Impact of courtyard on indoor thermal environment in vernacular row houses of warm and humid climate: case study of Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this study, three typologies of houses were studied to reinforce the benefits of the courtyard. The row houses with courtyards, i.e. Category A, were analysed to identify parameters responsible for improved thermal performance. A field investigation was conducted in July and December 2021 to study the row houses of the Edalakudy settlement in Nagercoil town, Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, a state in India. The dependent and independent variables were analysed to determine the appropriateness and thermal performance of the courtyard. The results emphasized the importance of the inclusion of a designed courtyard. An effectively designed courtyard can reduce the temperature to 2–4°C. High thermal mass, increased ventilation, external shading, sky view factor of 0.18 – 0.3, false ceiling, and linear placement of openings along the courtyard reduced the temperature. Finally, recommendations were developed based on the findings. The recommendations delineate efficient design and utilization of the courtyard in row houses of warm and humid climates.