Most of the time, we think that the budget is the bottom line, but it's not. The way you use and maintain your home over the years has a lasting impact on overall satisfaction.

Having a maaliwalas home isn't just an abstract concept you can only feel. When designing your residence there are physical components that enable your building to perform the way you want it to. Here are 7 basic components of a maaliwalas residence of which we've also incorporated in the design of one of our projects.

Creating Energy-Efficient Residences

1. High-Low Windows

2. Wide Eaves

3. Sun shades

4. Light Colored roofing

5. Light shelves

6. The Right Window Type

7. The Right Materials

Aside from personalizing your home to reflect preferences and lifestyles, a house should also be healthy and efficient.

1. High-Low Windows

After considering the orientation of the building, having a low window funnel air to a higher window enables the wind to naturally flow through your structure, particularly when the building is located in urban areas where wind speeds are typically low. The basic principle of cold air sinks, while hot air rises apply here.

2. Wide Eaves

Wide eaves allow for glazing to be shielded from direct sunlight while allowing indirect light to illuminate the space. (Light in, Heat out).

3. Sun shades

Sun shading (Brise Soleil) works in 2 ways, one is by diffusing the amount of light that enters the building and the other is by creating a separate structure that dissipates heat without transmitting heat to the primary structure. Horizontal slats are effective for the facades facing high angles of the sun, while vertical slats are effective for facades facing low angles of the sun.

4. Light Colored roofing

Light-colored roofs allow for light to be reflected so as not to absorb heat. At the same time, using clay or concrete roof shingles allow for less heat absorption than metal roofs.

5. Light shelves

Light shelves, similar to eaves found on buildings, are architectural elements designed to enhance the quality of natural lighting within a space. By strategically positioning these shelves outside windows, they effectively redirect sunlight deeper into a room, creating a well-lit environment while reducing the need for artificial lighting. This indirect illumination not only helps to minimize visual glare, but also contributes to energy savings by decreasing the reliance on electric lights during the day.

6. The Right Window Type

There are a lot of window types with varying applications, as a general rule, it's more important to know the function of these windows first before the look. East and west-facing windows are recommended to be operable for optimal wind flow. While south-facing windows should be minimized or shaded due to sun exposure.

7. The Right Materials

Other than the internal temperature and light, indoor air quality is also an important factor. Superfluous textiles are often gatherers of dust which compromise air quality unless constantly maintained. Like clay, marble tiles are less heat conductive. For curtains, Satin and synthetic materials retain more heat than cotton or silk. Linens are better alternatives for upholstery as they are eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.