environment & architecture 

this course in environment and architecture is to analyze the regional climate and environmental flows, to be able to design a passive energy strategy for local dwelling unit.

ponda, goa 

site drawings 

ponda, Goa is centrally located in the state and is slightly positioned inland. Ponda is surrounded by gently rolling hills and elevated plateaus and is known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. These hills are covered with dense forests, plantations, and a mix of tropical and deciduous vegetation. The proximity to the sea plays a vital role in shaping the home's design, with the salty breeze adding a refreshing touch to the air that circulates within. 

the homes are designed with a deep understanding of the local climate and harmony with the environment. A typical Goan house features a sloping, tiled roof designed to withstand the heavy monsoon rains. The overhangs provide shade and protect the walls from the sun and rain. Even on the hottest days with the use of large windows and doors it ensures a constant flow of fresh air. The charming bay windows and welcoming porches invite light and air into the living spaces.

the verandah serves as a social space, while the courtyard is the heart of the home, used for family gatherings and religious ceremonies. The design of the house, with its deep verandahs and open courtyards, invites these gatherings, creating spaces where memories are made and cherished. 

the weather in Goa is tropical, characterized by hot, humid summers and a monsoon season that brings life-giving rains. Winter in Ponda is a season of comfort, community, and celebration. The mild temperatures and clear skies create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for both relaxation and activity. Homes in Ponda, often designed with thick, laterite walls and deep verandahs, are built to withstand the heat.

as the morning sun shines on the land, it highlights the rolling hills covered with different types of trees. Large mango and banyan trees stand proudly. The gentle slopes suggest a thoughtful design that will work together with the natural flow of the land. The site is more than just a piece of land; it is alive and ready to blend into Ponda's vibrant landscape. The neighboring houses, reflecting the region’s rich architectural traditions, blend seamlessly with their environment. 

stepping inside, the heart of the home reveals itself—a courtyard open to the sky. It is a sanctuary where the elements meet, a place where the warmth of the sun is tempered by the coolness of the shade, where rain nourishes the earth, and where the stack effect quietly works its magic. 

climate analysis 

passive strategies 

stage 1

 my passive strategy to counter the warm and humid climate was to have maximum ventilation. To achieve this, I was working with the idea of cross ventilation, double height space and also working with material which are locally available. I decided on using laterite stones walls as they are porous in nature. 

stage 2

in this iteration I was focusing with the idea of opening up the space, to achieve that I introduced courtyard and adjoining verandahs, I was looking at idea that courtyard being the center of house could become a gathering space for everyone which would work with concept of vernacular house typology of Goan houses. 

process model

stage 3

solar ingress 

design model & drawings

house of gatherings 

as you step into the house, you're immediately greeted by the open expanse of the verandah, which wraps around the home like a protective embrace. The laterite stone feels solid, grounding you in the space, while the high, sloping roof above offers a sense of openness, as if the sky itself is just within reach.

you walk further into the verandah, drawn by the sound of voices—family and friends gathered around a low table, cups of tea in hand, their conversation punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter. The atmosphere is one of ease and comfort, the verandah serving as the perfect backdrop for these moments of connection.

as you take a seat, you can feel the coolness of the stone radiating beneath you, a welcome relief from the warmth outside. The rain begins to fall, first as a gentle patter, then as a steady rhythm, each droplet dancing off the roof and into the veranda’s central courtyard. The air cools even further, and you close your eyes, listening to the symphony of rain and laughter, feeling utterly at peace.

looking out, you see the surrounding trees swaying gently in the breeze. The coconut palms stand tall, their fronds rustling softly, while the bright flowers of the gulmohar tree add splashes of red to the verdant landscape. It's a place where nature and architecture are in perfect harmony, where the house feels less like a building and more like a natural extension to the terrain.