vernacular architecture

Buildings represent the major energy consuming sector in India. Sustainable and climate responsive architecture offers possible solutions to this high energy demand. Vernacular buildings, in contrast to modern 20th century buildings, are more climate receptive to the environment and are based on principles evolved over many generations. The traditional architecture of housing in Chettinadu, Tamil Nadu, India is known for its use of natural and passive methods for a comfortable indoor environment. However, it has not been proved by a detailed and quantitative evaluation method so far.

The identification of effective factors in the historical formation of architecture can help develop architecture and its various aspects (Mofidi, 2005). These factors may be classified in the groups of cultural, historical and climatic. Specifically, the application of the native and traditional basis of past architecture can be highly significant for the improvement of contemporary architecture (Fathy, 1986).