Essential Building Solutions you need to know

07 Sketches
Jul 3
3 min read

Introduction

In the world of construction, it’s often the smallest details that make the biggest difference. Whether you’re designing a home, renovating a space, or planning a new building, understanding the basics of how buildings interact with nature and disasters is essential. From managing rainwater to ensuring structural safety and maintaining indoor comfort without heavy reliance on electricity, every design choice can have a long-term impact.

A very common problem in traditional or even modern homes rainwater trickling down the walls, leading to dampness and structural deterioration.

On the left side of the image, we see how the absence of proper detailing at the base of the wall causes rainwater to accumulate and seep into the plinth. The poor connection between the ground and wall causes water retention that eventually seeps inside, damaging the stonework and foundation.

Now, look at the right side of the same image. A simple projection at the bottom of the wall deflects rainwater away from the base. This subtle architectural tweak ensures that water drains off properly without entering the structure, keeping the foundation dry and safe. This minor detailing improves the life of the wall and avoids future repair costs. Such thoughtful detailing is often ignored but plays a vital role in building longevity.

Earth Coupling System

The Earth Coupling System is a passive architectural technique that uses the natural temperature of the earth to regulate the indoor climate of a building. Since the temperature below the ground remains relatively stable throughout the year, this system takes advantage of that stability to either cool or heat a structure without relying heavily on mechanical systems like air conditioners or heaters.

There are different methods of applying this system, including direct contact with the earth, surrounding the structure with earth (earth shelter), open-loop ventilation systems that pass air through underground pipes, or boreholes that tap deeper thermal levels.

Earth coupling not only improves energy efficiency but also promotes sustainable design by reducing dependence on electricity and artificial climate control. It is a brilliant example of how nature can be integrated into architecture to create healthier and more responsive living environments.

The first one, Direct Contact, shows how the floor directly touching the earth can help absorb the cooler temperature of the ground, transferring that to the interior space. The Earth Shelter method uses the insulation of earth piled around the building to maintain indoor thermal comfort naturally. Then we see the Open Loop Ventilation system, where underground pipes cool the air before it enters the home. Finally, the Bore Hole technique uses a vertical pipe to tap into the earth’s stable temperature for heating or cooling purposes.

These strategies reduce dependence on artificial air-conditioning systems. By understanding and utilizing the earth’s stable underground temperature, we can significantly improve energy efficiency.

Excavation Near Existing Structures

When planning construction near an existing building, one of the most overlooked yet critical considerations is how soil behaves when it's disturbed. This is especially true when adding features like swimming pools or basements close to a standing structure.

In the above diagram, you can see a fundamental concept in geotechnical engineering: the angle of repose of the soil, which is typically around 45 degrees. This is the natural angle at which soil remains stable without collapsing.

In the top part of the diagram, excavation for a new pool is done too close to the house. The cut in the soil breaches the 45-degree angle from the foundation, meaning the support provided by the soil under the house is now compromised. This creates a dangerous situation where the structure may settle unevenly, develop cracks, or in severe cases, collapse due to lack of lateral soil support. The illustration marks this area in red, indicating that such excavation requires engineered intervention to ensure safety.

In contrast, the lower part of the diagram shows a safer approach. The new pool is located in such a way that the 45-degree angle from the foundation remains untouched. This ensures that the soil beneath and around the house continues to support it adequately. The excavation respects the natural strength and slope of the soil, making it structurally safe and sustainable.

Understanding soil behavior and respecting the angle of repose is essential when building near existing structures. It is not just about creating space but doing so in a way that does not endanger what already exists. Proper planning, distance, and sometimes engineering solutions like retaining walls or soil stabilization can help achieve both safety and design goals.

Thanks for reading!