Arati 3(A, B)
Architect – Shama Dalvi
Type – Residential
Location – Auroville
Completion - 2010, 2012
Apartment types - 2
apartment buildings having 12
apartments with a mix of
studio, single, double &
three bedrooms units
Orientation
• Spaces used more during the day such as living rooms are placed on the south face while less used spaces such as bedrooms placed on the
north in order to gain more daylight
• Smaller window openings with deep shading devices on North façade reduce the amount of heat entering the rooms on north
Orientation of buildings with longer North façade
N
sides along North-South axis, short
walls on east-west in order to reduce
heat gain
Passive heating and cooling techniques -
• Use of Aerocon (fly ash) blocks on roof terrace reduces heat gain on the upper levels
• Open terraces surfaced with reflective ceramic tiles to reduce heat island effect and exhibit
high
• Use of vermiculite in cavity walls on North, East & West sides
• The boxing of the balconies give additional protection against the harsh sun and strong
monsoon rains.
• The frame structure uses cavity infill walls with a vermiculite fill for insulation.
Energy efficient systems – Boxy
• CFL’s installed in all apartments back in 2010; however, meanwhile as LED’s are freely
available in the market, residents are shifting to LED fittings. balconies
• Timer system installed on drip & sprinkler irrigation system for the gardens
• Auto shut off timer installed for common stairwells such that when switched on, switch off
happens within 3 minutes.
• 3 numbers of solar water heaters installed by different individuals (totally 12 units)
• On grid type Solar PV setup installed for one 3-bedroom & solar PV setup for backup
installed on one 2 bedroom apartment
Urban Forest - How is it sustainable?
• The Urban Forest concept will be the greenest residential building in the world and will
reduce the heat-island effect, improve the micro-climate, undertake localized air-
cleansing, absorb pollutants, reduce noise levels and contribute to biodiversity,
Curves wrapping the facade makes it a vertical urban forest
by having a vegetation on each curve. Its overall form is
designed to maximize natural light and promote cross-
ventilation, while its greenery will provide extra insulation
too.
Alternate curved facades make up the balconies
and provide shade to the lower floors
Urban Forest achieves 300 percent site cover with living greenery,
featuring 1,000 plus trees and more than 20,000 plants selected
from 259 native species. The columns are also a nod to the local architectural tradition of the Queenslander, a house that is raised up on a
platform and surrounded by a shaded verandah. This building style was developed to suit the climate of high
temperatures and torrential downpour, providing shady outdoor spaces while minimizing the risk of flooding.
In addition to some unique approaches to landscaping, absorbing
CO2 and adding to the biodiversity of the area, the residential
tower is energy efficient in other ways,
•The tower is strategically located to minimize summer solar heat
gain and take advantage of natural ventilation.
•The air conditioning and LED lighting are all high-efficiency to
reduce the energy consumption.
•Each household has its own energy and water metering system to
help them track and control their use.
•All stormwater and greywater of the tower will be treated and
retained.
•Other sustainable features include solar panels, rainwater, and
grey water collection for irrigation use, as well as the use of
recycled and sustainably-sourced materials.
• Materials used –
- The main structure of Urban Forest will be made of so-called
green concrete, a low carbon version of concrete with 40 per
cent less Portland cement in it than traditional concrete. The A solar farm is mounted on the roof of the building to
concrete will be sourced locally to further reduce emissions. reduce the power demand.
- Units will be fabricated as modules to reduce wastage and
shorten construction time.
- Stone or brick elements will be recycled or locally sourced, and
all the timber used will be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
certified.