations
penetration
prevented. :
1. Compact Planning : The volume of space inside a
building that needs to be heated or cooled and its relationship
with the area of the envelope enclosing the volume affects
the thermal performance of the building This is known as the
S/V (surface-to-volume) ratio, determined by the building
form. For any given building volume, the more compact the
shape, the less wasteful it is in gaining/ losing heat. Hence, in
hot, dry, regions buildings are compact in form with a low S/V
ratio. Compact planning for groups of buildings also provides Compact forms with a low
shade to each other along with a shaded network of narrow surface/volume ratio

2. Narrow and shaded streets: Plan narrow winding alleys/streets,

which are shaded and relatively cool and break stormy winds, but allow
through-ventilation and adequate natural lighting. There are different
ways of properly designing an urban form taking into account solar
radiation and wind.

Grid diagonal to eastwest axis - maximizes

radiation throughout its
straight streets

Winding/zigzagging narrow alleys

receive
minimum
radiation,
reduce the effect of stormy winds,
establish shaded spaces

Straight
and
parallel
streets
open the city to
wind ventilation

3. Orientation of Buildings: The larger building dimension should

face north and south. It allows for sun and wind protection and
controlled wind channeling (airflow).
4. Courtyard Planning: A compact, inward-looking building with an
interior courtyard minimizes the solar radiation impact on the outside
walls and provides a cool area within the building. When the
courtyard is provided with water and plants, it acts as a cooling
source and modifies the microclimate accordingly

Cooling system of a courtyard

house

Arcades - shading the

Arcades shading the
streets
streets

Proper orientation, to
reduce
the
sun
exposure in summer
Courtyard house
with
covered
galleries and an
internal pool for
evaporation, day
and
night
situation

5. Air Movement and Ventilation: Main walls and windows should face the prevailing
(cool) wind direction in order to allow maximum cross-ventilation of the rooms. Air intake
openings should be located so that the coolest and most dust-free air is taken. Thus the
cool conditions existing at dawn can be maintained inside the building for the longest
possible period. Moderate the effects of undesired winds.

With openings near the top

of stacks, warm air can
escape whereas cooler air
enters the building from
openings near the ground.

The
location
of
openings
for
ventilation
determined
by
prevalent Thermal
windmass
mass:
direction

6. Thermal
is the ability of a
material to absorb heat energy, store it, and at a
later time, release it in support of maintaining
uniform temperature profiles. The comfort of people
inside the buildings depends largely on the thermal
properties of the outer and inner walls and the roof.
Thermal mass acts as a 'thermal battery'. During
summer, it absorbs heat, keeping the house
relatively cool. In winter, the same thermal mass can
store the heat from the sun to release it at night,
helping the home stay warm. Higher the density of
the material, higher is the heat storage capability.

Wind-catchers are ventilation flues carried

above the roof to catch cool and clean air. It
creates a pressure gradient which allows
less dense hot air to travel upwards and
escape out the top and cold air is sucked

Thermal mass stores

the heat from the sun

Heat flow in
daytime and at
night

7. Roofs: As the roof is the most critical

part, high solar reflectivity and emissivity
for long-wave radiation are essential, as
well as thermal insulation and/or
adequate time lag. The vault, the dome A vaulted roof provides a larger surface area for heat loss
and the flat roof are the traditional roof compared to a flat roof.
8.
Fenestrations
and
Shading
shapes.
devices: Of all the elements in the
building envelope, windows and other
glazed areas are most vulnerable to heat
gain or losses. Proper location, sizing,
and detailing of windows and shading
form an important part of bioclimatic The openings should be protected by the
design as they help to keep the sun and shading devices
wind
out of a building
or landscaping
allow them
9. Landscaping:.
Proper
when
needed.
reduces
direct sun from striking and
heating up of building surfaces. It
prevents reflected light carrying heat into
Trees act as barriers
a building from the ground or other
against hot and dusty
surfaces. Landscaping creates different
windsH
airflow patterns can be used to direct or
divert the wind advantageously by
causing
a
pressure
difference.
Additionally, the shade created by trees
and the effect of grass and shrubs reduce
Channelizing breeze
Landscaping for creating cool
air temperatures adjoining the building.
over pools
microclimate of a place
Water takes up a large amount of heat in

Climate Responsive Design Considerations in Warm

and
Humid
Climatic data: Places that are
close
to sea or Region
oceans have a
humid climate as there is large amount of water vapour in the
air. It is characterized by high rainfall and high humidity. The
temperature range is relatively high at around 30 - 35C and is
fairly even during the day and throughout the year. Due to
minimal temperature differences, winds are light or even nonexistent for longer periods. However, heavy precipitation and
Design
objectives
: The solar radiation is intense and to a great extent diffuse due to
storms occur
frequently.
haze. The haze may cause sky glare which can also be reduced by large shading devices.
Vegetation is rich and provides an excellent means of improving the climatic conditions. Its
surface does not heat up and it provides efficient shading at low cost. However, it has to
be arranged in a way that does not impede air circulation. Since the temperature
difference between day and night is minimal, undertake measures which avoid heat
absorption and heat storage. The use of low thermal mass, high reflective outer surfaces
or double-skin structures are the result. The indoor temperature can hardly be kept much
below the outdoor temperature. However, by efficient design the indoor temperature can
avoid exceeding the outdoor temperature and inner surfaces can remain relatively cool.
Together with proper ventilation, comfortable conditions can be achieved in most cases.
Design
:
Groups
of buildings
Existing Considerations
air movements should
be utilized as much as possible to provide
evaporative
should
not
be built in
1.
Open
and
Scattered
Planning : An open
cooling
and
to avoid
mould growth.
too
compact
a
settlement pattern is the appropriate response to
manner.
Extended
the climate. To provide sufficient air circulation,
settlements, arranged
in a line across the
buildings should be scattered and have a low
prevailing
wind
population density. Buildings should be separated
direction
give
low
with large, free spaces between them. This allows
resistance
to
air
movement
and
are,
airflow which provides ventilation for cooling and

2. Open street Network: The settlement pattern should allow

for a loose open street network. Squares and passages should be
covered, but cross-ventilation should not be impeded. Generous
and well distributed areas of vegetation help to improve the
microclimate. Street spaces should be long and straight to
facilitate air movement and lined by high, shade-providing trees.
3. Orientation of buildings:
Sun orientation: Shading of the east and
west elevations is difficult because of the
low sun, and may require special devices;
whereas the south and north sides can
easily be protected by an overhanging roof.
Thus the best orientation for protection
from the sun is along the east-west axis.

Open streets and

Building spacing
promote air flow

Wind orientation: Where a predominant

wind direction can clearly be identified,
long-shaped buildings should be arranged
across this direction.
Acceptable
wind
directions for
the
orientation
that is best
for sun
Optimization of the
orientation

The intense diffuse solar

radiation calls for buildings
that have large overhanging
roofs and wide shaded
verandahs.
Row
houses
elongated along the eastwest axis provide the best
shading of the critical east
and west walls.

4. Shape and Volume: Forms with large surface areas are preferred
to compact buildings. This favors ventilation and heat emission at
nighttime.
5. Shape and Volume: The main goal is the reduction of direct heat
gain by radiation through openings and of the internal surface
temperature. The building should therefore be designed not only with
protected openings, but also with protected walls. This task will be
much easier if the building is kept low. In addition, the roof should
building with wide
extend far beyond the line of walls, with broad overhanging eaves Lowoverhanging
roof
6.
Arrangements:
andRoom
other means
of shading. The arrangement of rooms depends on
their function. Since the thermal load is related to the orientation,
rooms on the east side are warm in the morning and, if not built with
much thermal mass, cool down in the afternoon. Rooms on the west
side are cooler in the morning and heat up in the afternoon. Rooms
facing north and south remain relatively cool if provided with
7.
Heat storage
adequate
shading. and time lag: Constructions with a high thermal
storage capacity and a long time lag are to be avoided. Due to the
relatively narrow diurnal temperature fluctuation it is not possible to
achieve much cooling by utilization of the thermodynamic properties
Room arrangement
of building components. The main goal is, on the one hand to store
according to climatic
preferences
as little heat as possible in the structure in order to obtain the
maximum benefit of the cooler night temperatures. A relatively short
8.
Thermal
insulation:
Thermal
insulation has very little effectiveness. Due to the free
time
lag of some
5 hours may
be adequate..
flow of air, the ambient air temperatures inside and outside the building are very much the
same. Insulation may be justified only in places where sun radiation is received, e.g. for
roofs and sun-exposed walls. High reflectivity and high emissivity are required properties
for keeping the indoor temperature and the inner surface temperature low. The same effect
can be achieved with properly ventilated double skin constructions.

9. Cross-ventilation: The high humidity and warm

temperatures require maximum ventilation, which
leads to very open buildings. Free passage of air for
cross-ventilation through the interior is important.
This can be achieved by large openings, not only in
the outer walls but also in the internal partitions. An
even more efficient solution is that of single-banked
rooms with access from open verandahs or galleries.
The floor is preferably elevated above the ground to
allow for a better ventilation. Houses are best built
10.
Walls
- both
and
internal, should be as
on stilts
or at
leastexternal
on raised
platforms.
light as possible with a minimal heat storage
capacity. These should obstruct the airflow as little as
possible and should reflect radiation, at least in
places where solar radiation strikes the surfaces. The
outer surface should be reflective, light colored.
Walls should be shaded as much as possible. If,
however, exposed to the sun, they should be built in
the form of a ventilated double leaf construction, the
inner leaf having a reflective surface on its outer side
and perhaps with thermal insulation.
11. Roofs - In warm-humid areas the roof is
preferably pitched to allow heavy rains to run off.
Large overhangs protect the walls and openings from
radiation and precipitation. The roof should be made
of lightweight materials with a low thermal capacity

The main elements: Shading trees, wide

overhanging roof, raised floor, free flow of
air through the building

Construction details showing

enhanced ventilation of the
roof space

12. Windows and Openings: In warm humid areas openings are

important elements for the regulation of the indoor climate. They
should be large and fully openable, with inlets of a similar size on
both sides of the room allowing a proper cross-ventilation. Windows
are preferably equipped with flexible louvres allowing a regulation of
ventilation. To avoid direct solar radiation and glare, openings
should be shaded by an overhanging roof, screens, lattices, grills
etc. All these measures have to be designed to give minimal
resistance to the airflow. Openings should be placed according to
the prevailing breezes, so as to permit a natural airflow through the
internal space. This airflow is most effective if concentrated at body
level.
13. Landscaping: High trees with wide, shading crowns provide
significant protection from solar radiation and should be
incorporated as much as possible into any landscape planning.. An
unshaded pavement exposed to the sun heats up, hence a vegetal
cover of the ground, keeps it comparatively cool and contributes
much to a cooler outdoor microclimate. Another efficient solution is
to grow a green cover over roofs and walls. This cover functions as a
second skin which provides protection against solar radiant heat,
reduction of glare, noise, dust, protection of the wall and roof
surfaces from wind and a regulating effect on humidity

Cannopy effect by trees

Large openings and

screened-in porches.

Window with glass

louvres

The proper arrangement of vegetation, mainly of shade-providing trees, within

the surrounding space is an important aspect for the improvement of the indoor
climate

References
http://www.slideshare.net/deepthithangaraj/climate-responsive-architecture
http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/en/d/Jsk02ce/3.4.html
http://sustainability.about.com/od/GreenBuilding/a/10-Steps-To-Climate-ResponsiveBuilding-Design.htm
www.srmuniv.ac.in/downloads/climateresponsivearch.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsive_architecture
https://www.ar.tum.de/en/professorships/integrated-building-technologies/buildingtechnology-and-climate-responsive-design/
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