Paper Title
Thermal Comfort and Daylight Assessment of Traditional House in Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh
Abstract
This study delves into the intricacies of how vernacular architecture, sustainable practices, and adaptive reuse intersect in the Amaravathi Region of Andhra Pradesh. With its deep connection to indigenous traditions, vernacular architecture is a reflection of the unique cultural and environmental factors of its location. While architects play a significant role in design, a large portion of homes in India are handcrafted by homeowners, communities, and local artisans, resulting in a distinctive impact on the built environment. In the midst of diverse architectural styles and techniques, this research highlights the social, cultural, and economic influences that shape vernacular structures. Furthermore, acknowledging the cultural value of these heritage buildings is crucial in a rapidly changing global landscape.This paper explores the concept of adaptive reuse, which involves repurposing existing structures to reduce material consumption, energy use, and environmental impact. By examining the transformations of vernacular dwellings, it uncovers the complex influences of family structures, economic changes, and structural decay. However, the implementation of adaptive reuse poses certain challenges, especially in regards to indoor environmental quality, specifically Daylight and Adaptive comfort of a specific structure.
This study delves into the potential impact of retrofitting a heritage dwelling with a second-generation home extension on its IEQ. Simulation results show a 20% improvement in thermal comfort but a 25% reduction in natural lighting, highlighting the need for balanced retrofitting strategies and context-specific approaches in heritage preservation and sustainable design.
Keywords - Adaptive reuse, vernacular architecture, socio-cultural and socio-economic influences, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), adaptive retrofitting, thermal comfort, natural lighting levels.