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Abstract
Bioclimatic concepts in vernacular architecture was developed and used through the centuries by many civilizations across the world. This study is carried out on the vernacular architecture of coastal regions. The vernacular architecture in the coastal belts of Nagapatinam is known for its use of natural and passive methods so as to create a comfortable indoor environment. However, so far, it has not been proved by a detailed quantitative evaluation method. The authors have conducted the qualitative and quantitative analysis to investigate the indoor environmental condition of a vernacular residential building in coastal region of Nagapatinam. The quantitative analysis has been done by continuously monitoring the indoor and outdoor thermal and environmental conditions using a custom made instrument called “Mini metrological Station known as Architectural Evaluation System”. The results of this study research shows that the solar passive techniques used in these vernacular residential buildings in coastal region provides comfortable thermal indoor environment irrespective of the outdoor climatic conditions.
Highlights
► Vernacular buildings are climate responsive proved by quantitative analysis. ► Solar passive features used in the traditional buildings can be used in the modern buildings. ► Thermal comfort is achieved in traditional buildings with the help of solar passive elements. ► Quantitative analysis proved, traditional buildings in coastal regions are climate sensitive.
Introduction
Vernacular architecture is a term used to categorize methods of construction which use locally available resources to address local needs. Vernacular architecture evolves over a long time to reflect the environmental, cultural and historical context of that time period. It refers to that type of architecture which is indigenous to a specific time or place (not imported or copied from elsewhere). It is most often applied to residential buildings [1]. Vernacular architecture is the outcome of the traditional knowledge, based on trial and error approach. This type of architecture addresses the local climate constraints and shows maximum adaptability and flexibility. The traditional architecture had given us excellent techniques which are climate responsive in nature. The principles which were used in traditional buildings can very well be implemented in the modern buildings so as to produce energy less consuming buildings and if these principles are sensibly adopted in modern buildings it is possible to build sustainable buildings for future [2], [3], [4]. Any good building should relate and respond to the climate. Recent studies on vernacular buildings conclude that bioclimatism is an integral part of vernacular architecture and a deciding parameter towards achieving sustainability of modern architecture [2], [3] In the absence of precise temperature control measures, the role of the building design in mitigating the vagaries of wind and weather is extremely important in providing indoor thermal comfort [4], [5]. Climatic design lessons can be learned and inspiration can be sought by observation of the long tradition of vernacular architecture [6], [7]. These are important especially in the context of energy concerns from all around the world [8], and the alarming increase in air conditioning usage in the recent years [9]. Building energy consumption in India is the highest among all Asia Pacific partnership countries [10]. Traditional house reflects cultural heritage of peoples, also encapsulate traditional forms and values. The practice of drawing on traditional architecture to inform contemporary design has been promoted by many theorists and distinguished architects such as Hasan Fathy [9], [10], [11]. The principal purposes of this study were to: (1) Identifying architectural elements which evolved as a response to climate in Vernacular buildings and recommend appropriate solutions for current design and construction, aiming towards sustainable development and (2) assess the thermal comfort factors for preserving the vernacular housing and providing energy efficient design solutions for contemporary buildings in the coastal region of nagappattinam. This paper illustrates a detailed study on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the solar passive techniques based on field experiments with emphasis on indoor thermal comfort in the vernacular architecture of the coastal regions of Nagapatinam.
Section snippets
Topography
Nagapatinam a land of religious harmony is known for its rich religious heritage lies on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu (Fig. 1). It is bounded by Thanjavur district and Thiruvarur district on the West, Cuddalore district on the North and the Bay of Bengal on the South and the East. This place lies between 10.25° and 11.4° north latitude and 76.49° and 80.01° east longitude. The general geological formation of the district is plain coastal. Cauvery and its tributaries are the principal rivers.
The basic form
The vernacular settlement pattern of Nagapattinam has narrow streets and common wall structures which form a dense urban fabric that breathe through the smaller indoor open spaces like courtyards. The overall urban form is very compact with a combination of flat and sloping roof forms. These houses were built on linear rectangular plots which form a linear pattern towards the coastline. The houses were generally oriented towards east west directions. A floor plan of a typical vernacular house
Qualitative analysis
The vernacular residential buildings nearby the sea experiences high humidity and high solar radiation which make the thermal condition uncomfortable during summer [13]. The general orientation of urban setting is based on the state of coastline and wind direction. The main principle used in these buildings here is to reduce heat and humidity by using natural ventilation [14]. The buildings were designed to achieve cross ventilation through courtyards, wind catchers, etc. These buildings are
Building selection criteria and building description
In the coastal region of Nagapatinam innumerable traditional houses still exist without any additions and alterations for more than 250 years. Though some of the houses are in dilapidated condition, the house which is selected for study is in original form even today with a courtyard centrally located encircled by verandahs and semi open spaces. This house has a wind catcher above the courtyard to foster the wind circulation effectively during the normal temperature of nagapatinam region. The
Results
From the observation it was found that the outdoor ambient air temperature has a diurnal variation of 18 °C i.e. from 24 °C to 42 °C (Fig. 17). The indoor temperature has a diurnal variation of 8 °C i.e. from 24 °C to 32 °C (Fig. 17). The temperature at the bottom of the courtyard is found to be cooler by about 10 °C from the maximum outdoor temperature (Fig. 17). The temperature at the top of the courtyard is found to be 6 °C lower than the maximum outdoor temperature (Fig. 17). The temperature of the
Discussion
One of the main goals of building design is to provide a comfortable space for living. This was the reason of creation of a new field in science called “Thermal Comfort” [19]. Comfort has been defined as ‘the condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the environment’. The indoor environment should be designed and controlled so that occupant’s comfort and health are assured [20]. Most of the time the people spent their time in buildings or urban spaces. Although comfort models mostly
Conclusions
Residential architecture of these regions is an expressive sample of ecological architecture [23]. Old architecture in warm and humid region is in accordance with region and regional factors: some important elements in vernacular houses of Nagapattinam are desired and undesired wind, humidity, sun, etc. The houses of courtyards with wind catchers, thick external walls, verandas, sloping roofs are clear examples of eco friendly and climate responsive architecture. In warm humid coastal region of
Acknowledgement
The authors extend sincere gratitude to Mr. Kandavellu of sikkal, Nagappattinam for his kind co operation in the conduct of the investigation. The authors also extend sincere gratitude to Dr. V. Abhai Kumar, Principal, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, Tamilnadu for providing necessary instruments for this research. We also acknowledge Mr. Sreejith T.S., Production Executive of EMCON, Cochin, Kerala for fabrication of the equipment setup, A.E.S (architectural evaluation system).
