An important yet often overlooked function of architecture and design is to stimulate a specific climatic environment for a given space. This is referred to as a "microclimate," because it differs from the prevailing environment in the general region.
Explains architect Gursimran Kaur of RA Designs, "Creating a microclimate means naturally creating a favourable environment for people with regard to their inner living space: adequate shade, pleasant temperatures, light breezes and
protection from glare." The result is comfortable and wholly natural climatic setting, free from artificial cooling techniques.
Says architect and interior designer Subodh P Dutta, "Architecture isn't about designing in a bubble. When we design, we must keep in mind that our designs are functional as well. Creating a microclimate is one such utilitarian outcome."
MICROCLIMATES IN ACTION
Edwin Lutyen, the architect responsible for designing large parts of Delhi, created a microclimate of sorts through his architecture. Delhi is known for its extreme climates of blistering summers and the freezing cold winters. Lutyen's designs created a microclimate that made living spaces comfortable through the year. He used traditional elements like chujjas (projecting cornices) which produced shadows on the architectural landscape, providing respite from the heat. He brought fresh breeze into buildings by opening up spaces to the sky. The use of water fountains and ponds also provided a cooling effect.
TEMPERATURE TALK
As illustrated through Lutyen's design, the main aspect of creating a microclimate involves temperature control. SaysMumbai-based architect Rustom Mehta, "Modern homes are all about airconditioning, but this need not be the case. Creating a microclimate through good architecture can radically reduce the home's artificial cooling needs and energy consumption." This has given rise to the concept of 'energy passive houses'-where architecture negates the need for artificial temperature control.
India's climate is hot and humid. Hence, the challenge lies in maintaining air circulation and keeping the indoors cool. "The most common ways to do this is through high ceilings, long sweeping corridors and placing doors and windows opposite each other, so as to facilitate cross-ventilation," says Dutta. The home's windows must also be aligned to capture the prevailing winds. "Windows placed at 20 to 40 degree angle to prevailing breeze are most effective," he says.
In cold regions, architecture can help ensure your home stays warm despite the plunging mercury. Winter homes should have thicker walls, so as to prevent heat from radiating outwards.
In humid places matting or blinds made of organic matter can be used effectively. "Such organic matter absorbs moisture from the surroundings, thereby decreasing the humidity levels in the room while allowing air circulation," explains Kaur.
WATER WISE
The concept of a 'watercooled house' designed by Singaporean firm Wallflower Architecture + Design created waves in 2010. It was built to accommodate a shallow surface pond on its roof, which regulated temperatures and insulated the structure from heat.
Similarly, the presence of water bodies such as shallow ponds, miniature waterfalls and fountains in creating a cooler environment is a known fact. "Pick a water body with a large surface area, so as to ensure maximum contact with the air. Wallstyle fountains are very effective, while fountains where water trickles through a narrow opening will not cool as well," advices Mehta. .
GO GREEN
Bringing greenery into your home is another way of creating a comfortable microclimate. "The indoors and the outdoors are blending. We are seeing an extensive use of terraces, balconies, patios and courtyards. They help dissipate heat," shares Dutta. Homes with space constraints can consider using vertical spaces and walls for this purpose.
REPLICATING NATURE
The land breeze-sea breeze effect is a natural phenomenon that been adopted. "The easiest way to achieve cooling is to drive breezes across surfaces that naturally have different rates of heat retention. Winds move between the cool water body (a pond, fountain or waterfall) and the concrete/ wood surfaces. The result is a delicate breeze that blows through your living space," describes Mehta.
Source: Lifestyle Redefined in The Times of India, Mumbai
Explains architect Gursimran Kaur of RA Designs, "Creating a microclimate means naturally creating a favourable environment for people with regard to their inner living space: adequate shade, pleasant temperatures, light breezes and
protection from glare." The result is comfortable and wholly natural climatic setting, free from artificial cooling techniques.
Says architect and interior designer Subodh P Dutta, "Architecture isn't about designing in a bubble. When we design, we must keep in mind that our designs are functional as well. Creating a microclimate is one such utilitarian outcome."
MICROCLIMATES IN ACTION
Edwin Lutyen, the architect responsible for designing large parts of Delhi, created a microclimate of sorts through his architecture. Delhi is known for its extreme climates of blistering summers and the freezing cold winters. Lutyen's designs created a microclimate that made living spaces comfortable through the year. He used traditional elements like chujjas (projecting cornices) which produced shadows on the architectural landscape, providing respite from the heat. He brought fresh breeze into buildings by opening up spaces to the sky. The use of water fountains and ponds also provided a cooling effect.
TEMPERATURE TALK
As illustrated through Lutyen's design, the main aspect of creating a microclimate involves temperature control. SaysMumbai-based architect Rustom Mehta, "Modern homes are all about airconditioning, but this need not be the case. Creating a microclimate through good architecture can radically reduce the home's artificial cooling needs and energy consumption." This has given rise to the concept of 'energy passive houses'-where architecture negates the need for artificial temperature control.
India's climate is hot and humid. Hence, the challenge lies in maintaining air circulation and keeping the indoors cool. "The most common ways to do this is through high ceilings, long sweeping corridors and placing doors and windows opposite each other, so as to facilitate cross-ventilation," says Dutta. The home's windows must also be aligned to capture the prevailing winds. "Windows placed at 20 to 40 degree angle to prevailing breeze are most effective," he says.
In cold regions, architecture can help ensure your home stays warm despite the plunging mercury. Winter homes should have thicker walls, so as to prevent heat from radiating outwards.
In humid places matting or blinds made of organic matter can be used effectively. "Such organic matter absorbs moisture from the surroundings, thereby decreasing the humidity levels in the room while allowing air circulation," explains Kaur.
WATER WISE
The concept of a 'watercooled house' designed by Singaporean firm Wallflower Architecture + Design created waves in 2010. It was built to accommodate a shallow surface pond on its roof, which regulated temperatures and insulated the structure from heat.
Similarly, the presence of water bodies such as shallow ponds, miniature waterfalls and fountains in creating a cooler environment is a known fact. "Pick a water body with a large surface area, so as to ensure maximum contact with the air. Wallstyle fountains are very effective, while fountains where water trickles through a narrow opening will not cool as well," advices Mehta. .
GO GREEN
Bringing greenery into your home is another way of creating a comfortable microclimate. "The indoors and the outdoors are blending. We are seeing an extensive use of terraces, balconies, patios and courtyards. They help dissipate heat," shares Dutta. Homes with space constraints can consider using vertical spaces and walls for this purpose.
REPLICATING NATURE
The land breeze-sea breeze effect is a natural phenomenon that been adopted. "The easiest way to achieve cooling is to drive breezes across surfaces that naturally have different rates of heat retention. Winds move between the cool water body (a pond, fountain or waterfall) and the concrete/ wood surfaces. The result is a delicate breeze that blows through your living space," describes Mehta.
Source: Lifestyle Redefined in The Times of India, Mumbai
