IMPACT OF COURTYARDS ON THE VENTILATION AND DAYLIGHTING

OF RESIDENCES IN TRIVANDRUM
 IMPACT OF COURTYARDS ON THE VENTILATION AND DAYLIGHTING
OF RESIDENCES IN TRIVANDRUM
Introduction

Understanding how courtyards can enhance natural ventilation is crucial for

improving indoor climate control and overall comfort. The study helps to identify
how different types of courtyards used according to varying site conditions in
Trivandrum and different physical features formulated are instrumental in tack-
ling ventilation and daylighting.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of courtyards on natural ventilation and daylighting in

residential buildings in Trivandrum.

Research Question

How do courtyards influence natural ventilation and daylighting in residential

buildings in Trivandrum?

Objectives
The primary objectives of the research are as follows –
•The main objective of the study is to understand how the parameters identified
from the literature review such as orientation, its elongation, positioning of open-
ings, etc. are applied in courtyards of different houses and to study the impact of
ventilation and daylighting on these courts.
•To study how parameters according to literature review have been applied in
practical life.
•To study how openings are juxta positioned with respect to courtyard orienta-
tion.

Methodology

A. DATA COLLECTION - Parameter identification through secondary data

collection(case studies)
Case study data collection - primary
Surveys and questionnaire data collection from users
B. DATA ANALYSIS - Analysis of data from literature reviews and surveys, doing a
comparative study.
C. COMPARATIVE STUDY - A three layer comparative study on the parameters
(architects perspective, user perspective and literature findings) is analysed and
the
most apt design strategy in courtyards is observed

01
Methodology

04
 STUDY PART

BOOK REVIEW LITERATURE CASE STUDY LIVE CASE STUDY

PARAMETERS Architect’s perspective Architect’s interview

•Orientation of
courtyards accord-
ing to micro climate Client’s perspective Client’s interview
•Cross - ventilation
•Activity zoning User’s observation User’s observation
•Stack effect
•Courtyard orienta-
tion
• Courtyard elonga-
tion Inference using param-
Comparison
• Opening size eters and strategies
(Primary analysis)
• Height to width
ratio
• Interiors and land- Cumulative analysis and
Comparison
scape inference
• Vaasthu Shasthra (Secondary analysis)

FINAL CONCLUSION

After final analysis, using the inferences, parameters and design strategies, a
best possible configuration for a courtyard is suggested.

Scope
•To compare the performance of courtyards in aiding ventilation and daylight-
ing in residences in Trivandrum.
•A study on the principles adopted by different architects for implementing
effective ventilation through courtyards.
•To assess the physical characteristics of the house aiding passive ventilation
and daylighting techniques.

Limitations
•The study is focussed on residences based in Trivandrum.
•The study could be conducted on a particular day’s climate and not through-
out the season.
03
 BACKGROUND RESEARCH
Book reviews and literature case studies are analysed to observe parameters
which can be used to interpret courtyards on the basis of ventilation and day-
lighting. The book reviews are taken on the basis of global and local levels.

BOOK REVIEW

PARAMETERS IDENTIFICATION

•Sun,wind and light - Archi-

tectural Design STrategies 2nd
edition by G.Z Brown, DeKay

•Courtyard houses of India by

Yatin Panday

•Climate responsive archi-

tecture by Aravind Krishna

Sun,wind and light - Architectural Design STrategies 2nd edition by G.Z Brown, DeKay

This book talks about how climatic features like daylighting, wind and sunlight
influence the orientation of courtyards in different regions. Through the analysis of
the book, certain parameters have been observed, which can be used to anal-
yse courtyards in Kerala context.

1. Orientation of courtyards and their openings depending upon the microclimate objective
of the designer

N
N

Vegetative
buffers in the
E-W axis

Openings towards north to accomo-

date northern lights
Position of courtyards according to Openings from SW - NE facilitate
micro-climate and vegetation cross ventilation, aiding to evapora-
tive cooling when water bodies are
Orientation and location of rooms present
wrt sun and wind Positioning of evaporative spaces
LITERATURE REVIEW PARAMETERS
Sun,wind and light - Architectural Design STrategies 2nd edition by G.Z Brown, DeKay

2. Cross - ventilation
N

Cross ventilation is a natural method of cooling,It

forces air through the exterior openings to enter
into the courtyard creating a pathway for the
wind.Openings from SW - NE facilitate cross venti-
lation throughout the day
Cross ventilation in the windward direction

3. Zoning of activities and assosciated rooms in response to light and wind

S N
Northen wind
and lights
Use of activities taking up
Bedroom
warmer areas in cooler periods
and cooler areas in warmer
periods
Living Kitchen Spatial organisation of a
courtyard house wrt heat
wind and light

4. Orientation of courtyards
N

• Courtyard buildings should be oriented at

an angle of 45 degree to the wind to facili-
tate wind flow.
• Facilitates opposite positive and negative
pressures in each room.
PARAMETERS
Sun,wind and light - Architectural Design STrategies 2nd edition by G.Z Brown, DeKay

5. Elongation of courtyards

N S E W

• Courtyards elongated along the • Courtyards that are elongated

North - South axis gets more shade along the East - West axis have less
throughout the day shade and more sun on the walls
and floor.
6. Size of openings
• Lesser opening size in the facades
• Small openings in the facades
facilitates privacy form out-
doors,while the large openings to
the courtyard provide a sense of
enclosure and safety for the user,-
giving privacy
• Larger internal openings to the court-
yard

Windows facing a buffer/court must be

larger than those in the exterior facades

7. Height to width

• Courtyard should be open to

south
• As the distance between two
H residential blocks increas-
es,more wind flows inwardly be-
tween two blocks
W
When heating is a privacy, courtyards with a height - width ratio less than 1.0 is pre-
ferred for maximum entry of wind
PARAMETERS
8 . Interiors and landscape

Textured / coloured courtyards to

reflect light

• External can also be light to pre-

vent absorption of light and heat
White interiors helps to prevent glare

9. Stack ventilation effect

S N

Cross-windward
side
Stack Bedroom

Living Kitchen
Leeward side

Courtyard facilitates air movement

• Cross-ventilation happens on the windward side while stack happens on the loner side
where there is less access to wind.

Courtyard houses of India by Yatin Panday

1 . Vasthu Shasthra
• Courtyard is located at the center of
NW NE
Impure Kitchen
the block,called the naalukettu.
•Auspiscious spaces are oriented in the
NE,SE
Naalukettu directions while inauspicious spaces are
placed in the NW.
SE •Kitchen is optimally placed in the Kanni
Guests Moola.

Positioning of spaces based on vasthu shasthra

LITERATURE REVIEWPARAMETERS
Climate responsive architecture by Aravind Krishna

1 . Courtyard effect

Bedroom Bedroom Cold air

Leeward side

Living Kitchen

Warm air

• During day time, warm air becomes less dense and rises up.This inturn is
replaced by the cold air coming through the courtyard,which is more dense and
replaces the warm air.
• During night time, the concept is reversed.

PARAMETERS ANALYSIS
•From the book,these parameters are identified regarding the courtyard and
the various other elements regarding light and heat assosciated with it.
•These parameters are used to analyse courtyard houses in Trivandrum, to un-
derstand how courtyards facilitate daylighting and ventilation.
• The parameters are tested on both literature and live case studies.

INFERENCES
•The parameters obtained from the literature review are used to analyse court-
yards of residences located in Trivandrum.
•For that two residences are selected and are analysed in terms of the parame-
ters.
•There are three levels of analysis of these parameters, which includes an open
questionnaire interview of the client and architect, observational study of the live
case study and analysis based on conclusion from these three layers of data ob-
tained.
Literature Case Study
The Brick House
Architect : Srijith Srinivas
Location : Trivandrum
Clients: Dr. Anup Narayanan, Dr. Arya A. R.
 N

Parameters and analysis

Orientation of courtyards and their openings depending upon the microclimate objective
of the designer
Orientation and location of rooms wrt sun and wind. Position of courtyards ac-
cording to micro-climate and vegetation

Courtyard open to N
vegetation

Ground Floor
Parameters and analysis
Orientation of courtyard
Courtyard is oriented on the N-E axis on site, lacks proper wind flow.
45 degree
N 45 degree
N

Ground Floor First Floor

• Orientation of bedroom and dining room to the North providing entry of North-
ern light and wind inside.

Elongation of courtyard
Elongation of the courtyard is along the East - West axis,which is not an optimum
elongation axis as it may lack shade. But since the courtyard is small, there wont
be an issue of lack of shade.
Courtyard is oriented on the N-E axis on site, lacks proper wind flow.

E
N E
N

W W
Ground Floor First Floor

Size of openings
Since it is an internal court, there are windows only on the facade and not open-
ing to it. Therefore, the courtyard does not act significantly in giving privacy. It pro-
vides privacy at the edge facing the external boundary wall of the house. The
presence of louvers and jali creates a play of light and wind inside the house wrt
the courtyard.

E
N E
N

W W
Ground Floor First Floor
Parameters and analysis
Cross ventilation
There are openings along the SW - NE direction, but they are assosciated with
rooms that might be closed at most times of the day, therefore cross ventilation
does not seem to be happening much.

N N

Ground Floor First Floor

• Wind flow in the SW - NE direction

Activity zoning in rooms based on heat and light zoning

More than an immersive experience, the courtyard acts as a buffer in various
rooms. Especially in the bedroom which has a landscaped court bounded by
brick louvers bringing in cool breezes whilst also being privacy screen controlling
views in from the outside.
N N

Ground Floor First Floor

• Orientation of bedroom and dining room to the North providing entry of Northern light and
wind inside.

Stack ventilation effect

Stack ventilation is facilitated on the leeward side of the courtyard, where there
are an abundance of openings.

Section
Parameters and analysis
Height to width ratio

The width of the courtyard seems to be lesser than the height, therefore height -
width ration is less than 1.SO the entry of wind into the house is limited through the
courtyard.

Section

Interiors and landscape

Burnt brick interiors with brick louvers and jali works contrasting the green land-
scape of the space. The quiet reflective brick-edged lotus pool beside the infor-
mal stage gives a palpable and inviting vibe to this space.

Vasthu Shathra
Kitchen is placed in the kanni moola of the house, making the spot auspiscious.

E
N

W
Ground Floor
Sl.no Parameter Book Review Literature Case Study Analysis
Courtyard open to N
N vegetation

Vegetative
Orientation of court- buffers in the
E-W axis
yards and their open-
1. ings depending upon Ground Floor
the microclimate objec- Openings towards north to accomodate Elongation of the courtyard is along
tive northern lights
the East - West axis,which is not an
of the designer
Orientation and location of rooms optimum elongation axis as it may
wrt sun and wind lack shade. Courtyard is small, so
no issue of lack of shade.
N
N N

Ground Floor First Floor

2. Cross - ventilation
There are openings along the SW -
NE direction, but assosciated with
Openings from SW - NE facilitate rooms that might be closed at most
cross ventilation throughout the times of the day, therefore lack of
day. cross ventilation.
S N N N
Northen wind
and lights

Bedroom

Zoning of activities and Living Kitchen

Ground Floor First Floor

3. assosciated rooms in
response to light and The courtyard acts as a buffer in
wind Use of activities taking up warmer various rooms. Especially in the
areas in cooler periods and cooler bedroom which has a landscaped
areas in warmer periods. court bounded by brick louvers
bringing in cool breeze.
N

45 degree
N 45 degree
N

Orientation of court-
4.
yards
Ground Floor First Floor

Courtyard buildings should be Courtyard is oriented on the N-E

oriented at an angle of 45 degree to axis on site, lacks proper wind flow.
the wind to facilitate wind flow.
N S E W
E
N E
N

• Courtyards elongated along the W W

Elongation of courtyards
Ground Floor First Floor

5. North - South axis gets more shade

throughout the day. Elongation of courtyard is along the
• Courtyards that are elongated E - W axis,which is not an optimum
along the East - West axis have less elongation. But since the courtyard
shade and more sun on the walls is small, there wont be an issue of
and floor. lack of shade.
Sl.no Parameter Book Review Literature Case Study Analysis
• Lesser opening
size in the facades E
N E
N

• Larger internal
W W
Ground Floor First Floor

openings to the
6. Size of openings courtyard
Since it is an internal court, there are
Small openings in the facades facil- windows only on the facade and
itates privacy form outdoors,while not opening to it. Therefore, the
the large openings to the courtyard courtyard does not act significantly
provide a sense of enclosure. in giving privacy.

H
7. Height to width Section

W The width of the courtyard seems

When heating is a privacy, court- to be lesser than the height, there-
yards with a height - width ratio less fore height - width ration is less
than 1.0 is preferred for maximum than 1. Entry of wind into the house
entry of wind. is limited through the courtyard.

8. Burnt brick interiors with brick

Interiors and landscape
louvers and jali works contrasting
•Textured / coloured courtyards to the green landscape of the space.
reflect light The quiet reflective brick-edged
•External can also be light to lotus pool beside the informal stage
prevent absorption of light and heat gives a palpable and inviting vibe.

S N
Cross-wind
ward side

Bedroom
Stack

Stack ventilation effect Living

9. Leeward side Kitchen Section

•Cross-ventilation happens on the Stack ventilation is facilitated on the

windward side while stack happens leeward side of the courtyard,
on the loner side where there is less where there are an abundance of
access to wind. openings.
NW NE
Impure Kitchen E
N

Naalukettu

10. Vasthu Shasthra SE

Guests W
Ground Floor

•Courtyard is located at the center

of the block,called the naalukettu. Kitchen is placed in the kanni moola
•Kitchen is optimally placed in the of the house, making the spot aus-
Kanni Moola. piscious.
DATA COLLECTION CASE STUDY 1

House in Peyyad Nikhil

Client 1 : Nikhil Owner, 34 ,Forest dept.
“ Me and my family wanted a house in
Architect : Alok Dinesh our ancestral plot that surely included a
Location : Peyyad lavish verandah and a courtyard.

Number of users : 4

Divya Karthika Mohanan

Wife, 32 Daughter, 5 Father, 76
Forest Dept. Student Retired

Ground Floor

First Floor
DATA COLLECTION PARAMETERS
1. Orientation of courtyards and their openings depending upon the microclimate objective
of the designer
N N

Ground Floor First Floor

•Lack of vegetation on the east-west axis,causing intense additional heat to

enter the courtyard thorugh the eastern outward openings of the house.
•More openings are concentrated on the SE-NW axis causing lack of effective
cross ventilation through the courtyards.
•Since there are no water bodies,chances of evaporative cooling in the court-
yard is negligible.Proper drainage is also provided outwards,therefore water will
not get collected in the courtyard.
2. Cross ventilation

N N

Ground Floor First Floor

Only few openings are positioned in the SW - NE direction,therefore maximum

number of windows are not positioned in the windward direction.This does not
facilitate cross-ventilation much in the courtyard.
The openings that are placed in the windward direction of the courtyard are
fixed,hence it does not support wind flow.This causes discomfort for the users,-
making it almost impossible for them to sit there during day time without any
active cooling techniques.
PARAMETERS
3. Activity zoning in rooms based on heat and light zoning

N N

Ground Floor First Floor

Fewer vegetative buffers near kitchen,as it is oriented towards east.During morn-

ing,warm light and heat enters thorugh the kitchen,but it will be relatively cooler
throughout the day.Since it is a sidecourtyard,the spaces cannot be positioned
around it completely.
Bedrooms positioned in the northern side experience mild and cool northern
light.Since there are no windows for bedrooms in the north that open to the
courtyard,northern lights dont travel through the courtyard side of the room.
4.Orientation of courtyard

N N

45 - 90 45 - 90

Ground Floor First Floor

Essentially,coourtyards should be placed at an angle of 45 degrees to the

wind.This enables positive and negative pressures in rooms aiding to heat accu-
mulation.
In this case,courtyard is oriented at an angle between 0 - 45 degrees in the direc-
tion of the wind.
PARAMETERS
5. Elongation of courtyard

N N

NW

Ground Floor More shade First Floor

SE
Courtyard is oriented in the north-south axis.This enables shade in the court-
yard.But since it is a side court,only the the portion which is near to the double
height has more shade,whereas the part oriented towards the jali wall has less
shade.This causes discomfort for people sitting near the jali wall.
Further,the fact that the house is double storeyed also provides more shade in
one particular side of the courtyard.

6. Size of openings

N N

45 - 90 45 - 90

Ground Floor First Floor

The size of openings in the facade are relatively larger compared to that of the
openings towards the court.
Since the window size is smaller towards the courtyard and most of it is fixed,the
court does not faciliate much cooling in the rooms adjacent to it.Therefore,this
courtyard mostly serves its purpose for passive lighting rather than a cooling strat-
egy for the house in a sub tropical climatic condition.
More illumination towards dining,kitchen and living areas of the house
PARAMETERS N

7. Height to width ratio

Family Living Bedroom 3

Courtyard
Kitchen Bedroom 2

Courtyards with a height to width ratio less than 1 is preferred.Here, the height is
3.5 m and width of the courtyard is 4.46, therefore H/W = 0.78, which satisfies the
ratio.
8. Interiors and landscape

Use of white paint on walls,with earthy tones to complement it.White paint

reflects light,so it is a good technique to reduce heat absorption.Filler slabs are
used in the interiors that reduce the load of the slab as well as add aesthetic
value to the room
PARAMETERS B N

9. Stack ventilation effect

Warm air Cool air

Section BB B

•Warm
•Warm airairrises
risesupup
as itas it is dense,
is less less dense,
whichwhich is replaced
is replaced by cool air.
by cool air.
•Stack efefct is experienced at some times of the day sun’s
•Stack efefct is experienced at some times of the day when the rays
when thearesun’s
not incidental
rays are
not incidental

10 . Vasthu Shasthra

N N
Pooja
Kanni Moola Space

•Since it is a side court,the courtyard is not positioned at the center like the traditional Naa-
lukettu.
•Kitchen and Pooja space are posiitoned in the Kanni Moola towards the North-East axis.
DATA COLLECTION CASE STUDY 1
CLOSED QUESTIONNAIRE CLIENT INTERVIEW
DATA COLLECTION CASE STUDY 1

CLOSED QUESTIONNAIRE ARCHITECT INTERVIEW

DATA COLLECTION CASE STUDY 1

COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS
 INFERENCE FROM THE ANALYSIS

Ground Floor

First Floor

• The implementation of newer openings on the facade may increase the air
circulation inside, which may increase cross - ventilation through the courtyard.
This can solve the issue of lack of ventilation inside the house.
DATA COLLECTION CASE STUDY 2
House in Karamana Kannan
Client 1 : Kannan Owner, 61 ,Business
“ I wanted a house, that reflected
Architect : Ar. Shyam Raj harmony among spaces along with a
Location : Karamana modern courtyard for good lighting and
ventilation.“
Number of users : 4

Anitha Deepthi Devaki

Wife, 57 Daughter, 26 Mother, 82
House Wife Engineer Retired

Ground Floor

First Floor
DATA COLLECTION PARAMETERS
1. Orientation of courtyards and their openings depending upon the microclimate objective
of the designer
N N

• Presence of vegetation on the E-W axis, providing shade for the house. Eastern
part gets shade from the trees, while the West has the side court as well as the
balcony which acts as a buffer for the entire house by blocking the heat during
daytime.
• More openings concentrated along the N-S axis
• The fish pond acts as a water body, but does not aid to evaporative cooling
due to its small size, even though cross ventilation is facilitated.

2. Cross ventilation
N N

• The external openings are positioned in the windward direction along the
SW-NE axis, which enables cross ventilation.
• The openings present in the in the living room opening to both outside the
boundary wall and to the courtyard aids to the windflow inside the court.
•The opening in the living room towards the West are fixed, and therefore do not
aid to windflow inside.
•These windows are elemental in providing light into the room and for visual
access.
• The main door when kept open also allows wind to flow inside the court.
• The balcony on the first floor plays a major role in the windflow of the courtyard
through the passage which is open to it.
• Further, the volume of the court also aids to cross - ventilation as large winds are
picked up by the double height of the side courtyard.
3. Activity zoning in rooms based on heat and light zoning
N N

• The bedrooms located on the North experience the Northern lights and wind.
• Bedroom on the first floor opens to the West facing the vegetative buffer, while
the bedroom on the ground floor opening to the courtyard, experiences light
and ventilation throughout the day.
• Bedroom in the South experiences ample ventilation and light from the balco-
ny and its openings.
• Kitchen is placed facing the East, towards vegetative buffers, which helps to
provide shade and cooling effect for people using the space during daytime.
• Openings towards the kitchen facing the East are minimal, so a person using
the ktichen during daytime wont experience much heat.
N N
4.Orientation of courtyard

• The courtyard is oriented at an angle of 45 degree to the windflow direction,

which helps in cross ventilation.
• This also facilitates opposite positive and negative pressures in each room,
which enables wind to flow from higher pressure to lower pressure.

5. Elongation of courtyard N N
• Courtyard is elongated along the E-W axis. Usually, an elongation along the N-S
axis is preferred for shading inside the courtyard.
• But in this case, due to the double heighted volume of the form facing the
courtyard and the fact that there are pergolas and a large tree in the court,
these elements add to bringing shade in the courtyard.
• Further, there are no seating spaces inside the courtyard, and the people
sitting in the living room can enjoy the comforts and shade of the room as well as
the coolness of the side court.
6. Size of openings
N N
Privacy Privacy

• The openings positioned externally are large, but due to the open side court
into the passageway, enabling ample ventilation
• The external openings are longer in size but their height is relatively less in the
Southern side which provides privacy for the users in the courtyard.
• The courtyard is open and attached to the Northern boundary wall, but due to
the height of the pergola and wall extensions, there is privacy on the North as
well, giving a sense of intimacy and closure for the users.
• More lighting experienced in the ground floor, in the first floor, the balcony also
facilitates lighting along with the courtyard.
N
7. Height to width ratio

Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3

Courtyard
Bedroom 1 Dining

• The height of one floor is 3.5m .Therefore, as the side court is double heighted,
it has a total height of 7m. The width of the court is 4.5 m.
• The height to width ratio obtained is 1.5m which is more than 1(Normally it
should be less than 1), making it a non standard proportion.
• As observed in the plan, the courtyard has less depth when compared to the
length, elongated along the E-W axis.
8. Interiors and landscape

• White walls complemented by wooden interiors, with wooden flooring and co-
loured glass accents throughout the passageway.
• Courtyard is designed with a blend of stone pavements, pebbles and buffalo
grass.
• Glass panels and black metallic pergolas absorb light, while the white walls
reflect light and the tree blocks the sun’s rays by providing shade.

9. Stack ventilation effect

N
Cool air
Warm air

Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3

Courtyard
Bedroom 1 Dining

• Stack ventilation effect is experienced throughout the day as the hot air rises
up, it is displaced by the cool air through the double heighted side court.
 10 . Vasthu Shasthra N N
Puja Space Puja Space

• Since it is a side court, the courtyard is not located in the center which is consid-
ered apt according to Vasthu layout.
• The kitchen is located in the Kanni Moola, in the NE direction.
• The Puja Space is oriented along the E-W axis, with the diety facing the West.
• Bedroom spaces are located majorily in the SE and Ne directions, staisfying
Vasthu layout.
DATA COLLECTION CASE STUDY 2

CLOSED QUESTIONNAIRE CLIENT INTERVIEW

DATA COLLECTION CASE STUDY 2

CLOSED QUESTIONNAIRE CLIENT INTERVIEW

DATA COLLECTION CASE STUDY 2

CLOSED QUESTIONNAIRE ARCHITECT INTERVIEW

DATA COLLECTION CASE STUDY 2

CLOSED QUESTIONNAIRE ARCHITECT INTERVIEW

DATA COLLECTION CASE STUDY 2
ANALYSIS
INFERENCE FROM THE ANALYSIS

Ground Floor

First Floor

• Implementation of windows on the balcony facing the court, may enhance air
flow and cross - ventilation.
• Increasing the height of windows, instead of clerestory, making the windows
fully open with a height of 150 cm from the lintel level.
• This will increase the amount of light supply as well as ventilation into the
ground floors of the house.
 Table 9 Cumulative analysis of House 1. Source: Author
Sl.no Parameter Book Review Literature Case Study Analysis Architect Interview House 1 Client Interview House 1 Observed Aspects Analysis
N

Courtyard open to
vegetation
N
The client wanted a cost
Vegetative
Orientation of buffers in the effective courtyard,with More openings are
courtyards and
E-W axis
different spatial require- concentrated on the SE
their openings ments,of which the For good ventilation and - NW axis . No water
1.
depending upon Ground Floor primary need was to have lighting bodies are pres-
Openings towards north to accomodate Elongation of the courtyard is Due to lack of openings in the SE - NW
the microclimate northern lights a visual and interactive ent.Lack of vegitation
along the East - West axis,there is no effective cross ventilation
objective connection of a court on the E - W axis.
Orientation and location of rooms axis,which is not an optimum through the courtyard.Lack of vegetation in
of the designer space with the kicthen .
wrt sun and wind elongation axis as it may lack the west causes intense heat to enter
shade. through the western side openings.
N

This courtyard is a side N N N N

court,therefore it acts
independently. It has few Cross-ventilation is not
Few openings in the
experienced much as
Ground Floor First Floor

connections to the built SW - NE axis.The

2. Cross - ventilation There are openings along the form. Courtyard aids to there is lack of air circu-
openings that are pres-
SW - NE direction, but assos- cross ventilation in some lation,even if all the
ent there are fixed
ciated with rooms that might be amounts,but the main windows are open Ground Floor

Openings are not positioned properly in the

First Floor

windows
Openings from SW - NE facilitate closed at most times of the day, purpose is daylighting. windward direction,which does not aid to
cross ventilation throughout the therefore lack of cross ventila- cross-ventilation.The fixed windows does
day. tion. not cater to ventilation needs of the user,
N N
S N N N

Northen wind The primary need was to The courtyard is used

and lights
have a visual and interac- Fewer vegetative
rarely for sitting,provid-
Bedroom
tive connection of a court buffers near kitchen,as
Ground Floor First Floor
ed there is an active
Zoning of activi- space with the kicthen . it is oriented towards
Living Kitchen
cooling source. Also
3. ties and assosci- Seating spaces in the east.Bedrooms posi-
used as a gathering
ated rooms in The courtyard acts as a buffer courtyard can be used tioned in the northern Ground Floor First Floor

space for parties and

response to light Use of activities taking up warmer in various rooms. Especially in only during the evening side experience mild Since there are no windows for bedrooms in
celebrations Mostly
and wind areas in cooler periods and cooler the bedroom which has a land- where the clients are free. and cool northern light. the north that open to the courtyard,northern
used during evenings. lights dont travel through the courtyard side
areas in warmer periods. scaped court bounded by brick
louvers bringing in cool breeze. of the room.
N N
N
45 - 90 45 - 90

Courtyard is oriented There was a need for a

45 degree
N 45 degree
N

according to the kitchen visual connectivity

orientation which was between the kitchen The courtyard is placed
Orientation of
Ground Floor First Floor

inturn positioned by and the court, therefore at an angle between

4.
courtyards checking vasthu and kan- other spacesare organ- 45 and 90 degrees. Ground Floor First Floor

Courtyard is oriented on the nimoola ised accordingly. Essentially,courtyards should be placed at an

Courtyard buildings should be N-E axis on site, lacks proper angle of 45 degrees to the wind.This enables
oriented at an angle of 45 degree to wind flow. positive and negative pressures in rooms
the wind to facilitate wind flow. aiding to heat accumulation.
The courtyard is elongat-
N N
N S E W
ed to the North - South
E
N E
N

axis, but during design

stage it had an option to
There is no shade near
W W
Ground Floor First Floor

• Courtyards elongated along the be extended to the East -

Elongation of the bench as it is Courtyard is oriented in
NW

5. North - South axis gets more shade Elongation of courtyard is West side . In future also
courtyards throughout the day. backed by a Jali wall the North - South axis Ground Floor

Since it is a side court,only the the portion

More shade First Floor

along the E - W axis,which is this expansion is possible.

• Courtyards that are elongated that is facing outdoors. which is near to the double height has more
not an optimum elongation. But Further, the elongation
along the East - West axis have less since the courtyard is small, was a result of closing the shade,whereas the part oriented towards the
shade and more sun on the walls there wont be an issue of lack side court wrt the kithcne jali wall has less shade.This causes discom-
and floor. of shade. space for visual access. fort for people sitting near the jali wall.
N N
• Lesser opening E
N E
N
45 - 90 45 - 90
size in the facades
Openings towards the
courtyard are large and
W
Ground Floor
spacious creating a volu-
W
First Floor Large floor height doors
were preferred for Large openings are
• Larger internal minous illusion. The present more in the
6. Size of openings openings to the Since it is an internal court, facade also has mor courtyard entrance.-
courtyard
there are windows only on the eopenings,creating Fixed and movable courtyard than in the Ground Floor First Floor

a facade
Small openings in the facades facil- facade and not opening to it. panoramic stretch for the widnows are also used. Large openings towards the courtyard
itates privacy form outdoors,while Therefore, the courtyard does form,which can be viewed provides a sense of privacy and safe-
the large openings to the courtyard not act significantly in giving as three planes. ty,whereas the small openings in the facade.
provide a sense of enclosure. privacy.
N

The courtyard has a single

The client preferred a The courtyard is small
Family Living Bedroom 3

height volume in one side

Height to width
H small and easily man- and proportionate wrt
Courtyard

7. and double height volume

Kitchen Bedroom 2

The width of the courtyard

Section

ageable courtyard that the house.Height to

seems to be lesser than the in three sides. Therefore it
is well within their main- width ratio obtained is
W
height, therefore height - width prevents sun's exposure Height to width ratio is satisfactory for the
When heating is a privacy, court- tenance level 0.78
ration is less than 1. Entry of to the building. courtyard as it is less than 1 . It aids to acco-
yards with a height - width ratio less
than 1.0 is preferred for maximum wind into the house is limited modate natural light.
entry of wind. through the courtyard.
White paint reflects
White walls,comple-
light,so it is a good
Aesthetics is a factor for Landscape involves mentary rusty orange
technique to reduce
choosing white walls and plants selected by the and sage green
Burnt brick interiors with brick heat absorption.Jali
complementary earthy architect and certain accents are used for
wall provides visual
8. Interiors and louvers and jali works contrast- tones.Another factor is to the interiors.Jali wall
garden tiles and peb- privacy as well as
landscape ing the green landscape of the create an illusion of with geometric perfor-
•Textured / coloured courtyards to space. The quiet reflective bles.The client preferred acts as a semi
volume using white paint a contrast of white walls rations,contrasting with
reflect light brick-edged lotus pool beside permeable layer for
and double heights,mak- and earthy tones. the greenery of the
•External can also be light to the informal stage gives a air circulation without
ing the space feel huge. courtyard
prevent absorption of light and heat palpable and inviting vibe. restricting the flow.
B N

S N Warm air Cool air

Cross-wind

Stack effect can be expe- During day time the

ward side

Bedroom
Stack
rienced in the courtyard warm air is replaced by Stack effect was expe-
Stack ventilation Living on breezy days. The warm cool winds coming from rienced in some
9. Kitchen
Leeward side Section
B
effect air gets replaced by cool the top,therefore a cool- amounts.
Section BB

•Cross-ventilation happens on the Stack ventilation is facilitated Stack effect is mainly facilitated due to the
air due to pressure differ- ing effect is experi-
windward side while stack happens on the leeward side of the fact that the side court with its single height-
ence. enced at times.
on the loner side where there is less courtyard, where there are an ed perforrated Jali walls that accomodate
access to wind. abundance of openings. airflow.
N N

NW NE Pooja
E
N Kanni Moola Space
Impure Kitchen

Courtyard is not posi- The client did not ascer-

Naalukettu
tioned according to Vast- tain on the usage of Kitchen and the con-
hu,but kitchen and pooja vasthu, but the architect vertible pooja space is
10. Vasthu Shasthra SE W
Ground Floor
located in the kanni
Guests
space is located in the has considered posi- The rooms positioned in the kanni mool have
•Courtyard is located at the center kanni moola of the plot tioning some spaces moola.
Kitchen is placed in the kanni the benefit of coolness from the northern
of the block,called the naalukettu. moola of the house, making the according to it. ligths as well as the advantage of view
•Kitchen is optimally placed in the spot auspiscious. towards the side courtyard.Since it is a side
Kanni Moola. court,it could not be placed in the center.
 Table 10 Cumulative analysis of House 2. Source: Author
Sl.no Parameter Book Review Literature Case Study Analysis Architect Interview House 1 Client Interview House 1 Observed Aspects Analysis
N N
N
The primary client
The client had suggest-
Courtyard open to N
requirement was incor-
ed adding a courtyard,
vegetation
Vegetative
Orientation of buffers in the porating a courtyard
E-W axis which was the funda-
courtyards and into the design which
To provide good lighting mental requirement
their openings buffered heat and Presence of vegetation on the E-W axis,
1. and ventilation, as well as while the initial planning
depending upon Ground Floor chaos from the outside. providing shade for the house. Eastern part
Openings towards north to accomodate Elongation of the courtyard is a buffer from the road. of the house. It was
the microclimate northern lights The orientation of gets shade from the trees, while the West has
along the East - West accomodated for venti-
objective spaces and the form the side court as well as the balcony which
Orientation and location of rooms axis,which is not an optimum lation and lighting
of the designer revolved around the acts as a buffer for the entire house by block-
wrt sun and wind elongation axis as it may lack purposes as well.
courtyard placement. ing the heat during daytime.
shade.
N N N

N N Cross ventilation is
experienced in the
ground floor through
Ground Floor First Floor

The courtyard is designed the openings on the

2. Cross - ventilation There are openings along the in such a way that it facili- Southern side of the Cross - ventilation is The openings present in the in the living room
experienced in the
SW - NE direction, but assos- tated ventilation on both living room. But mostly opening to both outside the boundary wall
ciated with rooms that might be the floors. cross ventilation occurs courtyard. and to the courtyard aids to the windflow
Openings from SW - NE facilitate closed at most times of the day, in the first floor, through inside the court. The opening in the living
cross ventilation throughout the therefore lack of cross ventila- the balcony space, if the room towards the West are fixed, and there-
day. tion. door is open. fore do not aid to windflow inside.
N N

S N N N

Northen wind
During daytime, the court
and lights
The courtyard helps to Fewer vegetative
helps to buffer heat and
Bedroom
buffer heat and buffers near kitchen,as
Ground Floor First Floor
facilitate stack ventilation.
Zoning of activi- unwanted noise from it is oriented towards
Living Kitchen
At night, the bedroom
3. ties and assosci- the outside, while east.Bedrooms posi-
areas also recieve cooling
ated rooms in The courtyard acts as a buffer people are using the tioned in the northern Since there are no windows for bedrooms in
effect due to the cross
response to light Use of activities taking up warmer in various rooms. Especially in living room areas of the side experience mild the north that open to the courtyard,northern
ventilation from the court-
and wind areas in cooler periods and cooler the bedroom which has a land- house. and cool northern light. lights dont travel through the courtyard side
yard.
areas in warmer periods. scaped court bounded by brick of the room.
louvers bringing in cool breeze.
N N
N

45 degree
N 45 degree
N

The courtyard is orient-

Orientation of
Ground Floor First Floor

Courtyard is oriented at an Courtyard orientation ed at an angle of 45

4. angle of 45 degrees. wrt the wind flow. degrees to the wind
courtyards
direction.
Courtyard is oriented on the Helps in cross - ventilation.
Courtyard buildings should be N-E axis on site, lacks proper
oriented at an angle of 45 degree to wind flow.
the wind to facilitate wind flow.
N N
N S E W
E
N E
N

W W
Ground Floor First Floor

• Courtyards elongated along the Courtyard elongation

Elongation of North - South axis gets more shade Courtyard is elongated Courtyard is oriented in
5. Elongation of courtyard is based on the linearity of Usually, an elogation along the N-S axis is
courtyards throughout the day. along the E-W axis. the East - West axis
along the E - W axis,which is the plot. preferred for shading inside the courtyard.
• Courtyards that are elongated not an optimum elongation. But But in this case, due to the double heighted
along the East - West axis have less since the courtyard is small, volume of the form facing the courtyard and
shade and more sun on the walls there wont be an issue of lack the fact that there are pergolas and a large
and floor. of shade. tree in the court brining shade
N N

• Lesser opening Privacy Privacy

E
N E
N

size in the facades

W W

Large openings toward

Ground Floor First Floor

• Larger internal Fixed and cleretsory Large openings are

the courtyard, but the
6. Size of openings openings to the Since it is an internal court, windows were preferred present more in the
courtyard ones on the exterior walls courtyard than in the
there are windows only on the for privacy reasons.
are clerestory and fixed. facade The openings positioned externally are large,
Small openings in the facades facil- facade and not opening to it.
itates privacy form outdoors,while Therefore, the courtyard does but due to the open side court into the pas-
the large openings to the courtyard not act significantly in giving sageway, enabling ample ventilation
provide a sense of enclosure. privacy.
N

The linear courtyard Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3

creates an illusion of a
The client wanted a Courtyard

vast space inside the

Bedroom 1 Dining

court, that created an

7. Height to width
H house. The two storey
The width of the courtyard
Section
internal sanctum inside Height to width ratio
volume, high boundary
seems to be lesser than the the house. therefore, obtained is 1.5
W wall and the linearity As observed in the plan, the courtyard has
When heating is a privacy, court- height, therefore height - width majority of the length is
provides a sense of an less depth when compared to the length,
yards with a height - width ratio less ration is less than 1. Entry of the courtyard.
internal sanctum sancto- elongated along the E-W axis.
than 1.0 is preferred for maximum wind into the house is limited rum.
entry of wind. through the courtyard.
The interiors of the
Glass panels
house reflect a mix of
and black
traditional and contem-
Use of white walls for heat White walls comple- metallic pergo-
porary architecture,
Burnt brick interiors with brick absorption. The client mented by wooden las absorb light,
White walls are used
Interiors and louvers and jali works contrast- wanted semi traditional interiors, with wooden while the white
8. predominantly. Land-
landscape ing the green landscape of the interiors that contrasted flooring and coloured walls reflect light
scape involves pave-
•Textured / coloured courtyards to space. The quiet reflective the greenery of the court. glass accents through- and the tree
ment stones, grass and
reflect light brick-edged lotus pool beside out the passageway. blocks the sun’s
other plants that blend
•External can also be light to the informal stage gives a rays by provid-
with the interiors along
prevent absorption of light and heat palpable and inviting vibe. ing shade.
with the tree.
N
Cool air
Warm air

S N
Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3
Cross-wind
ward side
Courtyard
Bedroom
Stack effect resulting in
Bedroom 1 Dining
Stack
Stack effect can be expe- Stack effect was expe-
Stack ventilation a cooling effect is expe-
9. Leeward side Living Kitchen Section
rienced all through the rienced in some
effect rienced at most times of
day. amounts. Stack ventilation effect is experienced
•Cross-ventilation happens on the Stack ventilation is facilitated the day.
throughout the day as the hot air rises up, it is
windward side while stack happens on the leeward side of the
displaced by the cool air through the double
on the loner side where there is less courtyard, where there are an
heighted side court.
access to wind. abundance of openings.
N N
NW NE Puja Space Puja Space

E
N
Impure Kitchen

Courtyard orientation not

Naalukettu Orientation of courtyard
based on Vaasthu but Kitchen and the pooja
with the Kitchen and
10. Vasthu Shasthra SE spaces like Kitchen and space is located in the Kitchen does not get direct view to the court-
Pooja space at the
W
Ground Floor
Guests
Pooja are placed in the kanni moola. yard, but it also experiences cooling effect
Kanni Moola.
•Courtyard is located at the center Kitchen is placed in the kanni Kanni Moola. due to presence of outdoor trees and vege-
of the block,called the naalukettu. moola of the house, making the tation. Bedroom spaces are located majorily
•Kitchen is optimally placed in the spot auspiscious. in the SE and Ne directions, satisfying Vasthu
Kanni Moola. layout.
Conclusion
The study tried to assess the impact of courtyards on ventilation and daylighting
in a residence based on certain parameters identified from the book reviews and
whether courtyards are built according to climate responsive parameters. The
comprehensive study has taken ten parameters from the literature review and
analysed it on two residences in Trivandrum having a side court as the main
design feature.

Through client interviews, architect interviews and the re-

searcher’s perspective, a cumulative conclusion was derived. The houses taken
for study, House 1 and House 2, did not satisfy some of the parameters. It was ob-
served from the conclusion that House 1 lacks ventilation, while daylighting is suffi-
ciently received. House 2 lacks daylighting, while proper ventilation is aided.

Through this, it is being understood that, if the houses or

their openings were oriented/ designed according to the parameters and the
strategies, it would have sorted the problem of lack of ventilation and daylighting
in the respective houses. Suggestive measures for solving these issues have been
advised through the relocation and adjustment of height of openings in the
houses, mostly in the façade. As a cumulative outcome of the strategies and pa-
rameters, the plan and section of an optimal courtyard is designed using the strat-
egies adopted from book review.

Possible design startegies

Northern wind, ligths N
N

Leeward side
Bedroom Kitchen

Dining

Court

Living

Windward side

Plan
 Conclusion
Possible design startegies

•The side courtyard is oriented at an angle of 45 degrees to the wind direction.

•Wind direction is estimated to be from SW – NE, therefore, openings are placed
in this direction, which facilitates cross – ventilation.
•The courtyard is elongated along the N-S axis, enabling shade and thermal com-
fort for the users.
•Positioning of bedrooms and kitchen to the North may help the user experience
Northern wind and lights throughout the day.
•Living, dining spaces near the courtyard for maximum light and ventilation.
Lesser façade openings are preferred, to provide privacy to the user, therefore,
size of openings on the façade should be lesser compared to the ones opening
into the courtyard.
•Kitchen is positioned in the Kanni Moola according to Vaasthu Shathra.
•Vegetative buffers can be provided according to the neighbourhood context.
•Interiors can be painted with colours that reflect light, and complementing the
courtyard.

Bedroom Bedroom

Court Living

Section

•The height – width ratio of the courtyard should be less than 1, to allow maximum wind entry.
•Stack effect can be maintained by giving ample openings on the upper storey as well.