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Figure 3.27 - Nalanchira, Trivandrum, Kerala, hamlet map
from CLIMATE RESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURE INTEGRATING CLIMATIC CONSIDERATIONS AS AN PART OF PLANNING AND BUILD
3.3 Case study 3 - The Hamlet, nalanchira, Trivandrum, Kerala
• Laurie Baker's own residence is called 'The Hamlet'. It was constructed in Trivandrum on
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a sharply sloping and stony slope with little vegetation when Baker began construction. • First, he constructed a single-room timber shack that served as a library of medical books, as well as a bed room, living room, drawing room, and study. • The location was extremely curved and rugged, yet baker did not damage a single rock or tree, earning him the nickname "RIGHT IN THE ROCKS." • This is a magnificent and unusual residence built on a parcel of ground down the slope of a rocky hill, with restricted access to water.
• Although the hamlet is situated on a steeply sloped land, the impact of constructions on the site is minimal.
• Getting to Baker's house is like going from the concrete jungle of Trivandrum to the pure air and shade of the suburbs.
Figure 3.27 - Nalanchira, Trivandrum, Kerala, hamlet map
(Source – Google Earth)
3.3.1 Climate analysis
1) Rainfall
Rain falls throughout the year in Thiruvananthapuram. June is the wettest month in Thiruvananthapuram, with an average rainfall of 10.2 inches. With an average rainfall of 0.7 inches, January is the driest month in Thiruvananthapuram.
2) The wind speed
Over the course of the year, the average hourly wind speed in Thiruvananthapuram varies significantly by season.
The windier half of the year lasts 4.9 months, from May 9 to October 4, with average wind speeds above 9.5 miles per hour with an average hourly wind speed of 12.7 miles per hour, June is the windiest month in Thiruvananthapuram.
From October 4 to May 9, the quieter season lasts 7.1 months. With an average hourly wind speed of 6.3 miles per hour, March is the calmest month of the year in Thiruvananthapuram.
3) Macro climatic detail
• Nalanchira is a suburb of Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, formerly known as
Trivandrum.
• Thiruvananthapuram's average monthly temperature is between 21 and 34 °Celsius, with a relative humidity of 65 to 70%.
• Shade should be provided to prevent from direct sunlight.
Continuous airflow/cross ventilation is needed here to maintain a strategic distance from moisture.
