Architectural adaptations in cold & cloudy climates: - A comparative
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Ojasvi Khandelwal
SEM-III, B. ARCH
KEYWORDS
INTRODUCTION
The impact of climate on architectural design is
crucial for creating structures that withstand and
harmonize with their environment. In regions
marked by cold and cloudy climates, architects
face unique challenges related to thermal comfort,
energy efficiency, and natural light utilization. As
climate change intensifies, there's a growing need
to refine architectural responses for sustainable
built environments with passive techniques. This
study explores a spectrum of architectural
adaptations worldwide, from time-tested
vernacular constructions to modern designs with
cutting-edge technologies. Focusing on thermal
design and daylighting strategies, the research
examines how architects balance natural light
needs with energy conservation goals. Case
studies offer insights to distill best practices for
future endeavors in similar climates.
CLIMATIC DATA FOR COLD & CLOUDY
CLIMATE – SHIMLA
Solar radiation
Fig. 1 Radiation square for Shimla – hourly radiation on
horizontal surface, (W/m2).
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
FOR COLD & CLOUDY CLIMATE
Designing for cold and cloudy climates requires a
strategic approach that addresses specific
challenges related to temperature, sunlight
availability, and overall comfort while using
passive techniques. Here are some architectural
design principles tailored for such climates:
Micro climate
The local climate often deviates from the broader
regional climate due to various influencing factors,
necessitating precise consideration in architectural
design to ensure buildings are well-suited to their
specific microclimate. Several key determinants
contribute to the microclimate's departure from
the macroclimate: -
Firstly, elevation above sea level plays a pivotal
role, where steeper land slopes result in a swifter
temperature drop with increased elevation.
Vertical ascents, in particular, exhibit a cooling rate
of approximately 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit per 1,000
feet.
The form of the land, notably south-facing slopes,
significantly impacts the microclimate. South-
facing slopes receive more solar radiation,
rendering them warmer than their north-facing
counterparts. This positioning is why ski slopes are
commonly situated on the north sides of
mountains, offering protection from cold winter
winds.
The size, shape, and proximity of bodies of water
also exert influence, with large bodies moderating
temperature, generating daily land and sea
breezes, and increasing humidity.
Soil types, including factors such as heat capacity,
color, and water content, contribute to
microclimate variation. For instance, light-colored
sand reflects sunlight, reducing soil and air
heating, while rocks, with their high heat capacity,
absorb and release heat, benefiting areas like the
cliff dwellings of the Southwest.
room. In winter, passive heating involves a cycle of
rising warm air drawn into the room, while in
summer, a "stack effect" with low inlets and high
outlets or wind catchers promotes air circulation,
functioning akin to a screened-in porch. Strategic
vent placement and additional elements like earth
berms and rock beds enhance results.

Vegetation, through shading and transpiration,

can significantly alter air and ground
temperatures, affecting humidity levels.
Fig. 3 (left) Schematic section for winters
Moreover, man-made structures, such as (Right) Schematic section for summers
buildings, streets, and parking lots, have a
profound impact on microclimates. They can
COLD CLIMATE CHARACTERISTICS
create shade, alter wind patterns, and influence
temperatures, underscoring the importance of
A cold climate, characterized by 5,400 to 9,000
considering these factors in architectural design to
heating degree-days, demands buildings that
create environments that are both functional and
prioritize indoor comfort, fuel efficiency, and local
climate-responsive.
heating methods. Achieving this requires effective
insulation and strategic exposure to sunshine to
Building orientation
retain warmth. The ancient Greeks recognized the
low arc of the winter sun, designing buildings with
south-facing windows for optimal heating.
Traditional structures, often positioned below hills
on southward slopes, leverage natural protection
and shelterbelts. Proper orientation, typically with
the long axis east to west, maximizes sunlight
exposure on the south face. To minimize heat loss,
rooms may have low ceilings, thick walls, small
Fig. 2 - Interior space should be arranged so that rooms with windows, and centralized heating. In cold climates,
high heating and lighting requirements are arrayed along the
insulation is crucial for conserving heat and
south wall.
energy, marking the essence of cold climate
Extended east-west building layouts enhance the architecture.
surface area exposed to winter sunlight, providing
ample space for radiation absorption. In general, DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
structures aligned along an east-west axis
1. Construct against a hill facing South or
demonstrate improved efficiency for both winter
Southeast, with evergreen trees to the North and
warmth and summer cooling. This alignment
West to shield against cold winds.
facilitates optimal utilization of southern-facing
windows for solar heating during the winter.
2. Opt for a small and compact design, prioritizing
Additionally, it proves advantageous for summer
functionality over excessive size.
cooling by minimizing exposure to the morning
and afternoon sunlight along the east-west axis.
3. Maintain proportions that are longer in the East-
West direction than North-South, with a ratio of
Sunspace
about 1 1/4 to 1. Consider a structure of 1 1/2 to
Sunspaces serve as solar heat collectors, storing
two stories with a basement or semi-basement.
and distributing warmth throughout the building.
Unlike other systems, sunspaces add an additional
4. Explore the possibility of a duplex for shared
heating benefits, ensuring partition walls minimize
neighbor noise.
5. Implement thorough insulation from the
surrounding ground to enhance thermal efficiency.
6. Emphasize heavy insulation throughout the
structure, including insulated curtains for all
windows and skylights, and overemphasis on
insulation for both the roof and exterior walls.
7. Limit the use of glass, focusing mainly on the
South and Southeast sides, particularly downstairs
and in the basement. Introduce small skylights
upstairs for natural light. Ensure short eaves on
the South side to avoid obstructing skylights.
8. Incorporate a glass solarium on the South side,
providing a winter entry point through the
solarium.
9. Construct a heavy mass floor using materials like
cob, adobe, brick, or woodblock on adobe.
Implement a central mass heater, rocket stove, or
mass stove, avoiding fireplace use in extremely
cold weather.
• Architect: Ashok B. Lall
• Local Architect: C.L. Gupta
• Energy Consultant: S.S. Chandel, Principal
Scientific Officer and Coordinator, Solar House
Action Plan, HP CSTE
• Start-completion: 1995-1998
• Total building cost: Rs 22 million ~ USD 500,000.
Solar passive component 5.6% increase in cost.
Concept of building
Innovative combination of solar passive and active
systems for a predominantly day-use building to
cut down heating needs during winters.
Major design features
1. Sunspaces on the southern side
2. Solar wall on the southern side
3. Solar air heating system: solar heat collector on
roof-top with duct system for supply to various
rooms
4. Double glazed windows
5. Air-lock lobby at the main entrance

10. Maintain low ceilings in snug spaces for

increased warmth and coziness.

10. Utilize straw bale or bale cob on the North and

West walls, rounding the outside corners to
minimize surface area, reduce heat loss from wind,
and eliminate drafts.

11. Design a closeable and heat able snug space

for activities such as desking and handwork.
Fig. 4- Passive techniques used to create a sustainable building.
CASE STUDY

Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank,

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Fig. 6- Roof section showing solar heat collectors placed on a

south facing sloping roof.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
• Client/Owner: HP Cooperative Bank
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the study of passive techniques for

cold and cloudy climates emphasizes a nuanced
approach to sustainable architectural design.
Prioritizing solar exposure, strategic building
orientation, and thermal mass integration
underscores the significance of optimizing energy
efficiency. The incorporation of sunspaces and
well-designed ventilation systems emerges as
crucial for indoor comfort. Considering local
microclimates, insulation practices, and vegetation
roles underscores the need for tailored solutions.
Ranging from traditional to contemporary designs,
the research highlights adaptations that balance
thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and
environmental responsiveness. Amidst climate
challenges, these insights are crucial for resilient
built environments, offering practical guidance for
stakeholders in crafting a sustainable and adaptive
future.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Passive design strategies for cold and cloudy

climate by Ar. Rutika Ajri Tendulkar
2. Cold climate responsive architecture and effects
of the sun path by Ar. Apoorva Ajmera
3. Mili Majumdar- energy efficient buildings in
India
4.www.slideshare.net/SonakshiBhattacharjee/
climate-responsive-architecture-1
5. https://whereisthenorth.com/passive-design-
strategies-for-cold-climate/
6. https://www.novatr.com/blog/passive-design-
strategies-for-cold-climate

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