Bioclimatic design aims to create buildings and spaces that meet energy needs without harming the environment. It focuses on integrating architectural design with local climate conditions like sunlight, wind and vegetation. Key principles include considering the local weather, reducing energy usage, and using passive solar heating and natural ventilation. Examples of bioclimatic design techniques at the site planning scale include using landforms and plants for wind protection, shading, and directing summer breezes to naturally condition outdoor spaces and buildings.

1. BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT THE SITE PLANNING
SCALE
BY: DONALD WATSON
& KENNETH LABS
KOMAL ARORA
AMITY UNIVERSITY
B.ARCH (7TH SEM)

2. CONTENT
1. WHAT IS BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN?
2. INTRODUCTION
3. DESIGN TECHNIQUES
4. PRINCIPLES OF BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN
5. PASSIVE SYSTEM OF HEATING
6. DEMAND OF BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN
7. USE OF NEIGHBOURING LAND FORMS AND VEGETATION FOR
WINTER WIND
8. USE OF NEIGHBOURING LAND FORMS AND VEGETATION FOR
SUMMER SHADING
9. USE OF NEIGHBOURING LAND FORMS AND VEGETATION FOR
SUMMER BREEZE
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

3. QUESTIONS:
1. What is bioclimatic design?
2. What are the principles of bioclimatic design?
3. Write the techniques include in bioclimatic design?
4. Demand for bioclimatic design?
5. What is passive cooling?
6. Ways to use the surrounding land forms, vegetation and structure
to protect from winter wind and summer breezes?
7. What is wind shadow?

4. WHAT IS BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN?
• Bioclimatic design is defined as an architecture which has a
connection with nature.
• The aim of bioclimatic architecture is to create urban areas and
buildings that are designed in order to fully cover their energy
requirements without induce environmental damage.
• This architecture seeks perfect cohesion between design and
natural elements (such as the sun, wind, rain and vegetation),
leading us to an optimization of resources.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

5. INTRODUCTION
 Urban designers can create
favorable microclimatic conditions
in, and around buildings and
outdoor spaces to increase comfort
and reduce energy requirements.
 In winters, the objective is to protect
outdoor spaces, entryways and
structures from the winter winds
and to promote and gain solar heat.
 In summer, it’s the reverse, to resist
solar gain by shading and to
promote cooling by ventilation.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

6. BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN TECHNIQUES
INCLUDE:
1. WIND BREAKS(Winters): Using of neighboring land forms,
structures, or vegetation for winter wind protection.
2. SUN SHADING(Summer): Sun angles are different in summer
than in winters, it is possible to shade spaces and building
openings from the sun during summer period.
• Natural Ventilation: It is a concept to cool outdoor spaces and
buildings by using neighboring land forms, structures, or
vegetation to increase exposure to summer breezes.
• Plants and Water: Several landscaping techniques provides
cooling by the use of plants and water near the building surfaces
and maximize on-site evaporative cooling.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

7. Crossed ventilation: It is a ventilation system of a
space or a run of associated spaces, through openings
placed on two opposite walls. This strategy should be
used with the combined shaded environments and an
envelope (walls and ceilings) whose surface
temperature would be similar to ambient temperature.
Otherwise and with not enough thermal insulation, it
can be several degrees above ambient temperature,
involving a heat emission which reduces the thermal
comfort.
Chimney effect: It is a system that makes an air extraction by
placing apertures in the top of a room. They can be connected to an
exhaust vertical duct. The movement of the air is possible thanks to
the stack effect. The stack effect is also referred to as the "chimney
effect", and it helps drive natural ventilation and infiltration. It is the
movement of air into and out of buildings, chimneys, flue gas stacks,
or other containers, and is driven by buoyancy. Buoyancy occurs due
to a difference in indoor-to-outdoor air density resulting from
temperature and moisture differences. The result is either a positive
or negative buoyancy force. The greater the thermal difference and
the height of the structure, the greater the buoyancy force, and thus
the stack effect.

8. THE MAIN PRINCIPLES OF THIS
ARCHITECTURE ARE:
• The consideration of the weather, hydrography and ecosystems
of the environment in which buildings are built for maximum
performance with the least impact.
• The efficacy and moderation in the use of construction materials,
giving priority to low energy content compared to high energy.
• The reduction of energy consumption for heating, cooling,
lighting and equipment, covering the remainder of the claim
with renewable energy sources.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

10. • Protection of the buildings from the summer sun, primarily
by shading but also by the appropriate treatment of the
building envelope (i.e. use of reflective colours and surfaces).
• The fulfilment of requirements of hydrothermal comfort,
safety, lighting and occupancy of buildings.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

11.  This $6.3 million
glittering aluminium
shell bears little
resemblance to a
traditional mountain
refuge.
 In the summer, water
from the melting
glaciers is harvested
and stored in a large
reservoir 40 metres up
the slope.
EXAMPLE OF BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN:
Monte Rosa Hut, Switzerland

12. A 16kW photovoltaic system integrated into the southern facade
generates 90% of the building’s electricity, with excess stored in
lead-acid accumulators.
Waste water is filtered and recycled, and solar showers loosen up
any aching limbs.
A digital energy management system monitors demand, and even
processes weather forecasts and anticipated visitor numbers for
maximum efficiency.
The Hut will also be used as a centre for research into resource
efficiency by Zurich’s Federal Institute of Technology (ETH).

13. WHAT ARE PASSIVE SYSTEMS FOR
HEATING, COOLING AND LIGHTING?
1. Passive solar systems are the integrated parts – elements of a
building which function without mechanical parts or additional
energy supply and are used for heating as well as cooling
buildings naturally. Passive solar systems are divided into three
categories:
• Passive Solar Heating Systems
• Passive (Natural) Cooling Systems and Techniques
• Systems and Techniques for Natural Lighting
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

14. EXAMPLE OF PASSIVE COOLING:
Inspired by the form of
a lotus, Singapore’s
newly opened Art
Science Museum in the
heart of the Marina Bay
development is a
striking addition to the
waterfront, with ten
dramatic ‘fingers’
curving up towards the
sky.

15. Like all flowers, this too needs water and light.
Architect Moshe Safdie designed the Museum to allow
natural light to illuminate the curved interior walls of the
‘fingers’ through skylights at their tips.
Its dish-like roof gathers rainwater, channelling it down a 35-
foot drop at the core of the building, towards a reflective
pool on the lower floor.
 From here, it’s redirected to a cooling cylindrical waterfall
feature, and – more prosaically – recycled for use in the
museum toilets.

16. THE PROJECT, CALLED RB12 :
Designed by the French-
Brazilian architectural
firm Triptyque and
constructed by Natekko
of France, RB12 will
have a façade that can be
opened to the elements,
in contrast to other office
buildings in the city that
are fully sealed off from
the climate.
The building will be the first to use photovoltaic panels for its own
electricity production

17. A façade of double-glazed glass will optimize the use of
daylighting with angled windows that should make the building
glitter like a diamond, while louvered stainless steel panels
control the amount and quantity of sunlight, explained the
architects at Triptyque in a joint email response to questions.
Suspended gardens integrated into the façade, along with a
green rooftop, also help control lighting.
The glass façade is strategically shaded to reduce the heat gain in
the building from direct solar radiation, but is transparent
enough to allow high levels of natural light to enter indirectly and
illuminate the building.
The façade system “allows a reduction in the use of artificial
lighting along the walls, and therefore power consumption and
internal temperatures are also reduced,” the architectural team
says.

18. DEMAND FOR BIOCLAMATIC DESIGN:
1. Identified as eco-friendly and cost saving, as it do not require
any installation and use of over priced mechanical systems.
2. Reduces the use of refrigerants such as CFC’s
(chlorofluorocarbon) from air conditioner.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

19. USE NEIGHBOURING LAND FORMS,
STRUCTURES, OR VEGETATION FOR WINTER
WIND PROTECTION:
1.The range of protected
area downwind is
proportional to the
height of the windbreak-
the higher the barrier,
the longer the “wind
shadow”.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

20. 2. The maximum length
of wind shadow is
developed only when
the width of the
windbreak is at least 11-
12 times its height.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

21. 3. The permeability or
density of the barrier
affects the length of the
downwind protected
zone. Dense and solid
barriers offer greatest
reduction in wind
speed, but only for a
short distance
immediately behind the
barrier.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

22. USE NEIGHBOURING LAND FORMS,
STRUCTURES, OR VEGETATION FOR
WINTER WIND PROTECTION:
1. Analysis of the building site should be made to determine if
there are existing wind protected area.
2. Open spaces in any complex are integral part of building form.
3. Large open spaces provide free air movement.
4. In siting a house, the builder should avoid open areas, hilltops
and valley floors that are directly exposed to prevailing winter
wind.
5. Trees, shrubs, fences and walls are the most common barrier for
wind control.
6. Higher the barrier, the larger the protective “wind shadow”.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

23. BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

24. BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

25. USE NEIGHBOURING LAND FORMS,
STRUCTURES, OR VEGETATION FOR
SUMMER SHADING:
 Keep understory
clear so as not to
disrupt airflow for
ventilation.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE
Plant tall canopy trees on south side of the house to shade
roof and walls.

26.  Shade planting on
west and northwest
side often can double
as winter windbreak.
Consider evergreens,
fences, and walls.
Plant dense trees, shrubs, hedges on west side of the house to
intercept after noon sun.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

27.  Patio cover shade the
wall, it also reduces
reflected gain from
loading on the wall.
Attached overhead shading structures.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

28. SITING :
• Proper design of the site and the building permits utilization of
solar radiation during the cold season and protect the building
from overheating by the sun during the hot season.
• The suitable location of the building construction depends
on the climate, the direction of the winds, the presence of
trees or other landscaping features, uses and the internal
layout of the building.
On- lot development :
• When the site of the house has been determined, planning of
other exterior shading devices can begin.
• Using shade trees are the best, it protects the house in summer
and shed their leaves in winter to allow the house to receive
solar gain.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

29. USE NEIGHBOURING LAND FORMS,
STRUCTURES, OR VEGETATION TO
INCREASE EXPOSURE TO SUMMER
BREEZES:
 Tree planting can be
used to guide wind
into unit. Here tree
funnel lines are
“disguised” as
driveway and
property line planting
to better blend with
siting.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

30.  Side tree walls help
increase driving
pressure. The rear
tree wall pressurizes
the suction zone,
reducing overall
pressure differential.
 Air is deflected
around the entire
system.

31.  Good design allows
free rear venting as
well as funnel at
front.
 Narrow corridors at
sides create air jet of
increased velocity– A
good place for a porch
or deck.

32. USE NEIGHBOURING LAND FORMS,
STRUCTURES, OR VEGETATION TO
INCREASE EXPOSURE TO SUMMER
BREEZES:
 The direction and
velocity of flow of
summer breezes are
influenced
considerably by local
land forms, tree
masses and existing
structures.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

33. Building on the crest of the hill will maximize exposure to
prevailing breezes.
On slopes and in valleys, cool air flows downhill, washing along
the slope and settling in depressions or following the valley
downstream near large water bodies.
A topographic analysis of the area is necessary to determine
probable on-site wind flow patterns and most desirable building
locations.
Trees and shrubs can be used to channel air flow towards the
structure an even used to increase the air velocity.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

34.  Fences, walls, and adjacent structure can create air dams that
increase the inflow pressures.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

35.  Hedges and shrubs
planting out side
window relieves
unwanted pressure,
components, fosters
downward
deflections of air
stream.
 Effect will be
produced for
distance ‘D’ up to 15
to 20 ft.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

36.  Tree canopy outside
the window is to
“lift” or wrap the
airstream upward by
relieving downward
pressure.
 Tree immediately
outside the window
will produce a
ceiling wash flow.
 Tree at a distance
from the house,
airstream may miss
the house altogether.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

37. BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

38. BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

39. BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

40. BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE
USE GROUND COVER AND PLANTING FOR
SITE COOLING:
 Neighborhood air
temperature can be
kept low by
minimizing the
expanse of paving
and by shading
paved area.

41. SITE PLANNING SUGGESTIONS:
1. Keep paved area to a minimum an 8ft dia. Turnaround with a
20ft ring road is recommended.
2. If spillover parking areas are required use a porous paving
block instead of asphalt.
3. Plant shade trees to shade paving.
4. Use 18-20ft. Street width for large lot developments.
5. Use 26ft. Street width for 14 acre lots.
6. Avoid 34-35ft. Street widths- these are never warranted in well
planned new developments.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

42.  Porous concrete
paving can be
precast or cast-in-
place with forms
made for this
purpose (grasstone)
use it for stabilizing
shoulders and for
spillover parking
spaces both on and
off lot.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

43.  The air temperature in
the “microclimate
zone”(1-4ft.) above these
surfaces also differ
appreciably.
 The difference in surface
temperature between
grass and asphalt can
easily exceed 25 degree
Fahrenheit.
 Non-living surfaces are
much hotter than grass
since they don’t dissipate
heat through
evaporation.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

44. MAXIMIZE ON-SITE EVAPORATIVE
COOLING:
 Outdoor evaporative cooling mechanisms can help to provide
outdoor comfort as well as to lower indoor cooling costs by
lowering air temperature surrounding the building.
Cool air is denser than warm air, it will tend to drain away,
flowing downhill.
In dual courtyard design, a shaded, spray-cooled courtyard
provides a cool ventilation air supply, while the heat trapping
effect of a sunny courtyard on the other side of the unit propels an
upward flow of warmed air, drawing the cool air through the
house.
Spray-mist type area “fogger” can cool a large air mass instantly
and benefit the plants as well.
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE

45. INFERENCE:
Bioclimatic design is based on analysis of the climate and
ambient energy represented by sun, wind, temperature and
humidity.

46. REFRENCE:
Milne, murray.1997. Energy Design Tools.
Web page, department of architecture and urban design.
University of California los Angeles (UCLA)
www.google.com
http://www.aud.ucla.edu/energy-design-tools
www.solearth.com
www.slideshare.com
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AT SITE PLANNING SCALE