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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and

Innovation

SCHOOL: Lovely School Of Architecture And Design

Course code: ARC 407
Course title: Dissertation

Name of student: Tavleen Baweja

Registration number: 11405928
Section number: A1403
Roll number: RA1403B17
Academic year: 2017-2018
Batch: 2014-2019

Name and signature of faculty adviser mentor: Ar. Vivek Sehgal

Name and signature of Head of Department: Ar. Narinderjit Kaur
Name and signature of Head of school: Ar.Atul Kumar Singla
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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Acknowledgement

I, Tavleen Baweja, student of Lovely Professional University, am extremely grateful to the

Lovely School of Architecture and Design for the confidence bestowed on me and entrusting

my project entitled “Bioclimatic Architecture- Improvised Blend of Tradition and

Innovation”.

I am using this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me

throughout the course of this dissertation project. I am thankful for their aspiring guidance,

invaluably constructive criticism and friendly advice during the project work. I am sincerely

grateful to them for sharing their truthful and illuminating views on a number of issues

related to the project. I express my warm thanks to Ar. Vivek Sehgal for his support and

guidance. I would also like to thank all the people who provided me with the facilities being

required and conductive conditions.

Thank you

Tavleen Baweja
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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Certificate

This is to certify that the Dissertation entitled “Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of

Tradition and Innovation” submitted by Miss Tavleen Baweja in partial fulfilment for the

award of degree of Bachelors of architecture from Lovely Professional University, is a record

carried out by her in our supervision and guidance. The matter embodied in this dissertation

work, other than that acknowledged as reference, has not been submitted for any other degree

or diploma.

Recommended by:

................................
Name of supervisor: AR. Vivek Sehgal
Designation: Associate Professor
School: Lovely School of Architecture and Design,
Lovely Professional University,
Phagwara, Punjab
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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Declaration

I, Tavleen Baweja, author of the dissertation “Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend

of Tradition and Innovation " hereby declare that this is an independent work carried out in

partial fulfilment for award of Bachelors degree in Architecture at Lovely Professional

University, Punjab.

This work has not been submitted to any other institute for award of any degree/ diploma.

Date: 30 Nov,2017 Tavleen Baweja

Place: Lovely Professional University 11405928

Punjab B. Architecture
LSAD
Session: 2014-19
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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Contents
Abstract......................................................................................................................................1
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Climatic Zones..........................................................................................................................4
2.1. Hot and Dry.................................................................................................................1
Indian Institute of Health Management Research, Jaipur...................................................2
Aranya Bhawan , Jaipur..................................................................................................4
Composite..................................................................................................................................6
2.2. ITC Green Centre, Gurgaon........................................................................................7
PEDA office complex, Chandigarh..................................................................................8
Cold and Cloudy........................................................................................................................9
2.3. Himurja Office Building, Shimla..............................................................................10
Conclusion................................................................................................................................11
Reference..................................................................................................................................12
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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Abstract

India possesses a large variety of climates. The differences of climate from region to region

are capable of being reflected in building design. Due to the difference in the climate and for

attaining thermal comfort inside the building, it is designed climate oriented. This paper’s aim

is to discuss and describe traditional and innovative active and passive techniques for

buildings with respect to the climate of that area. Its objective is to study about energy

efficiency of buildings and how active as well as passive techniques blend is very much

important. Study is based on case studies of buildings of three different types of climatic

zones of India that are hot and dry, composite and cold.

Key words- Thermal comfort , Active and Passive techniques

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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Introduction

Climate plays a significant role in the determination of the design and in construction of

buildings. An analysis of the climate of a particular region can help in assessing the seasons

or periods during which a person may experience comfortable or uncomfortable conditions. It

further helps in identifying the climatic elements, as well as their severity, that cause

discomfort. With this information the designer gets help how to build a house that filters out

adverse climatic effects while simultaneously allowing those that are beneficial.

There are various factors that affect the climate –

Solar radiation, Ambient temperature, Air humidity, Precipitation, Wind and Sky condition

Designing of buildings and spaces on the basis of local climate and making use of proper

solar energy. It is aimed at providing thermal and comfort. Passive systems of design are

incorporated into buildings. Environmental sources are utilized like sun, air, wind, water are

used for heating, cooling and lighting the building. These are taken into account to diminish

the environmental footprint.

Design and architectural elements are mainly dealt for building and mechanical systems are

totally avoided. Traditional architectural styles work according to bioclimatic principles. In

earlier days also when air conditioners were rare and very expensive then only passive

measures were incorporated in design. Size of windows and its direction was taken into

consideration. Bioclimatic buildings limit the use of materials such as concrete and

aluminium that require a lot of energy to be produced, favouring materials such as stone,

wood and earth.

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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Now a days scenario has totally changed. Lot of energy is used in the building which is

consumed by the people. In India 33% of electricity is consumed by buildings with

commercial and residential sector accounting 8% and 25%. Therefore ECBC ( Energy

Conservation Building Code ) was developed as a step to design energy efficient buildings

with taking climate into consideration.

Figure 1: Pie chart depicting energy consumption rate

Source: - Author

Table 1: Typical energy consumption in buildings

Source:- Energy Conservation Building Code

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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Climatic Zones

For every climatic zone building is designed in a

different manner. Orientation and shape of the

building varies with zone and the wind flow is

different. Thus for attaining thermal comfort inside

the building various measures are adopted. In

different forms energy is consumed by the people

inside the building. Mechanical systems are used,

which are even available at low cost and consume

less energy. Thus it even results in designing

energy efficient building.

Figure 2: Climatic zones of India

Source: - (Majumdar, 2002)

In first section it clarifies the term Bioclimatic Architecture and the energy efficient

techniques and process of design and site development in buildings. Then it explains need

of active measures in buildings. Different techniques of energy efficient buildings are

studied for different climatic zones. Then it is proved that active measures are equally

important as passive are.

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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

2.1. Hot and Dry

The climate is described as dry because the relative humidity is generally very low, ranging

from 25 to 40 % due to low vegetation and surface water bodies. Moreover, the hot and dry

regions receive less rainfall- the annual precipitation being less than 500 mm. In such a

climate, it is imperative to control solar radiation and movement of hot winds.

The design criteria should therefore aim at resisting heat gain by providing shading, reducing

exposed area, controlling and scheduling ventilation, and increasing thermal capacity. The

presence of “water bodies” is desirable as they can help increase the humidity, thereby

leading to lower air temperatures. The ground and surrounding objects emit a lot of heat in

the afternoons and evenings. As far as possible, this heat should be avoided by appropriate

design features.

Table 2: Hot and Dry Climate

Source- Energy Conservation Building Code

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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Indian Institute of Health Management Research, Jaipur

Architect-Ashok B Lall

Figure 3: Site Plan Figure 4: Faculty court and Typical hostel wing

Source: - Energy Efficient Buildings in India by Mili Majumdar

It is an institutional building. It has been inspired by the traditional arts and craft of the city.

Interlinked courtyards help in increase of heat loss by ventilation, which also form functional

spaces for the facility. Landscape courtyards used as a modifier of microclimate .Most of the

spaces are air cooled using centralized evaporative cooling system which provides a high

level of comfort in hot dry climate at very little cost. Windows are designed to reduce glare

and ensure adequate natural light for the entire room. Use of local materials and skills reduce

costs and also reduces transportation costs. Interconnecting walkways between various

blocks, shaded using natural vegetation cover provides a cooling effect. Innovative window

shading using concrete jail as side fins,provides shading and yet does not impede air

movement. The cooling plant and services core are designed to ensure a noise and draught

free cooling system. The ventilator which is below the window serves a dual purpose. It is an

adjustment outlet for the air that is distributed to each spaces by the evaporative cooling

systems and can also house a window air conditioning unit without blocking out the light and

view.
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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

PASSIVE SYSTEM ACTIVE SYSTEM

Passive solar system Solar panel
Passive cooling system Solar water heating
Building orientation and placement Wind turbines
Use of vegetation Heat pumps

Table 3: Star label w.r.t EPI

Source- Roadmap for Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Bureau of energy efficiency government of India

As lot of passive measures are applied in this building. But still there is need for techniques to

be applied which consume energy. Thus energy efficient building is designed by taking

climate into consideration. Therefore blend of active and passive techniques is very much

important for designing of the building.

Figure 5: Best orientation according to Ecotech

Figure 6: Comfort zone according to psychometric
chart

Source: - Author

Aranya Bhawan , Jaipur

Architects: Mathur, Ugam and Associate
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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Figure 7: Site Plan Figure 8: View of building

Source-Building Energy Efficiency Project- Case study of an ECBC compliant

This building is called Aranya Bhawan because it has all government bodies of Jaipur.

Figure 9: Pie chart depicting energy calculations Figure 10: Heat gain

Source-Building Energy Efficiency Project- Case study of an ECBC compliant

Detailed energy monitoring was done for two weeks. Annual energy consumption done by

HVAC was found out 53%. Energy Performance Index calculated before charrette was found

out 77KWH/M2, and after it was found out 53KWH/M2. Water cool energy efficient chiller

is used. 5mm clear glass is done. Passive Downdraft Evaporative Cooling is provided in

Stairwells.

Figure 11: Passive technique applied in designing

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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Figure 12: Solar energy generation

Source-Building Energy Efficiency Project- Case study of an ECBC compliant

ECBC approach for designing of energy efficient buildings is firstly using the passive

measures of design, then incorporating other active techniques and integrating renewable

energy system.

Composite
Generally, composite regions experience higher humidity levels during monsoons than hot

and dry zones. Otherwise most of their characteristics are similar to the latter. Thus, the

design criteria are more or less the same as for hot and dry climate except that maximising

cross ventilation is desirable in the monsoon period.

Table 4: Composite climate

Source-Energy Conservation Building Code

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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Table 5: Bandwidth more than 50% AC

Source- Roadmap for Energy Efficiency in Buildings Bureau of energy efficiency government of India

EPI(Kwh/sqm/year) Star Label

190-165 1 Star
165-140 2 Star
140-115 3 Star
115-90 4 Star
Below 90 5 Star
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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

2.2. ITC Green Centre, Gurgaon

ARCHITECT- Rajender Kumar & Associates, New Delhi, India

Figure 13: ITC Green

Centre Gurgaon

Source: - Author

It is the world’s best big companies and is ranked by Forbes. It was declared as the world’s

largest platinum rated green building. The glazing for the building has been designed to

maximize the effect of natural light, largely eliminating the need for artificial ones. At the

same time, the window glass, while allowing light inside, does not allow heat. This, not only

keeps the office cool from inside during the day, but also decreases the load on air-

conditioners. High energy efficiency of the façade with optimum light transmission. On the

Northern side, the glass solution was required to give a higher light transmission due to the

orientation of the building. Optimized energy performance through efficient designs light

pollution reduction ozone protection ( by using cfc, hcfc & halon free refrigerants) water use

reduction storm water management.

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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

PEDA office complex, Chandigarh

Architect – Arvind Krishan and Kunal Jain

Figure 14: Site Plan Figure 15: A sectional elevation showing integration of passive and active

Source: - Energy Efficient Buildings in India by Mili Majumdar

PEDA (Punjab Energy Development Agency)is an office complex located in Chandigarh. In

this building there are overlapping floors at different levels in space floating in large volume

of air. Floors interconnected volumetrically to enable passive space conditioning of the entire

volume of the building. Large cut outs for light and ventilation wells. Building integrated

solar photo voltaic and solar water heating. Summer cooling through wind tower. Thermal

mass of floor slabs moderates diurnal swings.

Figure 16: South elevation showing domical roofs and vertical roof glazing systems for daylight integration
and ventilation

Source- Energy Efficient Buildings in India by Milli Majumdar

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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Cold and Cloudy

The northern part of India experiences this type of climate. Most cold and cloudy regions are

situated at high altitudes. Ootacamund, Shimla, Shillong, Srinagar and Mahabaleshwar are

examples of places belonging to this climatic zone. These are generally highland regions

having abundant vegetation in summer. The intensity of solar radiation is low in winter with a

high percentage of diffuse radiation. Hence, winters are extremely cold.

Table 6: Cold Climate Zone

Source – Energy Conservation Building Code

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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

2.3. Himurja Office Building, Shimla

Architect – Arvind Krishnan and Kunal Jain

Figure 17:South west view of the office building

Showing sunspaces
Figure 18:Section showing solar access through
solarium

Source:- Energy Efficient Buildings in India by

Mili Majumdar

Double glazed windows with proper

sealing to minimize infiltration.

Insulated RCC diaphragm walls on

the north to prevent heat loss. Careful integration of windows and light shelves ensures

effective daylight distribution. Air heating panels designed as an integral part of the south

wall provide effective heat gain. Distribution of heat gain in the building through a

connective loop that utilizes the stair well as a means of distributing heated air.

Conclusion

Climate plays a very important role in designing the building. By considering the local

climate to attain thermal comfort, building is designed. Building should be designed in such a

manner such that it consumes very less energy. This is not only attained by using only passive
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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

measures, therefore active measures are to be used which consumes very less amount of

energy. Innovation and traditional techniques must be implemented in design simultaneously

for designing energy efficient building. Buildings which use only passive techniques still

require energy to properly run. Therefore active measures are equally important for the

building which uses less energy for its working. So blend of traditional and innovation is very

good for the building.

Reference

 Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES). (n.d.). Retrieved
September 21 , 2017, from KANE Website:
http://www.cres.gr/kape/present/present_uk.htm
 Arvind Krishan, N. B. (2001). Climate Responsive Architecture. New Delhi: Tata
McGraw Hill Publishing Company Limited.
 Cell, E. (n.d.). ECBC Implementation Experience- A Case Study.
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Bioclimatic Architecture: Improvised Blend of Tradition and Innovation

 Centre for Science and Environment. (n.d.). Energy and Buildings. New Delhi.
 Dutta, A. (n.d.). ENERGY SAVINGS IN BUILDING THROUGH THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF ECBC AND LEED GUIDELINE: CASE STUDY. Retrieved
October 26, 2017, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281864443_ENERGY_SAVINGS_IN_BUI
LDING_THROUGH_THE_IMPLEMENTATION_OF_ECBC_AND_LEED_GUIDE
LINE_CASE_STUDY
 Gondaliya, M. (2015). Hot and Dry Climate.
 Indo-Swiss Building Energy Efficiency Project. (n.d.). Building Energy Efficiency
Project (BEEP). Retrieved November 2017, from
http://www.beepindia.org/sites/default/files/Sameer%20Maithel%20-Aranya
%20Bhawan%20Case%20study.pdf
 International Resources Group. (2009). Energy Conservation Building Code ( ECBC)
User Guide. New Delhi: Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
 ITC Green Centre. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2017, from
http://www.glazette.com/upload/resources/tb_90520091157467157.PDF
 Majumdar, M. (2002). Energy Efficient Buildings in India. New Delhi: Tata Energy
Research Institute.
 Raghav, C. R. (n.d.). Aranya Bhawan. Retrieved November Saturday , 2017, from
http://indiastudychannel.com/india/cities/photos/56948-Aranya-Bhawan-Jaipur-
Rajasthan
 SN Srinivas, B. G. (2015). Implementing Energy Efficiency in Buildings. New Delhi:
United Nations Development Programme.
 Szokolay, S. V. (2004). Introduction to Architectural style: The Basis Of Sustainable
Design. Burlington: Elsevier Science Linacre House, Jordan Hill , Oxford.
 TERI. (n.d.). High Performance Commercial Buildings In India. Retrieved November
2017, from http://high-
performancebuildings.org/case_study_ECBC_comp_gurgaon.php