Courtyards
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Most of the old residences of Bidar have a central courtyard. The courtyards were built for privacy and climatic purposes. A courtyard provided an open-air space that was protected from outside eyes. The planning of the house consisted of ‘summer rooms’ located in the southern section of the courtyard, so they opened northwards into the central open hub of the household while the “winter rooms” were located in the northern section and therefore faced south.
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Placement
Identify the most suitable location for courtyards.
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Courtyard Size and Shape
Determine the size and shape of courtyards based on the specific requirements and functions they will serve. Smaller courtyards may work well for private spaces, while larger ones can facilitate communal areas.
Orientation and Wind Patterns
Align the orientation of courtyards to capture prevailing winds, allowing for effective cross-ventilation. Courtyards with a north-south orientation can maximize natural light and airflow.
Landscaping and Greenery
Incorporate vegetation, such as trees and shrubs, to enhance airflow and create microclimates within courtyards. Consider native plant species for low maintenance.
Shading and Overhangs
Employ shading devices to protect courtyards from excessive solar heat gain. This ensures the spaces remain comfortable during hot weather.
Accessibility and Safety
Design courtyards with accessibility in mind, ensuring they are usable by people with disabilities. Incorporate safety features like handrails and non-slip surfaces.
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Multi-Purpose Spaces:
Plan courtyards to serve multiple functions, such as outdoor seating, recreational areas, or garden spaces, to maximize their utility.
Guidelines
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Courtyards facilitate ventilation through the generation of a stack effect.
The stack effect or chimney effect is the movement of air into and out of buildings through unsealed openings, resulting from air buoyancy.
During the night: During the night, the air inside the courtyard is warmer compared to the cool air outside. Due to the stack effect, warm air inside rises because it is lighter. Through the process of convection, this rising warm air
How do courtyards work?
creates space for the cool air outside to fill the courtyard. It enters through the windows of the surrounding rooms, flowing through them and into the courtyard. This natural movement of air allows the rooms to experience a refreshing cool breeze.
During the morning: Since the courtyard is now slightly cooler, the outside temperature is hotter as compared to the inside. Due to convection, the courtyard air flows out through the rooms, and cross-ventilation between areas is established. With the outdoor temperature rising, the thickness of the walls prevents heat to penetrate through them.
During the afternoon: In the late afternoon, the courtyards floor and the interior of the house become warmer, allowing for convection and heat exchange with the cooler exterior air