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Figure 28: landform
b) Walls: Insulation of walls does not give significant improvement in the thermal performance of a building. A brick wall of 230 mm thickness is good enough. c) Fenestration: The arrangement of windows is important for reducing heat gain. Windows can be larger in the north, while those on the east, west and south should be smaller. All the windows should be shaded with chajjas of appropriate lengths. Glazing of low transmissivity should be used. d) Colour and texture: Pale colours are preferable; dark colours may be used only in recessed places protected from the summer sun.
3.4. COLD AND CLOUDY, AND COLD AND SUNNY CLIMATES
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These regions experience very cold winters, hence, trapping and using the sun’s heat whenever it is available, is prime concern in building design. The internal heat should not be lost back to the ambient. The insulation of building elements and control of infiltration help in retaining the heat. Exposure to cold winds should also be minimized.
The main objectives while designing buildings in these zones are: Resist heat loss by:
a) Decreasing the exposed surface area b) Increasing the thermal resistance c) Increasing the thermal capacity d) Increasing the buffer spaces e) Decreasing the air exchange rate
Promote heat gain by:
a) Avoiding excessive shading b) Utilising the heat from appliances c) Trapping the heat of the sun.
The general recommendations for regions with a cold and cloudy, or cold and sunny climate are given below.
SITE
LANDFORM:
In cold climates, heat gain is desirable. Hence, buildings should be located on the south slope of a hill or mountain for better access to solar radiation. At the same time, the exposure to cold winds can be minimised by locating the building on the leeward side. Parts of the site which offer natural wind barrier can be chosen for constructing a building.
