Cold Climate

Regions that fall under the cold climate experience very cold winters. As such, trapping the
sun’s heat whenever possible is a major design concern. At the same time, the buildings in
such regions need to be properly insulated so that the internal heat is retained with minimum
loss to the environment. Exposure to cold winds should also be minimised.
The main objectives of building design in these zones are:
(A) Resisting heat loss
To resist heat loss, the following measures may be taken into consideration:

 (a) Decrease the exposed surface area of the building.

 (b) Using materials that heat up fast but release heat slowly.
 (c) Providing buffer spaces between the living area and the outside.
 (d) Decreasing the rate of ventilation inside the building.
(B) Promoting heat gain
Heat gain can be promoted by

 (a) Avoiding excessive shading.

 (b) Utilising the heat from appliances.
 (c) Trapping the heat of the sun.
The general recommendations for these climatic regions are
(1) Site
(a) Landform
 In cold climates, heat gain is desirable. Hence, buildings should be located on the
south slope of a hill or mountain for better access to solar radiation.

Source: Handbook on Energy Conscious Buildings

 Exposure to cold winds can be minimised by locating the building on the leeward side.
Incase the southern side is the windward side. The building should be glazed in such a
manner that minimum wind enters the building.
  Parts of the site which offer natural wind barrier can be chosen for constructing a
building.
(b) Open spaces and built forms
 Buildings can be clustered together to minimise exposure to cold winds.

Source: Handbook on Energy Conscious Buildings

 Open spaces between buildings must be such that they allow maximum solar rays to
be incident on the building.
 They should be treated with a halt and reflective surface so that day reflect solar
radiation onto the building.

Source: Handbook on Energy Conscious Buildings

(c) Street width and orientation
 In cold climates, the street orientation should be east-west to allow for maximum
south sun to enter the building.
 The street should be wide enough to ensure that the buildings on one side do not
shade those on the other side (i.e. solar access should be ensured)
Source: Handbook on Energy Conscious Buildings
(2) Orientation and Planform
 Buildings must be compact with small surface to volume ratios to reduce heat loss.

Source: Handbook on Energy Conscious Buildings

 Windows should face south to facilitate direct gain.

 The north side of the building should be well-insulated.
 Living areas can be located on the southern side while utility areas such as stores can
be on the northern side.
 Air-lock lobbies at the entrance and exit points of the building reduce heat loss.
 Heat generated by appliances in rooms such as kitchens may be used to heat the
other parts of the building.
(3) Building Envelope
(a) Roof
 False ceilings with internal insulation such as polyurethane foam (PUF), thermocol,
wood wool, etc. are feasible for houses in cold climates.
 Aluminium foil is generally used between the insulation layer and the roof to reduce
heat loss to the exterior.
 A sufficiently sloping roof enables quick drainage of rain water and snow.
  A solar air collector can be incorporated on the south facing slope of the roof and hot
air from it can be used for space heating purposes.
 Skylights on the roofs admit heat as well as light in winters.

Source: Handbook on Energy Conscious Buildings

 Skylights can be provided with shutters to avoid over heating in summers.

(b) Walls
 Walls should be made of materials that lose heat slowly.
 The south-facing walls (exposed to solar radiation) could be of high thermal capacity
(such as Trombe wall) to store day time heat for later used.
 The walls should also be insulated.
 The insulation should have sufficient vapour barrier (such as two coats of bitumen,
300 to 600 gauge polyethylene sheet or aluminium foil) on the warm side to avoid
condensation.
 Hollow and lightweight concrete blocks are also quite suitable.
 Skylights can be provided with shutters to avoid over heating in summers.
 On the windward or north side, a cavity wall type of construction may be adopted.
(c) Fenestration
 It is advisable to have the maximum window area on the southern side of the building
to facilitate direct heat gain.
 They should be sealed and preferably double glazed to avoid heat losses during winter
nights.
 Condensation in the air space between the panes should be prevented,
 Movable shades should be provided to prevent overheating in summers.
(d) Colour and texture
 The external surfaces of the walls should be dark in colour so that day absorb heat
from the sun.

3) Cold and dry climate

1) Resist heat loss

• Decrease exposed surface area Orientation and shape of building. Use of trees as wind barriers
• Increase thermal resistance Roof insulation, wall insulation and double glazing
• Increase thermal capacity (Time lag) thicker walls
• Increase buffer spaces Air locks/ Lobbies
• Decrease air exchange rate Weather stripping
• Increase surface absorptivity darker colors

2) Promote heat gain

• Reduce shading Walls and glass surfaces

• Utilize heat from appliances
• Trapping heat Sun spaces/ green houses/ Trombe walls etc