Unit-1(Site Selection)

Introduction, Types of buildings as per NBC, criteria for location and site selection, site plan and its detail.
Sun shading devices, brief introduction to sun path and method to draw sun chart, design of louvers, energy
conservation in buildings, passive solar cooling and heating of buildings.

Types of buildings as per NBC- The National Building Code of India (1970) have classified the type’s
buildings on the basis of their occupancy as follows:

Group A: Residential Types of Buildings:

The types of buildings in which sleeping accommodation is provided to the people for residing temporary or
on permanent basis.
For example: Bungalows, Private houses, Apartments, Hostels, Hotels, Cottages, and Villas etc.
These buildings are further divided into 5 another groups.
1. Family Private Dwellings.
2. Flats.
3. Hotels.
4. Dormitories.
5. Lodging Houses.
Group B: Educational Types of Buildings:
The type of buildings in which educational activities takes place are called as Educational Buildings. It
includes education from nursery to university. The best examples of educational buildings are schools,
colleges, universities, training institutes etc.

Group C: Institutional Buildings:

This types of buildings are used for the purpose of activities related to health, medical, recovering health
from injuries or illness, care of old people and infants etc. Generally these types of buildings provide
sleeping facility for the occupants.

Group D: Assembly Buildings:

The type of buildings in which groups of people gather together for the purpose of worship, for amusement,
gymnasium, museum, cinema hall, club, swimming pools, transportation services etc. It is the type of
building where people from all classes are gathered together.

Group E: Business Buildings:

These types of buildings are constructed for carrying out business related activities. The main purpose of
such buildings is to carry out business transactions, keeping of important records and accounts etc. It
includes city halls, dispensaries, clinics, libraries etc.

Group F: Mercantile Buildings:

These types of buildings are basically used for trading activities and for display of products or waves either
wholesale or retail. It includes shops, stores, markets etc.

Group G: Industrial Buildings:

In these types of buildings or structure activities related to fabrication takes place. It may be assembling or
processing of different products. Examples of industrial buildings are refineries, laboratories, assembly
plants, gas plants etc.

Group H: Storage Buildings:

These types of buildings are generally used as godown, warehouse or a storage structure. The primary
purpose of these buildings is storage of goods or products, waves or merchandise, vehicles or animals etc.
Group I: Hazardous Buildings:
The types of buildings structure in which storage, handling, processing or manufacturing of materials which
are harmful to living kind and has the potential to burn with extreme rapidity and cause harm to living health
are called as hazardous buildings. Hazards may be due to accidental fire, fumes or gases, explosion etc.
Buildings which are used for the storage of such harmful gases and highly flammable liquids, fireworks,
explosives etc. are included in this type of buildings.

**Criteria for location and site selection

Site selection has an important bearing on planning and designing of buildings. Generally, therefore, an
architect has either to make a choice of suitable site or to plan his building structure to suit the available site.

Factors to Consider During Selection of Building Site

Natural defects of a site will involve considerable expenditure on construction and maintenance of the
building. While unsatisfactory conditions in the neighbourhood of locality will cause unhappy living
conditions on one hand and possible deterioration of the value of property on the other.
Therefore the following general factors should be considered while selecting a site for building construction.
1. Purpose of Building
This is the most important factor to consider before purchasing or selecting a site for residential purpose.
The site should be selected keeping in view the general scope or the purpose of building and on the basis of
extent or privacy required.
2. Friendly Neighbourhood
The site should be situated in locality which is already fully developed or which is fast developing. To
secure happy living conditions, generally such neighbourhood is preferred where the neighbours belong to
an equal status in society and who should be social and friendly.
3. Available Facilities
The plot should be in a locality where the various facilities as mentioned below are available.
 Community services such as police and fire protection, clearing of waste and street cleaning
 Utility services such as water supply, gas, electricity, and drainage
 Amenities such as schools, hospitals, libraries, recreation, telephone, etc.
 Shopping facilities
 Means of transportation

4. Government Laws
A site which comes within the limits of an area where the by-laws of the local authority enforce restrictions
regarding proportions of plots to be built up, vacant spaces to be left in front and sides, heights of buildings,
etc., should be preferred.
5. Shape & Size
Area of the plot of land should be such that the house constructed, keeping in view the restrictions of the
local authority, would meet the requirements of the owner, preferably with possibilities of future extensions.
The site should not be irregular in shape or having any sharp corners.
6. Terrain Condition
The site should be situated on an elevated place and also levelled with uniform slopes from one end to the
other so as to provide good and quick drainage of rain water.
7. Type of Ground Soil
The ground soil of the site should be good enough to provide economical foundations for the intended
building without causing and problems. Generally, for most satisfactory constructions, the site should have
rock, sand or dense soil below 60 to 120 cm layer of light soil or even black cotton soil.
8. Natural Light & Air
The location of the site should be such as to ensure unobstructed natural light and air.
9. Environmental Condition
The site should be available in a locality where natural beauty and man-made environment create healthy
living and working conditions. Environment also affected by nearest factories, kiln etc: so these thing also
need to be considered.
10. Legal & Financial Aspects
The legal and financial aspects, which dictate upon ownership rights and the costs, should be given due
consideration before the purchase of a plot.
11. Other Factors
A site should be abandoned under adverse circumstances such as unhealthy, noisy or crowded localities;
immediate neighbourhood or rivers carrying heavy floods, badly maintained drains; reclaimed soils or water
logged areas, subject to submergence or settlement and; industrial vicinity having smoke and obnoxious
odours.

**Site plan and its detail

Site Plan of Building:-

A site plan is an architectural plan, landscape architecture document, and a detailed engineering drawing of
proposed improvements to a given lot. A site plan usually shows a building footprint, travel ways, parking,
drainage facilities, sanitary sewer lines, water lines, trails, lighting, and landscaping and garden elements.
Such a plan of a site is a "graphic representation of the arrangement of buildings, parking, drives,
landscaping and any other structure that is part of a development project".
A site plan is a "set of construction drawings that a builder or contractor uses to make improvements to a
property. Counties can use the site plan to verify that development codes are being met and as a historical
resource. Site plans are often prepared by a design consultant who must be either a licensed engineer,
architect, landscape architect or land surveyor"

Site plans includes site analysis, building elements, and planning of various types including transportation
and urban.
A site plan is a top view, bird eye view of a property that is drawn to scale. A site plan can show:
 Property lines
 Outline of existing and proposed buildings and structures
 Distance between buildings
 Distance between buildings and property lines (setbacks)
 Parking lots, indicating parking spaces
 Driveways
 Surrounding streets
 Landscaped areas
 Easements
 Ground sign location
 Utilities

Importance of Site Plan:-

1) It gives idea of site.
2) It gives details of building site with respect to road and adjoining plots.
3) It gives idea direction of plot facing i.e. East-west or North-south.
4) It gives margins from boundary of plot.
5) It gives size of plot.
6) It gives location of water supply line, drainage line, manhole and water tank
 Fig. Typical Layout of a Site Plan

Elements of a good site plan: - Here are the 11 things a good site plan must include:
1) Directions, notes, and abbreviations, as well as project data and a vicinity map.
2) Property lines: Property lines are called out around the exterior of the lot.
3) Setbacks: These are the spaces between a building and its property line.
4) Existing and proposed conditions: Fence lines, utility and power lines need to be shown on your
site map. These will also illustrate whether inspectors need to be called in during the construction
process.
5) Construction limits: This will show the parts of the property where the construction is happening
and shows the areas near the site where you will be taking up space for equipment parking and
storage.
 6) Parking: A site plan will always show parking dimensions, including parking spaces, areas for
turning around, and especially in urban and high-traffic areas, the flow of traffic.
7) Surrounding streets and street signs: Along with the flow of traffic, a site plan will show you how
your property functions within the streets and avenues that surround it.
8) You will also be able to see these features in a separate “vicinity map.”
9) Driveways: A good site plan usually shows the exact dimensions of driveways and curbs.
10) Fire Hydrants: City codes govern the distance your property must be from fire hydrants, and a new
construction site plan will also include these when they are submitted for approval to the city.
11) Easements: Site plans will always include easements, which is a feature of your property that is
shared by someone else for a specific purpose. Examples include a pathway through your property to
a neighbourhood park, utility lines, or parts of the property that are maintained by a homeowners
association.
12) Landscaped areas: A good site plan will include not only the measurement, but also the type of
landscape feature (such as a deciduous tree, or a desert landscape) and retaining walls.

**Sun shading devices-

The primary objective of shading devices is creating a comfortable internal environment.

Sun shading devices inhibit the solar radiation incident on a building. Sun shading devices are any
mechanical equipment or textiles that are used either internally or externally or in between the internal and
the external building space. Shading devices can be fixed, manual and automatic movable.

Sun shading devices are architectural elements designed to control the amount of sunlight that enters a
building. They serve several purposes, including reducing glare, preventing overheating, and enhancing
energy efficiency. Here are some common types of sun shading devices used in buildings:
1) Louvers or Sun Louvers: Louvers are horizontal or vertical slats that can be adjustable or fixed.
They are often positioned on the exterior of a building to block direct sunlight while allowing natural
light and ventilation. Adjustable louvers provide flexibility to control the amount of sunlight at
different times of the day or year.
2) Awnings: Awnings are fabric or metal extensions that project outward from a building's facade.
They provide shade to windows and outdoor areas, reducing direct sunlight and heat gain indoors.
Retractable awnings can be adjusted as needed.
3) Exterior Venetian Blinds: Similar to traditional window blinds, exterior venetian blinds consist of
horizontal slats that can be tilted to control the angle of sunlight entering a room. They are typically
installed on the outside of windows and offer effective shading and glare control.
4) Vertical Fins or Screens: Vertical fins or screens are thin, vertical elements that are often made of
metal, wood, or other materials. They are placed on the building's facade and can help diffuse
sunlight, create visual interest, and provide shade.
5) Brise Soleil: Brise soleil is a design feature that consists of horizontal or vertical elements installed
on a building's exterior to provide shade. They can be integrated into the architecture, creating
aesthetically pleasing shading solutions.
6) Perforated Panels: Perforated panels have patterns of holes or openings that allow some sunlight to
pass through while providing shading. They can be used as decorative elements on building facades
while reducing solar heat gain.
 7) Solar Shading Glass: Advanced glass technologies incorporate sun-shading properties directly into
the glass itself. These glasses can adjust their tint based on sunlight intensity, reducing the need for
external shading devices.
8) Overhangs and Cantilevers: Architectural overhangs and cantilevers extend from the building's
facade to cast shadows and block direct sunlight from entering windows. They can be part of the
building's design and can also contribute to its aesthetics.
9) Smart Shading Systems: Modern technologies allow for automated sun shading solutions. These
systems use sensors to detect sunlight intensity and adjust shading devices accordingly. This ensures
optimal shading throughout the day and enhances energy efficiency.
10) Vegetation and Greenery: Plants, trees, and climbing vines can provide natural shading and cooling
for buildings. Green roofs and vertical gardens not only offer shade but also contribute to
environmental sustainability.
Sun shading devices are essential for creating comfortable indoor environments, minimizing energy
consumption for cooling, and enhancing the overall architectural appeal of buildings. The choice of shading
devices depends on factors such as building orientation, climate, architectural style, and energy efficiency
goals.
Importance of Sun Shading Devices
 To provide greater comfort for occupants.
 It can improve building energy performance.
 To prevent glare
 To increase useful daylight availability.
 To create a sense of security

**Solar Shading-

When sunlight hits a pane of glass, it splits into three components, if it is reflected, and then there is no
effect on heating. If it is absorbed then glass heats up which would transfer heat by conduction and also
emits. If it is transmitted, heat up surface behind it.
The proportion between the three components is determined by the angle of incidence and by the type of
glazing. Form the types of glazing, the transmitted light is very small if the angle of incidence is larger than
45 from the normal to the glazing. If the angle is 60o, most of the radiation is reflected.

Types of Sun Shading Devices-Shading devices is classified into two types

 Internal shading devices
 External shading devices
1. Internal shading devices-
Internal shading devices such as curtains form of vertical or horizontal blinds attached above the window
can reduce heat energy passing through a window. It limits the glare resulting from solar radiation. Usually
it is adjustable and occupants to allow & regulate the amount of direct light entering their space. Mostly they
are attached above windows either horizontally or vertically. It should be made or designed to be durable.

Curtains-
It is the most commonly used shading device, mostly used on residential buildings. It is cheaper and can be
found in various varieties Colors and texture.

Venetian blind-
Venetian blinds are basic slatted blinds made of metal or plastic or wood. Suspended by a strip of cloth
called tapes, all slats in unions can be rotated through nearly 180 degrees.
Vertical Louvre blinds-
It is used in commercial and public buildings; it controls the heat, light and glares. It can be used in larger
windows and doors.

Roller blinds-
Roller blinds are usually stiffened polyester, mounted on a metal pole and operated with a side chain or
spring mechanism It is used for block outs, sun screens. Translucent with a metal or plastic chain available
hat operates the blind through an aluminum tube to roll up and down.

Pleated blinds-
Pleated blinds are shades made from a pleated fabric (which helps to add texture to a room) that pull up to
sit flat at the top of a window to hide from sight when open.

Blackout blinds-
It is made up of tight woven fabric to help the control the light levels in a room. It is designed to block the
external lights to enter the room.

2. External shading devices-

External sun shading devices is considered better than internal shading devices. It is in horizontal, vertical or
inclined projections, vegetation in buildings.

Horizontal devices-
To shade a window during hot summer months, but to allow sunlight to shine through a window in the
winter, to help warm a building.

Vertical devices-
Primarily useful for east and west exposures to improve the insulation value of glass in winter months by
acting as a windbreak.

The egg-crate-
A combination of vertical and horizontal shading elements used in hot climate regions because of their high
shading efficiencies. The horizontal elements control ground glare from reflected solar rays.

Trees and Vegetation-

Trees, vines and other vegetation are another way to protect your home from solar heat gain. It has many
great responses to a tropical climate. These include window hoods, shutters, wrap-around verandas and
steeply pitched roofs with ventilation blocks at the top. However, large shady trees are on the east and west
sides of that house.
In the late afternoon, the sun blazes through the west-facing windows in my living room. Even with the
curtains partially closed, I can still feel the heat coming from that area. However, practically the entire west-
facing side of that house is in the shadow of those trees around the same time.
**Designing Shading Systems

It is difficult to make sweeping generalizations about the design of shading devices. However, the following
design recommendations generally hold true:

 Use fixed overhangs on south-facing glass to control direct beam solar radiation
 Limit the amount of east and west glass since it is harder to shade than south glass.
 A light shelf bounces natural light deeply into a room through high windows while shading lower
windows.
 Solar gain has already been admitted into the work space
  These interior devices do offer glare control and can contribute to visual activity and visual comfort
in the work place.
 Carefully consider the durability of shading device
 Shading devices can require a considerable amount of maintenance and repair.
 Be careful when applying shading ideas from one project to another.

Brief introduction to sun path and method to draw sun chart

Introduction to Sun Path: The sun path, also known as the solar path or solar trajectory, is the apparent
path that the sun follows in the sky over the course of a day and throughout the year. Understanding the sun
path is crucial in architectural and urban design as it helps determine how sunlight will interact with
buildings, outdoor spaces, and shading devices. It plays a significant role in optimizing natural lighting,
energy efficiency, and comfort within buildings.
Method to Draw Sun Chart for Buildings: A sun chart, also called a sun diagram or sun plot, is a
graphical representation of the sun's position in the sky at different times of the day and year. It illustrates
the angle and path of sunlight relative to a specific location. Creating a sun chart involves the following
steps:
1) Determine Location and Dates: Choose the geographical location (latitude and longitude) of the
site for which you want to create the sun chart. Decide on specific dates of interest, which could
represent different seasons or important dates in the year.
2) Gather Data: Collect data such as the site's latitude, longitude, and time zone. Additionally, you'll
need information about the sun's declination angle, which is its vertical angle above or below the
equator at a given time of the year.
3) Draw the Horizon Line: Start by drawing a horizontal line to represent the horizon. This line will
serve as a reference for the sun's elevation throughout the day.
4) Plot Solar Paths: For each date, calculate the sun's azimuth (its angle from true north) and elevation
(its angle above the horizon) at different times of the day. Plot points on the chart to represent the
sun's position at those times. Connect these points to trace the solar path across the sky.
5) Label Important Points: Label key points on the sun chart, such as sunrise and sunset positions,
noontime positions, and significant angles like the winter and summer solstices.
6) Interpret the Chart: The sun chart will show how the sun's path changes throughout the year. It can
help identify areas of the site that receive direct sunlight, areas that remain shaded and potential
obstructions that could affect sunlight availability.
7) Use in Design: Architects and designers can use the sun chart to inform decisions about building
orientation, placement of windows, shading device design, and outdoor space layout. The goal is to
optimize natural lighting, control solar heat gain, and enhance occupant comfort.
8) Software and Online Tools: There are various software applications and online tools available that
can help you generate accurate sun charts based on location and dates. These tools automate the
calculations and visualization process.
By creating and analysing sun charts, architects and designers can make informed design choices that
maximize the benefits of natural light and minimize the need for artificial lighting and cooling systems.

**Design of louvers
Designing louvers for buildings involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure effective sun
shading, ventilation, and aesthetic integration. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you design louvers for
buildings:
1. Determine Purpose and Goals: Identify the primary objectives of installing louvers. Are you
aiming to provide sun shading, enhance ventilation, improve energy efficiency, or achieve a specific
architectural aesthetic? Understanding the goals will guide your design process.
 2. Site Analysis: Study the building's location, orientation, and surroundings. Analyse the sun path,
prevailing wind direction, and potential obstructions that could affect the performance of the louvers.
3. Louver Type and Configuration: Choose the type of louvers that best suits your objectives.
Common louver types include horizontal, vertical, fixed, adjustable, operable, or a combination.
Determine the louver configuration (spacing, size, and angle) that provides optimal shading and
ventilation while complementing the building's design.
4. Material Selection: Select appropriate materials for the louvers based on factors such as durability,
weather resistance, maintenance requirements, and visual appeal. Materials commonly used for
louvers include aluminum, wood, steel, and composite materials.
5. Aesthetic Integration: Integrate the louver design harmoniously with the building's architecture.
Louvers can be used to create visual interest, add texture, or convey a specific design theme. Ensure
that the chosen louver design enhances the overall aesthetics of the building.
6. Sun Shading Analysis: Use sun path diagrams, simulations, or software tools to analyse how the
selected louver design will provide effective shading at different times of the day and year. Adjust
the louver angle and spacing as needed to achieve the desired shading outcomes.
7. Ventilation and Airflow: Consider how the louver design will facilitate natural ventilation and
airflow. Louvers should allow for adequate air exchange while preventing excessive heat gain and
maintaining privacy.
8. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Design the louvers with energy efficiency in mind. Optimize
the louver design to reduce solar heat gain and minimize the need for artificial cooling. Consider
how the louvers can contribute to the building's overall sustainability.
9. Structural Integrity: Ensure that the louver system is structurally sound and can withstand wind
loads and other environmental forces. Collaborate with structural engineers to ensure proper support
and anchoring.
10. Maintenance and Accessibility: Plan for easy maintenance and cleaning of the louvers. If the
louvers are adjustable or operable, ensure that the mechanisms are accessible and user-friendly.
11. Cost Considerations: Evaluate the cost implications of your louver design, including materials,
fabrication, installation, and maintenance. Balance design aspirations with budget constraints.
12. Collaborative Design: Involve architects, engineers, and other relevant stakeholders in the design
process to ensure a well-integrated and functional louver system.
13. Testing and Validation: If possible, conduct physical or virtual mock-ups to validate the louver
design's performance in real-world conditions.
14. Documentation and Specifications: Create detailed drawings, specifications, and documentation
for the louver design. Include information on dimensions, materials, finishes, installation methods,
and any special considerations.
By following these steps and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, you can design louvers that not
only meet functional requirements but also enhance the architectural and environmental qualities of the
building.

**Energy conservation in buildings

Energy conservation in buildings is essential to reduce energy consumption, lower utility costs, and
minimize environmental impact. Implementing energy-efficient measures can lead to significant benefits in
terms of sustainability, comfort, and cost savings. Here are various strategies and practices for achieving
energy conservation in buildings:

1. Efficient Building Design:

 Optimize building orientation to maximize natural daylight and minimize solar heat gain.
 Use passive solar design principles to harness solar energy for heating and lighting.
  Incorporate shading devices, such as overhangs, louvers, and awnings, to control solar radiation and
reduce cooling loads.
2. High-Performance Insulation:
 Insulate walls, roofs, and floors effectively to minimize heat transfer and maintain comfortable
indoor temperatures.
 Use insulation materials with high thermal resistance (R-value) to prevent energy loss.

3. Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors:

 Install energy-efficient windows and doors with low U-values and low-emissivity coatings to reduce
heat gain/loss and improve comfort.
 Use double-glazed or triple-glazed windows to enhance insulation and reduce air leakage.

4. Lighting Optimization:
 Incorporate day lighting strategies to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
 Use energy-efficient lighting fixtures, such as LED bulbs, and install motion sensors and timers to
control lighting usage.

5. Efficient HVAC Systems:

 Choose energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
 Implement zoned heating and cooling systems to target specific areas based on occupancy and
comfort requirements.
 Regularly maintain and service HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance.

6. Renewable Energy Integration:

 Install solar panels (photovoltaic systems) to generate electricity from renewable sources.
 Consider solar water heaters or geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling needs.

7. Smart Building Automation and Controls:

 Use smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, and programmable timers to regulate HVAC systems and
lighting based on occupancy patterns.
 Implement Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) to monitor and optimize energy usage in
real-time.

8. Energy-Efficient Appliances and Equipment:

 Choose energy-efficient appliances, such as ENERGY STAR-rated devices, for kitchens, laundry
rooms, and other areas.
 Unplug electronics and chargers when not in use to prevent "phantom" energy consumption.

9. Water Conservation Measures:

 Install low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads to reduce water usage and the energy required for
water heating.

10. Proper Ventilation:

 Use natural ventilation strategies when possible to reduce reliance on mechanical ventilation
systems.
 Maintain proper airflow and indoor air quality by regularly cleaning air filters and conducting
ventilation system checks.

11. Building Envelope Maintenance:

 Seal gaps and cracks in the building envelope to prevent air leakage and maintain indoor comfort.
 Regularly inspect and repair roofing, walls, and windows to prevent energy loss.
12. Occupant Engagement and Education:
 Educate building occupants about energy-efficient practices, such as turning off lights and
electronics, adjusting thermostats, and using appliances wisely.

Implementing a combination of these strategies tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of a
building can lead to significant energy conservation and create more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-
effective living and working environments.

**Passive solar cooling and heating of buildings

Passive solar buildings uses solar energy for its energy needs in different seasons. The Concept of passive
solar buildings, performance and benefits are discussed. The rates of increasing population growth with
increasing innovations in the field of industries and technologies have all together resulted in the increasing
energy consumption enormously. This high consumption is a concern for sustainability. This has a negative
impact on the environment and energy conservation. So, an innovation in building construction that would
perform with the existing energy, without exploiting any additional mechanical or electrical sources is called
as passive solar building design concept. These buildings take the advantage of the climate, where it must be
constructed. A proper site analysis would judge the performance of the building. The concept of passive
solar buildings is adopted in new buildings. But already existing buildings can be retrofitted to behave
passively. The building is named passive solar buildings because we don't make use of any mechanical or
electrical devices within the building to bring the concept.

Concept of Passive Solar Buildings

The main concept of passive solar buildings is that its building elements i.e. the windows, walls and the
floors are made able to collect solar energy and store them. This energy is then used in the winter for
warmth and used to reject the heat during the summer seasons.

The buildings convert the solar energy into useful energy without the help of any other mechanical system.
The passive solar buildings work based on the following principles:
 The first principle is based on the route of the sun in different seasons. The sun in winter will be
traveling in a lower route compared to summer.
 In winter, the south direction faced glass will help in energy absorption and storage in the building.
  The location of thermal mass in a position enabling easy absorption of solar energy later would help
in the easy release of the same during evening time.
 The direct sun can be resisted by overhanging elements as shown in the figure below. These are also
called control elements.
 Proper insulation enables warmth in winter and coolness in summer.

Elements Considered for Passive Solar Building Construction

The main elements considered are:

 Room types, internal doors, walls and furniture in buildings and their placement.
 The Equator faced orientation for the building
 Building dimension extension in east-west direction
 Window size fixed to get adequate solar in winter and shade in summer.
 Windows in the west are avoided.
 Use of thermal mass like floors or walls

Fig. Passive Solar Building Elements

Performance of Passive Solar Building

The efficiency of passive solar buildings depends upon the following factors:
 The site climatic conditions
 The passive solar building system adopted
 The passive solar building design criteria
 The building size
It is found out from the studies that when the passive system and the concept of energy conservation come
together appropriately to sink with the climate, the net benefit is tremendous. The net benefit is defined in
terms of backup heat reduction compared to a conventional building system.
Results from Monitored Buildings-
A set of passive solar buildings were monitored for one or more years by using twenty or more sensors that
record hourly. The results from the computer analysis of data give us the following results:
 When compared to conventional home auxiliary heat usage, the passive solar building uses 70% less.
On average the solar savings are in the range of 27% of the total heating load value.
 There was a tremendous decrease in the demand of electricity when compared with the conventional
building arrangement.
 The cost of construction of passive solar buildings was found higher compared to that of the
conventional method. This is because of time and cost used for proper optimization of energy. When
compared with the final output the passive solar buildings provide, the system is economical.

Benefits of Passive Solar Buildings

The benefits of passive solar building systems are as follows:

 The building interiors are bright - The interior of the building would be filled with sufficient light.
This is due to the transmission of visible light frequencies. The system is designed such a way that
the control of glare and over lighting is kept in mind.
 The ultraviolet energy is blocked - The direct ultraviolet rays are harmful. The passive solar
building system has the advantage of blocking almost 99.9% of the ultraviolet radiation energy.
Preventing this would save the interior fabrics as well as decor and make them long lasting.
 Summer is made cooler and comfortable - It keeps the interior cool during the hot season. This
would obviously reduce cooling energy costs. This would give a low solar gain coefficient value
(SHGC).
 Winter made warmer

Problems Faced by Passive Solar Buildings

The passive solar building system is an innovation which is still in its developing stage. It presently faces
two main concerns that would result in other problems. The main two problems are discussed here:

Overheating-
The result of improper design causes overheating by the sun. This can occur either in summer or in winters.
If the glazing provided in the south is oversized or insufficient or insufficient thermal storage mass for direct
gain are the reasons of overheating in winters. A storage size that would limit the temperature within the
building to 220C must be adopted. When the facing of energy gain is more towards east or west, there are
chances of overheating in summer seasons. This is a common issue found. The best remedy for this is to
make use of south facing glasses and avoid glasses with any other orientation. Skylights and overhead
glasses must be covered in summer. Enable natural ventilation to avoid internal overheating during
summers.

Perception-
When a new building concept is put forward to the society, the first essential feature everyone should
understand is what is the scope of the new concept? The problem of public, or the building industry or any
of the designers is the lack of proper perception. They are not ready to compromise their design and
aesthetics for energy conservation. They are more concerned about the looks of their homes and this stops
them to build their structure based on the passive solar design concept. The only solution for this is public
education. Studies on passive solar buildings with more architectural and aesthetics ideas must be made.
Commercial buildings like schools, libraries have an excellent space of passive solar building design
concept.
Passive solar cooling and heating are sustainable design approaches that utilize the natural energy from the
sun to regulate the temperature of buildings. These methods harness the principles of solar energy, without
relying heavily on mechanical systems, to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. Here's how passive solar
cooling and heating work:
Passive Solar Heating: Passive solar heating maximizes the sun's warmth during cold periods to heat
indoor spaces. Key strategies include:
1) Orientation: Design the building's layout and windows to face the sun's path, usually the south in
the Northern Hemisphere and the north in the Southern Hemisphere.
2) Solar Gain: Position large windows on the sun-facing side of the building to capture and trap solar
radiation. This energy is absorbed by thermal mass materials (such as concrete, stone, or water)
within the building.
3) Thermal Mass: Use materials with high thermal mass to store and slowly release heat. During the
day, sunlight heats the thermal mass, which then releases the heat in the evening, maintaining a more
consistent indoor temperature.
4) Insulation: Insulate the building envelope effectively to prevent heat loss during the night and retain
the heat collected during the day.
5) Overhangs and Shading: Design overhangs, awnings, or deciduous trees to provide shading during
the summer months when the sun is higher in the sky. This prevents excessive heat gain.
Passive Solar Cooling: Passive solar cooling aims to minimize indoor temperatures during hot periods
using design strategies that naturally dissipate heat and enhance ventilation. Key strategies include:

1) Cross-Ventilation: Design openings (windows, doors) on opposite sides of the building to

encourage cross-ventilation. This promotes a flow of cooler air through the building.
2) Natural Ventilation: Utilize operable windows and vents to allow hot air to rise and escape while
cooler air enters from lower openings.
3) Stack Effect: Design taller spaces such as atriums or stairwells to create a stack effect. Hot air
naturally rises and exits through higher openings, drawing in cooler air from lower openings.
4) Night Ventilation: Use cool night air to naturally cool the building by opening windows during the
night and closing them during the day to trap the cool air.
5) Shading and Reflective Surfaces: Employ shading devices such as awnings, shades, or reflective
surfaces to block or reflect solar radiation and reduce heat gain.
6) Thermal Mass for Night Cooling: Cool night-time air can be absorbed by thermal mass materials
during the night and released during the day to help maintain lower temperatures.
Both passive solar heating and cooling strategies emphasize thoughtful design that takes advantage of the
sun's natural energy. Combining these approaches with proper insulation, materials selection, and effective
building envelope design can significantly reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems,
leading to more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.