Traditional Indian Home Designs: Nowadays, heat is breaking new records every year. It is also becoming difficult to stay inside homes. In such a situation, air conditioner (AC) and cooler have become our necessity. At the same time, there was a time when coolness remained inside the houses without the help of any machine or electricity. The design of our traditional Indian houses was so different that the houses themselves remained cool naturally. In ancient times, people used to build houses keeping in mind the climate, wind direction, sunlight and local resources.
This is the reason why their houses were comfortable even in summer. Today, when electricity consumption is increasing and pressure on the environment is also increasing, a lot can be learned from these old methods. So let us know what is the specialty of old Indian house design which remains naturally cool even without AC and what are the important tips for modern houses.
What is special about old Indian house design?
1. Special attention to direction and layout – Old houses were built in such a way that the strong sunlight did not enter directly. Windows and doors were installed keeping in mind the direction of the wind so that cross ventilation could be maintained in the house. Due to this, fresh air kept coming in and out of the house and hot air went out. Due to this, the temperature of the house remained naturally balanced.
2. Use of natural and local materials – PMaterials like mud, stone, lime and tiled roof were used in Halle’s houses. These materials did not allow heat to come in quickly. The thick walls trapped heat during the day and slowly released it out at night. Due to this the house did not become cold during the day and too hot at night. Besides, due to the use of local materials, these houses were also environment friendly.
3. Importance of courtyard – The courtyard was a very important part of old Indian houses. This open space was in the middle of the house, from where air flow was better. Hot air would rise up and go out and cold air would come in. Many times there were trees and plants or a small source of water in the courtyard, which further increased the coolness.
4. Shade and cooling designs – The verandah, latticed windows and sloping roofs protected the house from direct sunlight. The nets allowed air to enter but reduced sunlight. The verandahs provided shade and kept the temperature inside the house balanced. All these designs were not only useful but were also beautiful to look at.
Also read – Screen Time Effects: Do you become restless as soon as you move away from your phone? Know how the screen is making you age prematurely?
What are the important tips for modern homes?
1. Adopting traditional methods can be very beneficial in today’s architecture. For this, it is important to have proper ventilation in the house. So that fresh air can come in and hot air can go out, due to which the temperature inside remains naturally cool.
2. The direction of the house should be decided in such a way that there is less direct sunlight and the air flow remains good.
3. By using natural materials like soil, stone and lime, less heat enters the house and the temperature remains balanced.
4. Including shady areas in the house like verandah or latticed windows reduces the effect of sunlight and maintains coolness.
5. Open space and greenery like courtyard, trees and small gardens make the atmosphere of the house cool and fresh, thereby providing more comfort with less energy.
Also read – Hair Dye Safety: Can coloring white hair damage the liver? Big truth revealed on hair dye
