Climate-conscious design: The Cool House in Bharuch, Gujarat

©Niveditaa Gupta, courtesy of Samira Rathod Design Atelier.

A corridor runs through the centre of the building, connecting the rooms to two courtyards. Windows are placed strategically to bring in cool breezes and diffuse harsh light. The south facade is predominantly solid, while the wind is channelled through the southwest courtyard into the northeast, ventilating the entire space. The southwest courtyard features a shallow water body that cools the incoming breeze and a perforated screen that directs it into the house. First-floor windows overlook the other courtyard, which is covered in trees.

©Niveditaa Gupta, courtesy of Samira Rathod Design Atelier.

©Niveditaa Gupta, courtesy of Samira Rathod Design Atelier

©Niveditaa Gupta, courtesy of Samira Rathod Design Atelier

In addition to its strategic design, the Cool House also has thick external walls and a cold, lime-powder interior to help regulate the temperature inside the building. Black paint and custom-sized siporex bricks add to its finesse.

©Niveditaa Gupta, courtesy of Samira Rathod Design Atelier

"Overall, the Cool House demonstrates the importance of considering climate and materiality in contemporary architecture, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions. The success of the house, as evidenced by the refreshing breeze it provides during the hottest months of the year, speaks to the effectiveness of this approach," says the firm.

©Niveditaa Gupta, courtesy of Samira Rathod Design Atelier.

Article originally published on World Architecture Community.