Haveli in Jaisalmer

Haveli in jaisalmer
Introduction:
• The best example of architecture of the hot and arid zone in India is Jaisalmer, a town
built in the heart of the thar desert.
• The day time temperatures in June reach up to 50 deg. C while the night temperatures
in January are below the freezing point.
Annual rainfall during the year is 120 to 150 mm.
In the absence of the corrupting influence of water and electricity supply, mechanized
transport and modern building technology, the builders of the medieval Indian town of
Jaisalmer have done a remarkable job of creating an urban environment that is in tune with
nature and provides for more than just the basic needs of the inhabitants.
Situated in the heart of the thar desert, Jaisalmer is famous for its richly carved building
facades less known perhaps is the fact that the town and buildings in it overcome the
problem of the severe desert summer by special passive design features
CLIMATE
• The climate demands protection from the scorching summer sun and sand storms on the
one hand and very cold winter nights on the other.
• Humidity being low throughout the year, comfort could be easily provided by evaporative
cooling, but this is not possible because water is very scarce in Jaisalmer.
• The only sources of water are the very deep wells and the gharhisar tank on the outskirts
of the town.
LAYOUT
The layout of the town is the first defence against the harsh climate.
The streets are Narrow and shaded from the sun. The general street orientation
is south east to north West, which is at right angles to the prevailing summer winds.
Hot dusty winds are thus kept out of the streets.

At many places, buildings overhang the streets on both sides, providing a cool shaded area
almost like a tunnel.
• In some places the buildings actually bridge across the streets.
• The contiguous construction ensures mutual shading by walls and other
elements of the adjoining building
• One major reason for selection of this site

was the availability of sub-surface water.
• The fort was built on the hilltop, generally
following its triangular geometry.
Surrounded by protective fortifications, the
houses and palaces were approached
through narrow streets.
• Unlike other Indian forts, which are
characterized by strong rectilinear geometry
and open spaces, this one had few
community open spaces. STREET LAYOUT & HOUSE FORM OF JAISALMER.
With influx of population from the Surrounding areas, the fort was in time completely built
up and further expansion of the settlement took place at the foot of the hill.
The construction of the town was started in 1725 a.d.for various socio-cultural reasons, the
town plan of Jaisalmer developed in the form of "Padas" based profession and this division
persists till today.
During the years 1750 to 1850 a.d. additions to the town included fortifications around the
town and the construction of many beautiful residential buildings called "havelis".
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli
• Jaisalmer in Rajasthan bears

relics to the rich architectural
splendor of the ancient times.
• A unique feature of the
marvelous architectural
monument of Nathmalji-ki-
Haveli is the giant structure of
two elephants of yellow sand
stone at the main entrance of
the beautiful edifice.
• edifice
PLAN
• The building is planned around two courtyards, the one in the front is
much smaller than the rear one .
• The front part of the building is three storeys high and has the main living
quarters.
• The rear portion is two storey high and contains the ancillary
accomodation.
BUILDING MATERIAL
• The material used for walls in this haveli is mostly light sandstone whereas
limestone has been used for the upper storeies and facade since it can be
easily carved.
• The stone joints are made without mortar and are held together using iron
cramps.
• Due to thick walls and mud plaster, it reduces the thermal load on the
building.
FORM OF THE BUILDING
• The entire building is of unequal heights with wind pavilions and high
parapet walls , creating an uneven skyline and shading in the process.
• At the second level they have a number of projections like sunshades and
balconies.
• At the lowest levels, the flats parts of the building facade are deeply carved
creating finned surface.
• Uneven building forms also influences radiative heat loss from walls.
• The courtyards provide the necessary light and ventilation for all the
surrounding rooms.
• While the front receives some sunlight during the summer, the rear courtyard is
completely exposed to sun.
• The streets and the two narrow shafts are completely protected from the sun.
• The differential heating of the vertical ducts ensures continuous airflow through
the house.
WINDOWS
• Windows and balconies are generally fitted with jallis or lattice windows
(shutter like windows) for privacy as well to restrict dust but at the same
time let in wind.
• Doors are built with stone frames and fitted with timber doors.
ROOF
• The roof is made of closely spaced timber beams and then is covered by a
layer of reed or grass matting and finally laid by a layer of earth on top .
• These are then finished with stone flooring or mud plaster .

• The layer of earth and grass matting keeps the interiors cool.
• The drawing room of the family is located on the first floor above the entranceway.
• This richly decorated room is two storeys high.
• There are timber shuttered window openings towards the street and a large
number of small ventilation holes in the upper part of the room.
Together, these openings ensure heat removal by ventilation .
WIND SCOOP
• One type of ventilation device not found in the old building of Jaisalmer,
but which has been installed in more recent constructions, is the roof top
wind scoop
• In Jaisalmer, a cool breeze blows from the south in summer evenings,
and the wind scoop is oriented to deflect this cool breeze into the house
• A trap door is provided at the base of the wind scoop to keep out
unwanted hot or dusty winds.

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Haveli in jaisalmer

Hot dusty winds are thus kept out of the streets.

• One major reason for selection of this site

• Jaisalmer in Rajasthan bears

• These are then finished with stone flooring or mud plaster .

• This richly decorated room is two storeys high.

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