C. V. Subramanian ¹, N. Ramachandran ¹, S. Senthamil Kumar2 ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Architecture, Periyar Maniammai University, Thanjavur - 613403, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Periyar Maniammai University, Thanjavur - 613403, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: To design and construct a contemporary residential building in warm and humid climate of Thanjavur with solar passive architecture concepts that can make the building thermally comfortable like traditional buildings. Methods/ Analysis: Solar passive architecture concepts and principles are used in traditional buildings worldwide. Thermal performances of such traditional buildings are well within the comfort range as prescribed by thermal comfort standards. But in most of the contemporary buildings, the indoor environmental conditions and thermal comfort are unsatisfactory due to improper design. Hence an attempt has been made to design and construct a contemporary residential building with solar passive designs. Thermal performance analysis is carried out during summer in the designed building and is compared with another contemporary house. Findings: The study on designed solar passive house indicates that improved performance can be achieved by combining the lessons learnt from traditional buildings by incorporating solar passive techniques that can bring indoor temperatures down enough for comfortable indoor environment to the occupants. It is observed that the temperature of the designed solar passive building is 2ºC to 3ºC cooler in summer in comparison with the contemporary building. It is evident from the study that design of building plays a major role to save energy which in turn gives an impact on national and global economy. These design findings can be applied further to contemporary residences in any context with reference to its local climate. Novelty/Improvement: Ten solar passive architecture strategies have been incorporated in the designed building which include orientation and planning, courtyard design, light coloured painting, white roofing tiles, shading elements, solar chimney and sky light, cross ventilation, landscaping, roof level ventilators and high ceiling roof.

Keywords

Contemporary Buildings, Solar Passive Architecture, Thermal Comfort Standards, Warm-Humid Climate

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