Environment & Architecture
The implementation of passive strategies in architecture can prove to be a viable solution to tackle the challenges by varying climatic. By incorporating design elements that work in harmony with the environment, such as natural ventilation and shading, buildings can be rendered more energy-efficient and comfortable. A comprehensive understanding of the impact of climate on architecture is imperative for the creation of sustainable and functional structures.
A House of many Beings
As I step into the house, a gentle southwest breeze greets me, flowing through expansive openings that dissolve the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Supported by massive arches, the house rests on a high plinth, creating spaces for local animals—a sanctuary for both humans and more than humans.
Living here with cats, dogs, and birds deepens the connection to nature. The dogs, full of playful energy, dart in and out from beneath the window seats, chasing butterflies that flutter in from the surrounding greenery. Inside, they find comfort on the cool stone floors and often curl up in the shaded spaces beneath the house, where the high plinth offers a perfect nap spot during the day’s heat.
The cats, ever curious, claim the balcony as their playground, their paws lightly padding across the textured gravel as they explore every nook. They perch on the edge, watching the birds that nest in the creepers, their predatory instincts tempered by the peaceful coexistence within this shared ecosystem.
Birds thrive in this environment, their songs filling the air as they nest among the green facade and the mud walls beneath the plinth. In the early morning, their gentle cooing serves as a natural wake-up call, a soft reminder of life all around.
Evenings are magical. As the sun sets and the air cools, the dogs gather on the veranda, watching the world slow down. The cats retreat indoors, while the birds settle into their nests, their songs fading as night takes over.
This Goan house, with its open, breathable spaces, allows for a seamless cohabitation.
