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The week 1 of this module started with knowing the information of the zones specified to us. I in the group was working in the Cold and Sunny Climate which is seen in the Mount Abu Rajasthan.
This climate is hot during days during summers and extreme cold during nights during winters. So according to it certain passive strategies were searched like having sunspaces, heat gain from roof at certain angle, wall insulation, double glazed glass, buffer spaces, etc.
Based on these strategies we started designing a house based on climate conditions and how a user will occupy a certain space
The site is located in Mount abu, Rajasthan. To the north lies a lush bamboo forest, whose green expanse breathes life into the surroundings. To the south, near Nakki Lake, a crocodile sanctuary adds an element of wild mystery to the area.
The climate and environment of Mount Abu play a crucial role in shaping the way people live. Some homes, with their shared spaces and community spirit, reflect a way of life that is in tune with the environment.
The cool mornings and pleasant evenings make these gatherings in the shared spaces comfortable.
In some areas, farming thrives, with patches of land dedicated to growing crops. The fertile soil and favorable climate allow the residents to cultivate their own food, adding to the self-sufficiency of the community.
The houses seem to whisper stories to those who take a moment to listen. They press close together, like old friends who share secrets. Though their walls are near, each house maintains its own unique character and charm. The buffer spaces between the houses are alive with activity. These open areas serve as vital communal spots where residents gather, engage in conversations, share stories, and connect with each other.
The communal spaces become the heartbeat of the neighborhood, transforming the harsh extremes of weather into opportunities for warmth and interaction. These gatherings offer a break from the solitude that could otherwise dominate the area.
Given its location in the northern hemisphere, the sun’s southern trajectory influences the design and orientation of buildings to maximize comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.
During the winter months, the sun remains low in the sky, casting longer shadows and providing softer, less intense light. To harness this limited sunlight, buildings in Mount Abu are often oriented with their longer sides facing south. This allows homes to capture as much of the winter sun as possible, helping to warm the interiors and reduce the need for artificial heating.
It informs the placement of buildings, the orientation of spaces, and the design of openings, and use of buffer spaces for community activities, all of which contribute to a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural world.
About the climatic conditions-The maximum sun angle falls on 21st June at 87.26° and the lowest sun angle falls on 21st December at 24.04°. Winds are from south west and north east
After this we started designing the residential place for 4-6 people depending on the places that are going to be utilized throughout the day
ITERATION 1-aim was to know how a person would use that space.
ITERATION 2-aim was to know how a space experience would be.
ITERATION 3- the aim was on the designing of the fenestrations
In the 3rd week we visited the Gowardhan Eco village where we learnt the different systems of sustainable architecture that included Solid waste management plant ,Water Harvesting plant ,Solar Panel plant ,etc.
ITERATION 4(FINAL)-
As the first light of dawn touched the courtyard, the chirping of birds gently stirred me awake. The courtyard was bathed in the soft warmth of the morning sun, creating the perfect space for my mom to practice her yoga. The seamless transition from the courtyard to the cozy living area invited me to linger on the couch, soaking up the warmth from the gentle breezes that drifted in from the eastern sides.
Climbing the stairs through the courtyard, I felt the embrace of the sun's warmth even on the coldest day, as if each step was a transition from the calm sanctuary below to the brighter, open space above. Once I reached my room, I tossed my jacket onto the bed and settled in to study. The sunlight streaming through the glass beneath the roof illuminated my desk, creating the ideal environment for focus and concentration.
By lunchtime, my growling stomach urged me downstairs. The cool breezes, infused with the delicious aroma of dal bati churma, led me to the dining area. It felt like a blessed space, where the breeze flowed from the window on the southern side, through me, and into the adjacent courtyard, making the room feel alive with the play of light and shadow. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, I grabbed my jacket, watching the shadows dance across the bedroom floor—a reminder of the house’s ever-changing relationship with light
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