HUMANSCAPES
URBAN LIVING
LOCATION AND CLIMATE
Location: Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India
Site Area: 2500 sq. m
Climate Type: Tropical wet and dry (Aw) with dry winters
Temperature Range: 24°C to 34°C
Humidity Levels: 60% to 85%
Prevailing Winds: Southeast and southwest
Auroville (Tamil Nadu) is a tropical land with a hot and humid climate with temperatures
similar almost entire year long. The local climate is characterized by marked seasonal
change in humidity, thus natural ventilation and passive cooling are critical in the
architectural design. According to these climatic conditions, buildings in the region should
be provided with features in order to minimize heat accumulation, ensure maximum air
circulation and minimize energy use through passive solutions.
PROJECT VISION AND PURPOSE
Humanscapes Habitat was developed as an applied research project, exploring how
urban living spaces can be both sustainable and socially inclusive. Conceived by
Auroville Design Consultants, the building is an example of sustainable architecture,
incorporating guidelines for low-embodied energy construction and resource
conservation. The development is not just a residential building but an experimental
prototype, in which, instead of traditional construction methods, environmental
protection, social fulfillment and sustainable adaptation are the key issues discussed.
One of the most important features of the programme is its focus on skills training in the
construction industry. The project actively involves and trains local labourers in sustainable
building techniques, equipping them with knowledge that extends beyond the project
itself. This method also in turn expands the employment prospect for construction workers,
and plays a role in a wider trend of eco-friendly construction practices to be introduced
into the mainstream of development.
ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH AND MATERIAL USE
Motivated by urban vernacularism, Humanscapes Habitat provides an unbroken flow of
spatial openness and functional programmability in its floor plan. The design encourages
communal living with roofed corridors, shaded courtyards and joined terraces, which are
semi-private and public spaces that facilitate interaction, yet guarantee climatic comfort.
Material selection is of utmost importance for achieving sustainability. As a replacement
for the traditional high-carbon materials, poured earth walls, which are reinforced to a
minimum amount of cement, are used in the project to ensure durability with low
environmental footprint. Flooring of natural stone, and exposed brick vaults roofing
materials increase thermal performance without increasing energy intensity of the
building envelope. In particular, the project adopts a waste-minimizing material plan,
which exploits waste stone trimmings from Cuddapah and reclaimed woods for doors
and windows. In this conscious material choice, it reduces the embodied energy footprint
of the project to a minimum supporting circular economy concepts.
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Humanscapes Habitat is designed to incorporate a variety of sustainability-focused
solutions, with which to cut down consumption of non-resources and build up self-
sufficient housing. Some of the key environmental strategies include:
• Passive Solar Design: Buildings are sited to take maximum advantage of natural light
and cross-ventilation, while minimizing artificial lighting and cooling. Shading devices and
deep overhangs both contribute to additional reduction of heat gain and, thus, indoors
thermal discomfort is avoided by not employing extensive air conditioning.
• Water Resource Management: A zero-water discharge policy is achieved via rainwater
harvesting and wastewater recycling features. Native, drought-tolerant species are
employed in landscaping and effectively decrease irrigation requirements, all while
contributing to maintaining the local ecosystem.
• Energy Efficiency: The project is based on a very large solar energy system that
produces more energy than it uses. This net-positive-energy design approach shows the
potential of renewable technology for providing energy for an entire urban population.
• Waste Reduction Strategies: Construction waste is minimized by using recycled and
locally available materials. Furthermore, design approaches are aimed towards
separation and recycling in which discarded wastes will not become waste but can be
reused in future designs.
SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY-ORIENTED ASPECTS
Community-oriented design is one of the characteristic features of Humancapes Habitat.
Unlike conventional urban housing models that often prioritize individualized living, this
project fosters collaborative and interactive spaces that encourage social bonding and
co-living experiences. The construction is especially tailored to be used for Aurovilians and
interns, with 36 units of housing in the initial phase. The co-housing model fosters multiple
shared resources, which lowers total consumption and promotes residents' interpersonal
relationships.
Beyond fostering social interaction, the project actively contributes to capacity building
by training local workers in sustainable construction methods. Humanscapes Habitat
through the implementation of skill development programs guarantees that the value of
sustainability goes far beyond the lifecycle of the project and results in long-term benefits
for the local labour force and the construction sector.
RECOGNITION AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
Humanscapes Habitat has received wide attention as a result of its ability to support
sustainable urban design. It was presented with the Sustainable Construction Grand Prize
at the Green Solutions Awards 2020-21 and achieved global recognition for its pioneering
approach to delivering sustainable buildings and energy efficiency. These awards
emphasize the ability of the project to bring environmental awareness, social equity, and
architectural thinking into one integrated conceptual design, thereby serving as an
innovative model for further evolution.
Additionally, performance assessments indicate that energy consumption per capita
within the community is significantly lower than in conventional urban developments,
owing to the passive cooling strategies, solar energy integration, and water conservation
techniques adopted in the project.
CONCLUSION
Humanscapes Habitat is a revolutionary restructuring of urbanism that provides a model
that integrates sustainability, livability, and community participation. It shows how
architecture can move beyond the realms of esthetics and function in the public sphere
to explicitly influence social conduct and ecological responsibility.
Focusing on low-embodied energy building materials, passive cooling and renewable
energy solutions, the project achieves new standards on climate-sensitive urban design.
More importantly, its emphasis on social cohesion and skill development ensures that
sustainability is not just an environmental goal but also a cultural and economic one.
In the face of climate change, resource depletion and urban sprawl, the Humanscapes
Habitat is an innovative, replicable and aspirational model of sustainable urban growth.
The project demonstrates that genuine sustainability is not only to reduce environmental
footprint, but to provide inclusive, resilient and self sufficient communities that improve life
quality and continue using the planet's resources.
ANALYSIS:
PARAMETER HUMANSCAPE HABITAT, TAMIL NADU
Climatic Considerations • Hot & humid climate
• Temperature range: 24°C – 34°C
• High humidity levels (60% – 85%) requiring continuous air
movement
• Prevailing winds: Southeast and Southwest
Building Orientation • Aligned with prevailing wind direction to enhance cross-
ventilation
• East-west orientation minimizes direct solar gain while
maximizing airflow
Ventilation Type • Cross-ventilation: Ensured through large operable
windows, open courtyards, and interconnected
terraces
• Stack ventilation: Exposed brick vaults with air gaps
allow hot air to escape, creating a chimney effect
Opening Design & • Windows placed on opposite facades for effective air
Placement movement
• Jali screens & perforated walls promote filtered airflow
• Adjustable louvered openings for wind control
Building Form & Layout • Clustered layout with shaded courtyards & roofed
walkways
• High ceilings & open-plan interiors reduce heat buildup
• Shared terraces & balconies create buffer zones for
temperature moderation
Materials Enhancing • Poured earth walls with minimal cement (high thermal
Ventilation mass, slow heat absorption)
• Exposed brick vaults create breathable roofing
• Natural stone flooring stays cool & promotes heat
dissipation
Shading & Passive Cooling • Deep overhangs & verandas prevent direct sun
exposure
• Shaded courtyards & green buffers reduce ambient
temperature
• Drought-resistant native vegetation for evaporative
cooling
Roof Design for Ventilation • Curved vaulted roofs allow for hot air escape through
passive convection.
• High roof insulation prevents excessive indoor heat gain
Airflow Control • Partition-free layouts allow continuous airflow
Mechanisms • Movable partitions & operable windows provide user
control over ventilation
• Perforated doors & semi-open spaces maintain air
circulation
Thermal Comfort Levels • Maintains indoor temperatures significantly lower than
ambient
• No heat stagnation due to well-designed air movement
• Thermal comfort achieved with minimal energy use
Effectiveness of Strategies • Successfully reduces indoor temperatures without air
conditioning
• Continuous air circulation enhances occupant comfort
• Demonstrates replicable strategies for sustainable
ventilation in tropical climates
J-HOUSE
LOCATION AND CLIMATE
Location: Khar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Climate Type: Tropical wet and dry (Aw)
Temperature Range: 25°C to 35°C
Humidity Levels: 70% to 90%
Prevailing Winds: Southwest (during monsoons), sea breezes from the west
This coastal climate of Mumbai makes it humid and warm during the whole year, while
monsoon brings excessive rains, all of which ensure that residential buildings have passive
cooling and cross-ventilation to avoid reliance on air conditioning. The J-House captures
all these conditions while ensuring that its design impacts mostly with responsive strategy
of an energy-intensive resistance such as this into practice.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AND ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH
J-House is not a building in the condition of a common apartment. Instead, it is breaking
with the boxy, complete, closed forms of structures emerging in the city and embraces a
design that pursues natural light, airflow, and human interaction.
• Courtyard Living in a Vertical Format:
One of J-House's salient architecture features is its layout focused on the courtyard.
Unlike most modern apartments that are heavily dependent on artificial ventilation,
each unit has been organized around a north-facing courtyard that acts like a
natural air funnel and will draw in cool breezes while allowing warmer air to escape.
The concept epitomizes the spatial configuration of many traditional Indian homes,
where open courtyards contributed to natural cooling and social interaction.
• Shaded Verandas and Climate Control
Deep verandahs are provided on the western facade of J-House, which confronts
sun and rain during the heavy monsoon. That creates a transition zone between
heat and the buildings where temperature fluctuations are more significantly
reduced from indoor environments. For glass walls that trap heat, there is the
movable louvered perforated aluminum panel system similar to old-style jali. These
panels diffuse light and breeze into the interiors while conserving privacy, thus
offering a contemporary take on the time-honored strategy of conditioning air.
MATERIAL SELECTION AND SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES
Malik Architecture also mindfully approached materials, with sustainability being at the
heart of their use but very much avoiding the impression that warmth or affluence were
sacrificed.
Locally Sourced Materials: Interiors having oak, teak, and limestone, thus minimizing the
carbon footprint from transportation while contributing towards a natural and earthy
aesthetic.
Energy-Efficient Design: Courtyards, shading devices, and cross-ventilation all contribute
to the decrease of artificial cooling and lighting, thus reducing energy consumption.
Green Landscaping and Microclimate Creation: The lush native vegetation at the ground
level cools the surrounding microclimate and contributes toward mitigating the urban
heat island phenomenon.
Apart from this, J-House also has provisions for rainwater harvesting and treated
wastewater recycling which completes its vision of sustainable living in urban spaces.
SOCIAL AND URBAN IMPACT
Beyond just sustainability, J-House provides a departure from the usual isolating high-rise
lifestyle by engaging with the larger community. Street-Level Interface and Community
Spaces.
Unlike most residential towers, which provide a blank, disconnected facade at street
level, J-House is raised on stilt and leaves the ground floor open and inviting. This part
serves as a semi-public space, giving opportunity for interaction between the residents
and the surrounding community.
Inside the building, there will be shared verandas and courtyards that function as informal
gathering spaces, thus strengthening social ties among neighbors. This type of semi-
private zone allows conversations to occur chaotically, children's play areas, and
relaxation in common, hence breaking the monotony of isolation of apartment living.
CONCLUSION
J-House is not just a residential building; it is a prototype for climate-specific urban housing
in Mumbai. It blends indigenous design with actual sustainable strategies, thus raising the
bar for dense living in tropical cities. Its emphasis on passive cooling, material efficiency,
and community engagement makes it an example of how architecture works with nature
and not against it.
J-House shows how, in an age where urban residences become mechanical creatures for
their climate, spaces designed well can bring comfort, efficacy, and a sense of
belonging—all within the ranks of a sustainable approach.
ANALYSIS:
PARAMETERS J-HOUSE, MUMBAI
Building Orientation • Oriented to capture prevailing sea breezes from
the west and southwest.
• North-facing courtyard enhances passive
ventilation by drawing in cool air and expelling
warm air.
Ventilation Strategy • Utilizes the stack effect through the central
courtyard to regulate indoor temperatures.
• Cross-ventilation is facilitated by strategically
placed windows and ventilators.
Courtyard Effect • Acts as a thermal buffer, reducing heat buildup.
• Enhances natural ventilation by channelling air
into living spaces and allowing warm air to
escape.
Facade Treatment • Features movable louvered aluminium panels to
regulate airflow, solar heat gain, and privacy.
• Deep shaded verandas on the western façade
minimize direct sun exposure.
Material Selection • Uses locally sourced teak, oak, and limestone to
reduce embodied energy.
• Materials provide natural thermal insulation,
minimizing heat absorption.
Shading Devices • Extended overhangs and deep verandas protect
interiors from direct sunlight.
• Shading elements help in temperature regulation
and passive cooling.
Fenestration and Openings • Large operable windows promote cross-
ventilation.
• Perforated screens diffuse sunlight while allowing
controlled airflow.
Landscaping & Microclimate • Green cover and native vegetation help reduce
the urban heat island effect.
• Ground-level greenery improves air quality and
contributes to a cooler microclimate.
Water Management • Rainwater harvesting system reduces
dependence on municipal water supply.
• Greywater recycling ensures sustainable water
use for landscaping and flushing.
Energy Efficiency • Reduced reliance on mechanical cooling due to
passive design elements.
• Optimized natural lighting and ventilation lower
overall energy consumption.
Community Interaction • Open stilt area at the ground level encourages
public engagement.
• Shared verandas and courtyards create semi-
private spaces for social interaction.
HOUSES IN
ALLUR VILLAGE
LOCATION AND CLIMATE
Location: Allur Village, Chittapur Taluka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India
Climat: Hot and Humid climate
Temperature: 34°C – 42°C (summer), 27°C – 29°C (winter)
Average Rainfall: 410 mm per year
Humidity Levels: 56% (average)
Wind Speed: 20 mph (maximum)
Kalaburagi’s hot summers, low humidity, and strong solar radiation make passive cooling
strategies essential. The vernacular house is designed to resist heat gain, promote
ventilation, and enhance indoor comfort through thick stone walls, small openings, and a
shaded courtyard.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND DESIGN ELEMENTS
Building Form and Orientation
• The house follows a compact, inward-looking layout to minimize exposure to harsh
sunlight and reduce heat absorption.
• Thick external walls (450 mm – 900 mm) serve as thermal mass, slowing down heat
transfer.
• The main entrance faces east, aligning with traditional Vastu principles and
avoiding direct heat gain from the west.
• The low height of the structure prevents excessive exposure to direct sun, reducing
heat buildup.
Courtyard-Centric Design
• Central Courtyard: Acts as a thermal regulator by facilitating airflow and
evaporative cooling.
• Stack Effect Ventilation: Hot air rises and escapes through openings at the top,
drawing in cooler air from shaded areas.
• Shaded Verandas: Surrounding the courtyard, providing protected circulation
areas and reducing solar exposure.
• Teak Wood Columns: Support shaded corridors around the courtyard, enhancing
aesthetics and climate responsiveness.
• Microclimate Control: The courtyard, combined with vegetation and water
features, significantly lowers indoor temperatures.
Construction Materials
• Shahabad Stone (Local Limestone):
o Used for walls, flooring, and roofing.
o Highly durable and provides excellent insulation against heat.
• Lime Mortar and Surkhi (Brick Dust):
o Used for binding, enhancing insulation properties.
• Wooden Beams and Rafters:
o Used for structural support in roofs.
o Acts as an additional insulating layer.
Passive Cooling Strategies
• Thick Stone Walls:
o Store heat during the day and release it at night, ensuring stable indoor
temperatures.
• Tapered Windows with High Sills:
o Minimize direct solar heat gain while allowing controlled ventilation.
• Jali Screens and Latticework:
o Facilitate cross-ventilation and diffuse harsh sunlight.
• Shaded Verandas and Overhangs:
o Prevent excessive solar radiation, keeping interiors cooler.
• Deciduous Trees and Water Features:
o Enhance cooling through evapotranspiration.
FUNCTIONAL LAYOUT
• Ground Floor:
o Common areas
o Cattle sheds
o Storage rooms
o Kitchens
• Upper Floors (First and Second Floor):
o Bedrooms
o Grain storage rooms (heat-sensitive storage is placed on upper floors where
temperatures fluctuate less).
• Separate Kitchens and Puja Rooms:
o Ensure cultural adherence while maintaining thermal comfort.
ROOFING SYSTEM
• Flat Stone Slab Roof:
o Covered with lime and mud packing to slow heat transfer.
• Wooden Beams and Metal ‘I’ Sections:
o Provide structural support.
• Roof Overhangs:
o Reduce direct exposure to sunlight.
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS
• Multi-Generational Living:
o Houses are designed for extended families, ensuring privacy while promoting
social interaction.
• Symmetrical Façade with Traditional Carvings:
o Reflects Islamic and Chalukyan architectural influences.
• High Plinth Level:
o Protects against flooding during monsoons.
CONCLUSION
The vernacular house in Allur Village is a perfect example of sustainable architecture,
responding effectively to the region’s hot and dry climate. The use of local materials,
courtyard planning, and passive cooling strategies ensures comfort while preserving
cultural traditions. The house is not only energy-efficient but also deeply embedded in the
socio-cultural fabric of the community.
ANALYSIS:
PARAMETER ALLUR VILLAFE, KALABURAGI, KARNATAKA
Building Orientation • Compact inward-looking layout minimizes exposure to
harsh sunlight.
• East-facing entrance avoids harsh western sun.
• Low-height structure minimizes heat buildup.
Ventilation Strategy • Central courtyard promotes air circulation.
• Stack effect: Hot air escapes through upper openings,
drawing in cooler air.
• Small, strategic openings enable cross-ventilation.
Courtyard Effect • Acts as a thermal buffer, keeping interiors cool.
• Shaded verandas block direct sunlight.
• Vegetation and water features enhance cooling.
Facade Treatment • Thick stone walls (450mm – 900mm) store and release
heat slowly.
• Small, high-placed windows minimize heat gain while
allowing airflow.
Material Selection • Shahabad stone provides insulation and durability.
• Lime mortar & surkhi improve temperature regulation.
• Wooden beams & rafters add extra insulation.
Shading Devices • Deep verandas, roof overhangs, and jali screens
reduce sun exposure.
• Latticework allows airflow while blocking harsh light.
Fenestration and • Small, high windows prevent overheating while
Openings ventilating spaces.
• Perforated jali screens promote airflow while ensuring
privacy.
Landscaping & • Trees & water features in the courtyard create a
Microclimate cooling effect.
• Mud flooring retains cool air, improving indoor comfort.
Water Management • Rainwater harvesting reduces dependence on
external water.
• Greywater recycling supports irrigation and cooling.
Energy Efficiency • Passive cooling eliminates the need for AC.
• Shaded spaces, thick walls, and ventilated layouts
regulate temperature naturally.
Functional Layout • Ground floor: Living areas, kitchens, cattle sheds, and
storage rooms.
• Upper floors: Bedrooms and grain storage to maintain
stable temperatures.
• Separate kitchens and puja rooms respect cultural
traditions.
Community Interaction • Multi-generational layout balances privacy and
shared spaces.
• Traditional stone carvings and symmetrical façade
reflect local heritage.
• Elevated plinth prevents flooding during monsoons.