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- How to build for your climate?
How to build for your climate?
Tiny Insights for building naturally, building beautifully.
No.073 — Read old posts on Tinyfarmlab.com
Reading Time 5 minutes
A house should be designed to work with the local climate, not against it.
Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, we must use climate-responsive design principles to create homes that feel comfortable without excessive heating or cooling.
To do this, we need to combine:
- Scientific climate data (like Köppen Climate Classification)
- Passive solar & material science
- Traditional knowledge from local communities
By studying these, we can make informed choices about materials, insulation, thermal mass, and passive cooling/heating strategies.
Identify Your Climate Type
The Köppen Climate Classification divides the world into different climate types based on temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations.
The Köppen Climate Classification divides the world into five primary climate zones:
1. Tropical (A) – Hot & Humid
Example: Kerala (India), Bali (Indonesia), Costa Rica
2. Dry (B) – Hot & Arid
Example: Rajasthan (India), Arizona (USA), Morocco
3. Temperate (C) – Moderate Seasons
Example: France, Northeast USA, Himachal Pradesh (India)
4. Continental (D) – Cold Winters & Hot Summers
Example: Canada, Russia, Northern Europe
5. Polar (E) – Extremely Cold
Example: Alaska, Siberia, Greenland
Climatic Twins
By studying climatic twins—places with similar conditions—we can learn from traditional building techniques that have evolved over centuries.
For example:
- If you are building in Rajasthan, look at desert architecture in Morocco, Iran, and Arizona.
- If you are in Bangalore, study how Mediterranean cities in Spain or Italy handle warm summers and mild winters.
Study Your Rainfall & Temperature Patterns
To design effectively, understand how temperature and rainfall change throughout the year.
Key Data to Collect:
- Peak Summer Temperature (and how long it lasts)
- Peak Winter Temperature (and how cold it gets)
- Day-Night Temperature Swings (helps determine if thermal mass is useful)
- Annual Rainfall Patterns (is it steady or seasonal?)
- Humidity Levels (affects material choices)
- Wind Patterns (for natural ventilation)
Ask Locals & Observe Old Homes
Before the rise of industrial construction, people built with materials found around them and adapted their homes to climate needs.
Many of these techniques are still relevant today!
To understand how people built for your climate, ask:
- What materials were traditionally used for walls, roofs, and insulation?
- How did people keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer?
- How did they deal with heavy rain, humidity, or dry air?
- Were there special architectural features for ventilation or heating?
Where to Find This Knowledge
- Talk to elders in villages & towns – they often remember how homes were built before concrete & ACs became common.
- Observe abandoned or old houses – look at wall thickness, window placement, roof slopes, courtyards, etc.
- Visit historical sites – palaces, forts, and temples often used brilliant climate strategies.
- Speak to artisans & masons – many still practice traditional techniques, though they might be fading.
Apply Climate-Specific Design Strategies
Hot & Dry Climates (Desert, Arid Regions)
Thick thermal mass (cob, adobe, stone) to store heat during the day and release it at night
Small, shaded windows to minimize heat gain
Courtyards & wind towers to create cool microclimates
Light-colored exteriors to reflect heat
Roof ponds or earth-covered roofs for cooling
Hot & Humid Climates (Tropical, Coastal)
Lightweight walls (bamboo, wood, wattle & daub) to avoid heat retention
Large openings & cross-ventilation to promote airflow
High-pitched roofs to allow hot air to rise
Deep overhangs & verandas to provide shade
Breathable materials like lime plaster to prevent moisture buildup
Cold Climates (High Altitude, Northern Regions)
Super-insulated walls (straw bale, hempcrete, earthbags) to retain heat
South-facing windows to maximize winter solar gain
Compact shape to reduce heat loss
Thermal mass in sunlit areas to store warmth
Well-sealed doors & windows to prevent drafts
Temperate Climates (Moderate, 4-Seasons)
Balance between thermal mass & insulation depending on season
Deciduous trees for seasonal shading
Adjustable ventilation to let in cool air in summer, and retain heat in winter
Overhangs designed for seasonal sun angles
Use Passive Solar Design
- South-Facing Windows to bring in heat in winter
- Deep Overhangs to block summer sun but allow winter sun
- Thermal Mass in Direct Sunlight (earthen benches, stone floors)
- Ventilation Strategies (high vents for hot air escape, shaded windows for cool air intake)
- Be Careful with Glass – too much can cause heat loss in winter & overheating in summer
By designing for climate and combining it with traditional wisdom, we create homes that feel good year-round—without artificial energy use.
Love,
Raghav and Ansh
PS: We share daily tips and insights on LinkedIn about cob, natural homes, and sustainable living. Follow us or connect with us to join the conversation!
What you can watch - Natural building vindication: climate, comfort, health, budget
What you can listen to - Natural Building - Sigi Koko - May 2024
What You Can Read - A post on passive solar design.
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