Environment and Architecture

 Over the past six weeks, we’ve investigated how regional climates and environmental flows influence architectural design, focusing on how to craft buildings that are both sustainable and energy-efficient. How we analyze local environmental conditions to develop passive energy strategies and design resilient, energy-positive structures. Our goal has been to learn how to harness natural resources effectively and create designs that truly respond to their context.

We were divided into 6 groups on basis of 6 climatic zones in India. My group looked at The Moderate zone, where our site was in Bangalore Karnataka.

In the south west of India lies Bangalore , a city situated on the Deccan plateau at an elevation of 900 meters above sea level. The city terrain is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills and valleys. The city's weather is generally pleasant, with mild winters and warm summers. This is relatively moderate compared to other Indian cities that experience more extreme temperatures.

PASSIVE DESIGN STRATERGIES

THE FIELD

THE EBB HOUSE

In early November, as Bangalore’s monsoon had just receded, the city began to cool down. Around 6 PM, Ruhan returned from football to find Amma seated on the diwan by the south window, admiring the oak tree. The room was bathed in soft light from the east and a stronger glow from the south. Though some moisture from the recent rains lingered in the air, it was only mildly sticky.

Appa was busy preparing his filter coffee in the open kitchen, which flows seamlessly into the living area, allowing for a shared cooking experience. The open design fosters their enjoyment of cooking together, enhancing family time. The kitchen’s northern window lets in soft light and fresh air from the east creating a pleasant environment, Although they usually enjoy their coffee on the northern veranda, they often prefer the TV room or veranda for meals, rarely using the floating island.

The staircase  is right in front of the north veranda on the ground floor , this connects the backyard to the exaggerated steps which lead you to the stairs . This gives your eyes a sense of continuity.

The first-floor office, with windows framing the oak tree, offers a peaceful, well-ventilated workspace, essential for keeping their work separate from their home life. Ruhan’s room, located on the two-meter mid-landing, benefits from its south-facing window, providing balanced lighting and a degree of seclusion from the more communal areas in the house.  It faces the south and is perfectly lit in the evening, not too strong due to the oak but bright enough to live in unlike the TV room which is quiet and dark

As the evening progressed, I descended the stairs at around 7:30. The vertical fins on the west facade filtered the soft, fading light, casting gentle shadows on the steps.

From the first floor, the stairs lead to the terrace with its pergola, where Amma and Appa often unwind, watching the sunset and enjoying the cool breeze as the city quiets down for the night.

FINAL MODEL