Unique Features
1. 30 per cent less embodied energy
(Lifecycle “cradle to grave” approach to assess energy content of materials)
- Low energy natural materials used for building elements
- mud and fly ash blocks instead of burnt brick or concrete
- timber for doors and windows
- 25 per cent of external wall area glazed
- no aluminium or PVC used
- 90 per cent materials sourced from around Delhi; thus involving minimum transportation
- Highly efficient use of materials
- thin ferro-cement channels with stone slabs instead of heavy concrete slabs
- stone flooring pattern designed to reduce waste to less than 5%
2. 40 per cent less operational energy
- User acceptance of indoor temperature range from 180 to 280 Celsius
- Optimised orientation to
- maximise natural lighting and ventilation
- minimise heat gain
- “Green clothing” (planting on building façade), cavity walling and built-in shading devices to minimise heat gain
- Innovative “Hybrid” air conditioning system minimising use of energy and water
- prioritising evaporative cooling for hot and dry months
- supplemented by refrigerant cooling for hot and humid months
3. 100 per cent waste water recycled
- Rainwater harvested for use or ground water recharge
- Waste water recycled for use in toilets and gardens
- Surplus waste water treated before recharging ground water
4. 15 per cent recycled materials
- Mud from old building salvaged to make new compressed earth blocks
- Stones used for masonry
- Industrial wastes, such as fly ash and stone dust used in construction
5. 30 per cent less steel
- Ferro-cement channels with minimal steel bars and chicken-wire mesh
- Shallow domes with Fly Ash blocks requiring no steel reinforcement
- Short-span reinforced cement concrete frame for basic structure
6. CFC free building
- Committed to protecting the Ozone Layer
- Permissible refrigerant used; can be upgraded as better refrigerants are made available
7. 30 per cent less cement
- 25mm thick ferro-cement channels, instead of 150mm thick slabs
- Minimal cement plastering – celebration of exposed natural materials
8. People Driven Design
- Interactive process between the DA staff and the architects; design evolved over a series of workshops
- Sensitive to requirement of universal access
- enabling persons with disabilities to reach all points with ease
- enabling persons from all strata of society to feel welcome
- Child-care and recreational facilities
9. Commitment to People and Nature
- Promotion of skill-based techniques and artisan products
- terracotta fenestration
- materials produced from micro-enterprises
- All wood from managed plantations
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