Essay On Hollow Block Design

The architecture that has developed in arid zones of the middle east have had consistent and deep-rooted building techniques which promote passive climatic conditioning of their environments to provide shelter and comfort from their natural environment of deserts. Modern Design of homes in hot desert conditions has much to learn from the history and development of planning, building forms and construction techniques.

Major problems in hot and dry areas:

• Burning sun and excessive temperature,

• High temperature variation between days and nights,

• Very hot summers and very cold winters,

• Dry climate due to lack of rainfall and drought,

• Dust storms

Design objectives and response

The main aim of building design in relation to the climate is

Hollow block construction technique helps in thermal insulation of buildings.

Double wall construction with proper ventilation may also be constructed on western side. The wall thickness plays a vital role in heat insulation. Thicker external walls are favoured as it acts as an insulating barrier. Walls with light coloured and glossy paints or cladded with reflective tiles on outer surface have good reflective quality and therefore heat is not absorbed. The surface of walls should be smooth, glossy and one that does not catch dust on to it.

Landscape: Growing of vegetation like shady trees near external walls to provide shade lessen the amount of heat flow into the building. Green ground covers instead of hard landscaping elements also cater to the less radiation of heat into the building.

In short, the building design should cater to:

• Orientation so as to minimize exposure to the suns