TRADITION
The Impact of Climatic and Cultural Factors
on Openings in Traditional Houses in Maharashtra
Parag Govardhan Narkhede and Ms. Richa Chopade
Studying fenestration styles
evolved over a period of
time owing to specificities
of the region.
28 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People February 2010
A
s an architectural space fram-
ing device, openings sepa-
rate viewer from view, inside
from outside and public from private
isolate the scene beyond. ‘Doors and
windows’ are the staple of the archi-
tectural process. The contrast between
pre-historic caves and dwellings hav-
ing ‘openings’ is not very great. Tradi-
tional architecture has always been
a mode of fascination for, be its aes-
thetic beauty or its adaptability to the
place. Every region has its own pecu-
liar style of architecture and its open-
ing patterns. There are variations in
size, shape, materials and the visual
effects in every style. Understanding
and analyzing them will help in know-
ing the feasibility about its applica-
tions in contemporary projects.
The paper deals with considering
the architectural of traditional houses
in Maharashtra in three areas, Aurang-
abad, Pune & Konkan.
Introduction
Since primitive dwellings like caves to
the modern skyscrapers ‘openings’ in
walls form an important building com-
ponent. The size, number, style and
placement of the openings are said to
be the clues to living conditions in a
particular climate.
In early times they were meant only
to provide access, daylight and neces-
sary ventilation for the interior but in
the course of time to keep pace with
functional requirements like sound
insulation, heat insulation, protection
from fire hazards etc. The complexities
of functions of fenestrations increased.
The diversity of functions further en-
hanced the significance of building
fenestration and today has assumed
greater importance than ever before.
Apart from various functions asso-
ciated with fenestration it plays an im-
portant role in surface composition. The
characteristics of openings and their
arrangement have a great aesthetical
value as an important component of
the ‘Facade’ — the initial encounter with
the building.
Need for the STUDY
Growth and construction styles in tradi-
tional village settlements have evolved
over a period of time and are solutions
based on specificity. While these are not
static and do undergo modifications,
they do not exhibit the frenzy of change
that one has come to associate with ur-
ban growth. The relationship of individu-
als and groups in the settlement, the lo-
cal materials available, the skills of the
artisans, the technology available and
the climatic conditions of the region de-
termine the resultant forms and building
typologies. The most suitable solutions
are found to stand the test of time.
Nowadays, with the advent of con-
crete jungle in cities and maximum use
of artificial ventilation, openings are
treated as mere compulsion of bye laws.
Hence, it is very important to study the
typology of openings in various parts of
India. This will prove to be an eye open- Window of a house at Banni
er to various probabilities to incorpo-
rate opening designs to cope with the
recent environmental disturbances.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Architecture is essentially based on the
composition of functional elements
such as doors, which give access to the
interior of the house, and windows or
other openings, which allow light to
enter into a house and its inhabitants
to see, through them outside. If we
compare a house to a human face, the
door is the mouth; the windows, sub- Typical Goan window
ject of a companion volume, are the Regional varieties of window styles
eyes, protected by eyelids- shutters or found in India.
other coverings that open, open part
way, or are closed.
Windows
Windows are openings found on the
facades of every type of habitat, from
the modest to the extravagant. The
principle function of the window is to
ensure communication with the sur-
rounding world from the exterior to
House in Kutchh
the interior, and vice versa.
Windows are often described as the
eyes of the building, which leads us to
two-part role in revealing, and after
nightfall, and the cinematic spectacle of
the street. This role is celebrated to the
full in the intricate decorations tradi-
tionally found in different cultures.
Doors
Doors confirm the existence of all habi-
tats, no matter what kind. The princi-
ple door of a residence often carries a Typical façade in Jaisalmer
particular visual importance: it clearly Regional varieties of door styles found
marks the entry of the house. It enclos- in India
February 2010 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People 29
es, hides and protects a space from foul fenestration in different areas and eras habitat of man which provided shelter
weather, intruders and conversely it can were based entirely on the experience only at night and openings other than
open to disclose what it hides, some- and can be studied through a brief re- ‘an access’ were not really necessary*
thing somber, secret and unknown. view of the historical background. From As the nomadic lifestyle was largely
The door is therefore a passageway be- ancient times the openings in buildings replaced by agricultural settlement
tween two worlds, two states, between are a pointer to various prevailing con- and dwellings were used more often,
the unknown and known, between the ditions like climate, materials available, ventilation became necessary and the
public and private, between the pro- development of structural methods, openings were introduced. Together
fane and sacred. In a traditional country social customs, artistic trends and the with doors and doorways they formed
house, the frame, composed of a lintel, a traditional skills. (Kulkarni S. V. 1986) the fenestration of the building facade
door jamb and a doorstep are generally The development of openings due and became significant examples in
works of artisans and demonstrate their to changing human needs is from ‘hole
true technical and artistic knowledge. in the wall’ to the contemporary ‘cur-
Traditionally, the lintel is the ma- tain wall. However, owing to the impor-
sonry element on which is inscribed tance of glass as a material for open-
the date of the house’s construction, ings and its influence on architectural
the name of the owner, other decora- design, it is convenient to consider two
tive formulas, or protective symbols distinct periods as –
that vary according to locale.
As for doors themselves, composed Pre glass era :-
of pivoting elements that allow for a. Early beginnings
passage, outside the world of modern Caves were the earliest and most natural Section of a cave dwelling
mass production, no two are exactly
the same: form, proportion, design,
material, and color are all components
that vary according to locale, custom,
ingenuity of the artisans, fancy of the
inhabitant, and the mode of architec-
ture employed.
Doors are usually rectangular in
shape and tall enough to allow a per-
son to stand in the frame. Until the ap-
pearance of modern building materi-
als, the breadth of doors in traditional
homes essentially depended on the
length of the piece of wood or stone
that was used as the lintel.
The proportions of the door are
determined by architectural choices as
well as by the dimensions of the façade
and other openings. The placement of
the door on the façade – central or off
center- also gives a certain character to
the habitat.

Reference Of Openings
The ‘Kale’ (castle) of Uchisar, Cappadocia, Turkey
In History
Cave Architecture
The solutions given to the problem of

30 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People February 2010

the design and development of archi-
tectural style and order.
b. Egyptian architecture
Climate :-
• Warm and equable with good
sunshine.
• Fierce heat and rarity of rain.
Description :-
• Openings were few in number,
small in size, positioned high
above floor
• Light was taken from doorways
and roof slits
• For large temples clerestory was
provided.
Egyptian façade
Egyptian window-door style
The Temple at Edfeu, Egypt
Egyptian Architecture
• Windows and doorways were
square headed
• Dark interiors produced
mysterious atmosphere
• Windows had timber frames
• Doorways spanned by massive
lintels,
• Use of stone gratings for windows.
c. West Asiatic architecture
Climate :-
Mesopotamia suffers considerable
climatic extremes, scorching sun in
summer, searching blasts in winter and
little rainfall.
Mesopotamian building façade
Opening pattern
Opening pattern
February 2010 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People 31
The great mosque of Corodova, Turkey
Mesopotamian Architecture
Description :-
• Openings were small in size.
• Openings were located in inner
skins of double walls just below
ceiling level.
• Windows were square headed,
arched and doorways spanned
by double semicircular arches
ornamented with glazed bricks.
• Doorways were used to light
the interiors but ventilation was
through terracotta pipes.
• Stones were used often for door
and window surroundings.
d. Indian architecture
Climate :-
Equable climate
Description :-
Buddhist
• Horseshoe type arch developed for
eaves.
• Doorway being the only source
of light vas screened by wooden
trellis.
• In northwest, square headed
openings developed which were
filled with trefoil or ogival arch
forms with corbelling and not with
voussoirs.
Jain e. Chinese architecture
Square headed openings modified by Climate :-
insertion of sloping. Range of climate from extreme cold
Hindu to almost tropical region wise, heavy
Square headed openings modified rainfall.
by corbelled brackets at corners to Description :-
reduce span of lintel. • Openings of considerable size and
square headed.
• Window walls were placed
between the structural members.
• Timber framing, two or more
upright posts with horizontal
frieze.
• Use of lattice work for security and
use of oyster shell or rice paper as
Infilling material to provide privacy
Buddhist opening patterns as well as to admit light.
• Openings were protected by
projecting eaves.
Panch Maharahthas, Mamallapuram
Typical Chinese window
Hindu style of openings
Jain temple, Jaisalmer Typical Chinese house
Indian Architecture Chinese Architecture
32 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People February 2010
Japanese architecture
Climate :-
Warm, moist in summer and cold in
winter, heavy rains.
Description :-
• Openings of considerable size and
square headed.
• Due to large roof projection very
little direct light from openings
reached the interiors.
• Interiors were lit by the light
reflected from ground.
• Window openings were fitted with
timber trellis and provided with
wooden shatters externally, use of
rice paper in light sashes.
Traditional Japanese window details
Japanese building façade
Typical Japanese window
Japanese Architecture
Greek architecture
Climate :-
Moderate, very suitable for
outdoor life.
Description :-
• Size of the opening was
dependant on the column spacing,
usually narrowing towards the top,
larger in public buildings
• Windows were found rarely in
temples.
• Light was taken from the tall
doorway.
• Square headed openings were
spanned by either stone or timber
lintels.
• Provision of metal grills in panels
of door to admit light.
Greek building façade
Greek door-window details
Greek Architecture
Roman architecture
Climate :-
• Temperate in north, sunny in
centre and tropical in south.
• Diversity of structural form led to
the development of arch and vault.
Use of concrete allowed wide
spacing and enormous spans.
Description :-
• Colonnades were superseded by
arches and column faced piers.
• Doorways were square and
semicircular headed.
• Windows were often semicircular
headed divided by mullions.
• The ‘eye’ of the pantheon, in Rome,
was the most striking example of
roof light in ancient times.
• Doorways were fitted with metal
grills and alabaster split into thin
sheets was used as glazing.
• In later period doorways became
decorative features of importance
in external design.
Section of Pantheon
Roman door-window details
Oculus of the Pantheon
Roman Architecture
February 2010 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People 33
Early Christian byzantine
architecture
Climate :-
Temperate in north, sunny in centre
and tropical in south.
Description :-
• Openings followed Roman
tradition.
• Large openings were divided into
parts by columns.
• Arcades, doors, windows
were spanned either by
semicircular arch which
rested directly on capitals
or by lintels.
• Use of clerestory prevailed.
• Use of marble lattice screens,
alabaster or plaster as glazing.
St. Cement’s Rome
Building façade
Door-window details
Early Christian Architecture
Romanesque Architecture • Arcades consisted of massive
Climate :- circular columns supporting
Duller climate in north, dazzling and semicircular arches
sunshine in south. • In Italy, small openings were
Description :- provided with jambs in rectangular
• Window openings were enlarged recesses or orders filled in with
in north and kept small in south. small shafts.

Period after development of glass:

a. Gothic architecture
Climate :-
• Dull climate in France.
• Development of openings was
largely conditioned by emergence
of new type of structural system-
system of comparatively small
Door-window details
blocks of stone in thick mortar.
With this structural system
maximum flexibility compatible
with stability could be achieved.
Description :-
• As walls were free from load Gothic doorway and window details
bearing function, large areas of
windows were seen.
• In general openings, verticality
was observed.
• Increasing facility in the art of glass
making gave large, stained glass
which produced dramatic effect
Romanesque building façade with light.
• Later colored glass was
superseded by translucent glass
due to Influence of Renaissance
thought and increasing complexity
of window tracery.
• In 12th century pointed arch Rose window Strasbourg cathedral
developed.
• In 13th century wheel windows
developed.
• Pattern became more webs like
and windows lost their mosaic
character.
• In 14th and 15th century large
windows were divided by transoms
and third pointed arch developed.
• In France in domestic buildings
Canterbury Cathedral, England Window–Gothic style
windows were more functional
Romanesque Architecture Gothic Architecture
with plate tracery, bar tracery and

34 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People February 2010

 flamboyant pattern; doorways
were elaborate, large and recessed.
• In England, high pointed four
centered arch developed.
• Windows developed plate tracery
to perpendicular tracery and
cupping, doorways were placed
laterally with projecting porch.
b. Renaissance architecture
Climate :-
Differs vastly over extensive area. In
Italy, climate was bright and sunny but
in England it was dull.
Description :-
• In this period openings dominated
the facade and their placement
was with regard to symmetry and
grouping.
Renaissance doorway and window details
Krakow, Polish Renaissance
Renaissance Architecture
• Openings remained small
as determined by climate In
Italy while in England large
bay windows, open to floor
and protected by balconies,
balustrades developed, openings
were spanned by arches and
lintels.
• Windows followed classical lines
and were null mullioned and
transformed.
• Openings had unrecessed
jambs finished with molded
architraves.
c. Nineteenth century architecture
• Openings were organized on age
old lines.
• Facades were mainly traditional.
February 2010 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People 35
• Non Mediterranean countries
sought to gain more natural light,
so they enlarged window areas.
• Pseudo columns were fitted with
windows.
• Large, unobstructed window areas
were possible.
d. Twentieth century architecture
• Openings maintained traditional
aspect.
• Due to the movement towards
simplicity, openings lost elaborate
enfacements.
• Openings became regular in
mutual disposition.
• Modern architecture shows
framework lightly in filled with
a protective covering, therefore
openings are much less strongly
differentiated from wall as
against previous.
The Glasgow School of Art
Villa Savoye, Poissy-sur-Seine
Modern Architecture
Climatic Impact on
Traditional Architecture
In the past, most designers were famil-
iar with the climate in which they were
building, having experienced its rhythms
and variations since birth. They were also
well aware of the ways they could bene-
fit from its advantages and over come as
far as possible its disadvantages with the
limited resources at their disposal. Fol-
lowing are some of the features of tradi-
tional architecture which led to thermal
comfort conditions in buildings, such as
i. Contextual surroundings and
orientation of the building.
ii. Appropriate climatic responsive
form of a building.
iii. Clustering pattern according
to natural shading and thermal
insulation.
iv. Provisions of a courtyard for
36 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People February 2010
ventilation and lighting and also
controlling the harshness of the
tropical sun.
v. Limiting the number and size of the
openings which not only reduces
the heat gain but also the dust
entering the building.
vi. By constructing the walls of the
building of thick adobe bricks so as
to increase the time lag.
vii. Provision of shading devices like
screens, jharokhas eaves projection,
verandahs, arched recesses,
cornices, parapets etc.
viii. Provision of vertical shafts or wind
catchers to cool and circulate the
air through buildings.
ix. Use of vegetation and water bodies.
x. Exterior surface painted white or
light color for reflection of heat
radiation.
xi Provisions of soft surfaces around
the building, such as, artificial
mounds, grass cover etc.
METHODOLOGY
Considering the architectural diversity
and places of existence of traditional
houses in Maharashtra, three study ar-
eas are selected.
• Aurangabad (Vidharbha region of
Maharashtra)
• Pune (Central zone of Maharashtra)
• Konkan (coastal area of
Maharashtra)
Sampling
Sampling frame considered is – ‘tradi-
tional settlements’. Random sampling
system is adopted in this study. The age
of the sample considered is minimum
20 years old.
Questionnaire Pattern
No. Questions Objective Type

1. How old is the residence? To identify the character of the openings according to its age. .Closed-ended

How many openings are present Closed-ended

2. To understand the spread or density of openings on the façade
in the house?

What is the area of the opening To get to opening to wall surface area ratio Closed ended
3.
w.r.t. the total area?

4. Openings are…..? To know if openings are- With shutters or without shutters Closed ended

5. Openings are…..? To know if openings are grilled, open, or semi open Closed ended

What is the shape of the To understand the various shapes in which openings are Open-ended
6.
opening? constructed
How is the division of the window To understand the composition of the openings Closed-ended
7.
opening done?

8. Shutter is- To understand the type of shutter – fixed, louvered, sliding Closed-ended

9. Transparency of opening- To study the light effect the openings bring about in the house Closed-ended

What is the material of the To understand if the material used is local or not Closed ended
10.
opening?

11. Age of the material To understand to quality of material used Closed ended

12. What is the color of the opening? To understand the quality color used in the openings Closed ended

Does the color have a cultural To relate the color to their culture
13. Closed-ended
background?

OBSERVATION
AND ANALYSIS

Study Of
Aurangabad Area:-
Observations:-
• Almost all shutters are
fixed (hinged) to the
opening frame.
• Timber (solid panels)
is used as the
major material for
shuttering.
• Most of the openings
have timber shutters
which are grilled with
iron bars.
• Some of the openings
were also composed
of windows and
ventilators.

February 2010 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People 37

Color Palette Observed In the Study
(30 samples)
• Striking colors used in some
communities.
• Some of the windows have no
color applied, self color of the
material is maintained.
• Combination of 2 or 3 colors
observed in doors, windows, and
their respective frames.

Study of Pune area:-

Observations:-
• All shutters are fixed (hinged) to
the opening frame.
• Shutter frames are solid timber
panels with intricate work on the
frame of the shutter.
• Typical Maratha style windows
and doors.
• Openings have timber shutters;
few were grilled with iron bars.
• Ventilators are also present in
few openings.

38 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People February 2010

Color Palette Observed In The Study
(30 Samples)
• Somber colors are used on doors
and windows.
• Shades of cream color prominently
observed.

Study Of Konkan Area:-

Observations:-
• All shutters are fixed (hinged)
to the frame.
• Shutters are whole solid
timber panels
• Portuguese style of architecture is
observed; doors windows follow
the same style.
• Colorful facades observed.

Color palette observed in the study

(30 samples)
• Striking colors are used.
• Creates a sense of liveliness in the
surrounding area

February 2010 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People 39

 Comparative observation chart:-
INFERENCES & CONCLUSION
• Notable differences were observed
between different traditional
settlements and communities.
• Opening pattern largely depends
on the collective style, likes and
preferences of the community.
• Every community in village or
town has a specific architectural
character of its own, which is
evolved out of time.
40 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People February 2010
• This factor plays a major role in the
planning and design of traditional
opening in houses in Maharashtra
• The shapes of the openings is
common and not much difference
is observed.
• Ideally, buildings must act as
environmental filter at minimum
energy cost, and heritage
buildings of the past are the
best pointers in this regard and
constitute outstanding evidence of
being energy conscious.
• These buildings designed and
built within contextual natural
environment show that form
fabric and fenestration help in
energy conservation techniques
and the intelligent use of spaces,
building design and materials
ensures optimal comfort from
climatic factors invading indoors,
 without mechanical means, i.e., heaters, fans, coolers,
air conditioners etc.
• What is essential is to take the wisdom of the past and
if possible to formulate some conclusion and evolve
a building form which will be more humanized, more
climate responsive, more visually intricate and more
eco friendly building of tomorrow.

REFERENCES
BOOKS
ARCHITECTURE FOR KUTCH — Reinterpreting the Lifestyle,
Culture, Crafts and Architecture of Kutch Region in New
Housing Author - Sanjay Udamale (2002)
WINDOWS OF THE WORLD Author- Jean-Phillipe and
Dominque Lencos (2005)
DOORS OF THE WORLD Author- Jean-Phillipe and
Dominque Lencos (2005)

DISSERATIONS
Report BUILDING FENESTRATIONS Author- Kulkarni S.V.
(1986)

GAZETTEERS
VISTAR- Catalogue of the exhibition Edited by Carmen Kagal
(1986)

WEBSITES
Nethttp://www.hindu.com/br/2003/11/18/stories/
2003111800270300.htm date 6-08-08
http://www.goavacationguide.com/goa-architecture.
html date-18-08-08
http://awayofseeingarchitecture.blogspot.
com/2007/09/konkan-house-clusters.html date-18-08-08
http://www.architexturez.net/+/subject-listing/000230.
html date-18-08-08
http://designflute.wordpress.com/2007/10/08/mud-art-
of-kutch/ date- 09-08-08
http://www.architexturez.net/+/subject-listing/000149.
html date-06-01-09
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goan_houses.html date-
08-12-08
http://www.archgoa.org/raj%20angan/raj%20angan.
htm date-08-12-08

Parag Govardhan Narkhede, (Lecturer, BKPS College

of Architecture, Pune) and Ms. Richa Chopade (Final Year
Student of BKPS College of Architecture, Pune)
Photograph: Courtesy the Author.

February 2010 ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People 41