Page 16 - GRIHA Manual Volume III - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 16
Building and system design optimization 9
Figure 5 Longer façades of building facing north and south
2. Buffer spaces or thermal buffer zone
As the western and eastern façades receive maximum insolation, all spaces adjoining these
façades will have maximum heat gain. Therefore, from the perspective of occupant comfort, it is
recommended to design the internal layout of the building in such a way that most of the living/
regularly occupied spaces are placed along the northern or southern façades and away from the
eastern and western façades. The less functional spaces such as storage and service areas like toilets,
staircases, and so on should be allocated along critical orientations like west, east, south-west, south
east, and likewise (depending on the latitude).
Figure 6 Provide major buffer spaces along west and east
Spaces like staircases, lifts, corridors, toilets, rest rooms, store rooms, balconies, and other service
areas can be used as buffer spaces to shield living spaces from the critical façades. These spaces act
as ‘thermal buffers’. Thermal buffer zones cut down on excess solar radiation from penetrating the
building and reduce the cooling load for airconditioned buildings at the same time. This concept
needs to be incorporated during the conceptual design stage of the building.
3. Location of building openings
In order to further reduce the heat gain in buildings, building openings should be located on the
façades with the least amount of insolation. Thus, it is always recommended to provide maximum
openings along the northern and southern façades and avoid openings on the eastern and western
façades to allow maximum daylight and minimum solar radiation inside the building.
Figure 5 Longer façades of building facing north and south
2. Buffer spaces or thermal buffer zone
As the western and eastern façades receive maximum insolation, all spaces adjoining these
façades will have maximum heat gain. Therefore, from the perspective of occupant comfort, it is
recommended to design the internal layout of the building in such a way that most of the living/
regularly occupied spaces are placed along the northern or southern façades and away from the
eastern and western façades. The less functional spaces such as storage and service areas like toilets,
staircases, and so on should be allocated along critical orientations like west, east, south-west, south
east, and likewise (depending on the latitude).
Figure 6 Provide major buffer spaces along west and east
Spaces like staircases, lifts, corridors, toilets, rest rooms, store rooms, balconies, and other service
areas can be used as buffer spaces to shield living spaces from the critical façades. These spaces act
as ‘thermal buffers’. Thermal buffer zones cut down on excess solar radiation from penetrating the
building and reduce the cooling load for airconditioned buildings at the same time. This concept
needs to be incorporated during the conceptual design stage of the building.
3. Location of building openings
In order to further reduce the heat gain in buildings, building openings should be located on the
façades with the least amount of insolation. Thus, it is always recommended to provide maximum
openings along the northern and southern façades and avoid openings on the eastern and western
façades to allow maximum daylight and minimum solar radiation inside the building.
