Ladakh34°10′ N 77°34′ E

• Ladakh is the highest plateau of state of Kashmir with much of it being over 3,000 m (9,800 ft) and is a high altitude desert as the Himalayas create a rain shadow, denying entry to monsoon clouds. Summers are short. The summer weather is dry and pleasant. Temperature ranges are from 3 to 35 °C in summer and minimums range from -20 to -35 °C in winter.

• Many houses and monasteries are built on elevated, sunny sites facing south.

Observations on Google Maps

It can be clearly seen that Leh region lies in the rain shadow belt. This is the reason for snow accumulation and the existence of a cold and harsh climate.

This similar pattern of houses having sloping roofs can been seen on Google Maps. This is in reaction to the cold climate i.e. to prevent snow accumulation and increasing live loads on the structure.

Another feature that was noticed by me was related to the settlement pattern. I found houses being clustered and closely packed. This is done to create a warmer place with structures acting as barriers for wind flow.

Leh34°08′43.43″N 77°34′03.41″E

34°08′ N 77°34′ E

• Geography- Mountains dominate the landscape around the Leh as it is at an altitude of 3,500m.

• Climate- Leh has a cold desert with long, harsh winters from October to early March, with minimum temperatures well below freezing for most of the winter. The city gets occasional snowfall during winter. The weather in the remaining months is generally fine and warm during the day. The temperature can range from −28 °C in winter to 33 °C in summer.

Precipitation- Average annual rainfall is only 102 mm (4.02 inches).[18]

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

32

(90)

31

(88)

30

(86)

20

(68)

13

(55)

33

(91)

25

(77)

21

(70)

14

(57)

7

(45)

2

(36)

12.3

(54.1)

10

(50)

5

(41)

−1

(30)

−6

(21)

−11

(12)

1.2

(34.2)

−3

(27)

−6

(21)

−12

(10)

−20

(−4)

−25

(−13)

−28

(−18)

15

(0.59)

9

(0.35)

7

(0.28)

3

(0.12)

4

(0.16)

102

(4.02)

Climate data for Leh

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul

Record high °C

(°F)

8

(46)

12

(54)

19

(66)

23

(73)

28

(82)

29

(84)

33

(91)

Average high °C

(°F)

-2

(28)

1

(34)

6

(43)

12

(54)

16

(61)

21

(70)

25

(77)

Average low °C

(°F)

−14

(7)

−11

(12)

−5

(23)

−1

(30)

3

(37)

7

(45)

10

(50)

Record low °C

(°F)

−28

(−18)

−25

(−13)

−19

(−2)

−12

(10)

−7

(19)

−1

(30)

0

(32)

Rainfall mm

(inches)

9

(0.35)

8

(0.31)

11

(0.43)

9

(0.35)

9

(0.35)

3

(0.12)

15

(0.59)

Conclusions

• The table shows that the average diurnal variation is 12°C.

• We notice that the average high temperatures in daytime from June to September, ranging from 21°C-25°C, are the most comfortable spans for humans. At night, however, insulation is needed.

• December to January are the most uncomfortable spans for humans as even the temperatures during the daytime are negative.

We can see that Leh lies to the leeward side of the Himalayas. That’s the reason why most of the settlements are situated on the sloping side of this leeward side. Winds are unwanted.

There we can see settlements on the leeward side.

The other advantage of living on the sloping surfaces is getting direct and more intense sunlight.

Other observations of the settlements in Leh by studying photos clearly showed that the houses have narrow opening towards the higher ends of the structure and on the facades facing the South. This was to take in sunlight and heat.

The reason why openings face the south are that in the northern hemisphere, in order to face the sun and obtain maximum solar gain, the windows would face the south.

This explains why the openings face the South. To take in more light and heat.

Solutions

• Buildings in cold climates should have high thermal mass or significant amounts of insulation by using materials such as concrete, clay bricks and other forms of masonry.

• Buildings should be sealed in order to prevent heat loss, and openings such as windows tend to be small or non-existent. Fenestrations should not be facing towards the windward side and should be towards the top of the structure so that they can be shaded. If the structure is in northern hemisphere, then the fenestrations should be towards the southern facade, and vice versa for a structure in the southern hemisphere.

• Plan of the structure should be deep and more surface area should be exposed to the sun.

South Overhang

Another response to the harsh climate was the South overhang. The upper fenestrations of the structure are shaded allowing only the winter sun and obstructing the summer sun. This allows both the sunlight and heat in the winters and only the sunlight in the summers.

Presented by: Akshay Parakh

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