Climate Responsive Building Design in the Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

Traditional architecture in the Kathmandu Valley is the outcome of centuries of optimization of material use, construction techniques and climate consideration. However, contemporary buildings are being built with little consideration of the climate. This study aims to explore strategies for energy efficiency and climate consciousness in modern buildings in the Kathmandu Valley. The Bioclimatic chart, Building Bioclimatic chart and Mahoney tables are used to analyse climatic parameters, and design recommendations are given based on the results of the analysis. An overview of vernacular architecture helps to understand the climatic or technological limitations of the past in order to formulate design guidelines. These guidelines provide recommendations on the orientation and layout of buildings, the size and position of openings, and the characteristics of walls and roofs.