Nomenclature Application of Vernacular Architecture in
Embodied energy: Embodied energy is the sum of all the energy re-
quired to produce any goods or services, considered as if that energy was
incorporated or ‘embodied’ in the product itself.
Embodied energy for common building materials:
Material: PER embodied energy MJ/kg
PVC - 80
Hardboard - 24.2
Particleboard -8
Operational energy: Operational energy is the energy required during
the entire service life of a structure such as lighting, heating, cooling, and
ventilating systems; and operating building appliances.
Green building: Green home design includes building for energy effi-
ciency, including the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, wa-
ter, or solar; creating a healthy indoor environment; implementing natural
ventilation systems; and using construction materials that minimise the
use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the home.
Sustainable building: “Sustainable” describes how biological systems
remain diverse and productive over time. For humans, it describes the
potential for long-term maintenance of well-being, which in turn depends
on the well-being of the natural world and the responsible use of natural
resources.
Venturi effect: The Venturi effect is the reduction in fluid pressure that
results when a fluid flows through a constricted section of a pipe.
Convection current: Convection currents is warm air rising toward the
ceiling or attic of a house. Warm air is less dense than cool air, so it rises.
Wind is an example of a convection current.
U-value: Thermal transmittance is the rate of transfer of heat through
matter. The thermal transmittance of a material or an assembly is ex-
pressed as a U-value.
Urban heat island: An urban heat island is an urban area or metropoli-
tan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due
to human activities. The temperature difference is usually larger at night
than during the day, and is most apparent when winds are weak.
Window to floor ratio: The window-to-wall ratio is the measure of the
percentage area determined by dividing the building’s total glazed area
by its exterior envelope wall area.
Site imperviousness: Impervious surfaces are mainly artificial struc-
tures—such as pavements (roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots,
as well as industrial areas such as airports, ports and logistics and distri-
bution centres, all of which use considerable paved areas) that are cov-
ered by water-resistant materials.
Economizer: Economizers, or economisers, are mechanical devices in-
tended to reduce energy consumption, or to perform useful function such
as preheating a fluid.
Integrated design approach: Integrated design is a comprehensive ho-
listic approach to design which brings together specialisms usually con-
sidered separately.
Composite climate: A composite climate is one that has weather condi-
tions outside of normal conditions for at least half a year Composite cli-
mate displays the characteristics of hot and dry, warm and humid as well
as cold climates.
Courier and Logistics
Scope of study:
Bangalore is the 5th largest city in India. It is predicted to become
the largest metropolis in the south by 2020. Which makes it Why center around DHL ?
susceptible to rapid urbanisation, and eventually the climate will be DHL has recently implemented their Green Logistics iniative to reduce their car-
greatly affected. Due to the current practices in the industrial sector, the regional bon footprint. The purpose of this thesis is to also help reduce the carbon foot-
identity of vernacular architeture is being overshadowed. By implementing local print via architecture. By efficient construction methods and architectural practic-
practices we can create a more tailored and synchronised micro-environment. es we can reduce the overalls.
Objective: Apex Project Solutions is the currenty interior solutions partner for DHL offices.
To look into alternative building materials in order to adapt to the climatic condi- It is centered around a commercnial distrubution design for multiple locations
tions of Bangalore (industrial). Primarily to combat across India. The design practices are commercialised and hence don’t offer any
constant rise in temperatures and shift in weather patterns, considering the absence climate tailored solutions. Which makes it a perfect oppurtunity for me to con-
of any insulation in common/popular modern day office duct a local study and create a more tailored experience for employees.
practices. The problem however, is not completely solved with a change in
materials.
Thus, the thermal comfort can be managed better with a proportional
grid system for land plots. By doing so, expansion of the city can be
both faster and x down to the last brick. In accordance the interior
demands can be met in absolute modulation giving clients better and
cheaper options to customize their respective structures.
Demands Applications
- Storage (overnight/temporary) - Implementation of Vernacular practices
- Office space - Natural Ventilation optimization
- Delivery drive in - Curbing daytime energy consumption
- Corporate lobby - Initiave for eco-friendly practices
- Parking (employee) - Optimizing green spaces
- Parking (delivery vehicles) - Improving efficiency of epmloyees
- Recreational space through color psychology
- Visitor space
Why apply vernacular to industrial strutures? - Small scale guest accamodation
Common office interiors and exterior do not take local factors like metabolism
and clothing of the respective region. Embodied and operational energy are also Material
important factors when talking about sustainable practices. This study is centered
around these factors to move into a more sustainable future.
How?
100% sustainability is just a myth, however, this study centers around reduc-
tion in the carbon footprint. Lighting and ventilation elements can be optimised
through local techniques. Urban heat islands are a very common contributors to Embodiment energy and urban heat islands are huge factors in controlling the
modern day structures. The massive window to glass ratio invites a lot of heat to operational energy of a structure and its ability to be sustainable. Concrete has a
be just reflected back. By curbing all these factors, I believe we can create a bet- large embodiment energy value (5.6 Mj/kg). On controlling how much embodi-
ter srtucture both in terms of efficiency and aesthetics. ment energy the overall materials contribue to haeting and cooling.
Interior Exterior