Nirali's Space!
ENVIRONMENT AND ARCHITECTURE
Designing a space with an operator regarding the house's space in light of the site's climatic response. The location is under the cold and sunny climate zone and situated in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. Compared to other parts of India, this area experiences significant temperature fluctuations. Not only does the temperature change with the seasons, but it also varies significantly throughout the day and night. The location is next to a lane that branches off of a main or larger road and is lined by bungalows, row houses, and other structures, including some new concrete buildings and some older traditional buildings.
SITE ON GOOGLE EARTH
SITE DRAWINGS
ABOUT THE REGION
To the north lies a lush bamboo forest, whose green expanse breathes life into the surroundings.The cool mornings and pleasant evenings make these gatherings in the shared spaces comfortable.
Given its location in the northern hemisphere, the sun’s southern trajectory influences the design and orientation of buildings to maximize comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.
During the winter months, the sun remains low in the sky, casting longer shadows and providing softer, less intense light. To harness this limited sunlight, buildings in Mount Abu are often oriented with their longer sides facing south. This allows homes to capture as much of the winter sun as possible, helping to warm the interiors and reduce the need for artificial heating.
The climate and environment of Mount Abu play a crucial role in shaping the way people live. Some homes, with their shared spaces and community spirit, reflect a way of life that is in tune with the environment.
In some areas, farming thrives, with patches of land dedicated to growing crops. The fertile soil and favorable climate allow the residents to cultivate their own food, adding to the self-sufficiency of the community.
The communal spaces become the heartbeat of the neighborhood, transforming the harsh extremes of weather into opportunities for warmth and interaction. These gatherings offer a break from the solitude that could otherwise dominate the area.
It informs the placement of buildings, the orientation of spaces, and the design of openings, and use of buffer spaces for community activities, all of which contribute to a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural world.
To the south, near Nakki Lake, a crocodile sanctuary adds an element of wild mystery to the area.
The houses seem to whisper stories to those who take a moment to listen. They press close together, like old friends who share secrets. Though their walls are near, each house maintains its own unique character and charm. The buffer spaces between the houses are alive with activity. These open areas serve as vital communal spots where residents gather, engage in conversations, share stories, and connect with each other.
CLIMATIC ANALYSIS
SUN ANGLES (DERIVED FROM SUN PATH)
The maximum sun angle falls on 21st June at 87.26° and the lowest sun angle falls on 21st December at 24.04°.It can be observed that the south direction will be critical during the months of April , May and June when the sun angle is high and the temperature levels are on rise. In the months of December , the low sun angle (24.04°) allows solar ingress from south which would induce heat inside the built-form. As there are houses on the north side of the site outside, although it impacts the over shadowing on the site it will not affect the design strategies.
WIND DIRECTION AND SPEED
APRIL TO JUNE (SUMMER)
JULY TO OCTOBER (MONSOON)
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NOVEMBER TO MARCH (WINTER)
The wind flows from South-West and North-East direction almost throughout the year. The highest hot wind velocity of 6m/s is recorded from South-West direction in the months of November to March ; the highest cold wind velocity of 12m/s is observed from South-West direction.The hot wind flows from North-East direction and the site is subjected to higher velocity of winds from same direction. It can be enveloped that the prevalent wind flows for the site are from South-West and North-East direction most of the year.
TEMPERATURE
Dry Bulb temperature
Dry Bulb temperature X Relative humidity
Precipitation
The average dry bulb temperature ranges from average low 11°C to average high 38°C. The month of May records the average daily high temperature 40°C and January holds the record of average daily low temperature as 10°C. The months of May and June indicates a spike of average relative humidity from 45 to 48% indicating the onset of monsoons. The gradual drop of average relative humidity is observed from the month of January to April.
CONCEPTUAL DRAWINGS AND MODELS
CONTEXT
DRAWINGS_A HOME YEAR AROUND
NARRATIVE_A HOME YEAR AROUND
As I step inside, I’m immediately struck by the stone structure’s remarkable ability to regulate temperature. The house feels naturally insulated, staying warm when the outside world is cold and cool when the sun blazes down. This natural equilibrium creates a sense of comfort that’s hard to match. The main living space is warm and inviting, perfect for conversations, meals, and intimate gatherings with friends and family. Moving deeper into the house, I discover the sunspace on the south side—a bright, cozy area that feels like an extension of the kids’ room, thanks to the transparent full height doors that connect them. This space quickly becomes a favorite spot, filled with light and warmth, offering a perfect balance between openness and privacy. The house’s design integrates buffer zones, secluded areas, and open spaces, each tailored for different purposes. The wall openings are thoughtfully placed—some are large on the south west side, inviting sunlight and warmth to flood the interior, while others are smaller on the north east side, ensuring a steady flow of fresh air. The crown jewel of the house is the roof garden. It offers a stunning view and serves as a versatile space for gatherings. Whether enjoying a warm cup of chai in the winter, ice cream in the summer, or pakodas during the monsoon, the roof garden is a place to savour life’s simple pleasures while staying connected to the surrounding beauty.