A. 30% Less Embodied Energy
(Lifecycle ‘cradle to grave’ approach to assess energy content of materials)
Low energy natural materials used for building elements
• Mud and fly ash blocks instead of burnt brick or concrete
• Timber for doors and windows
• <25% of external wall area glazed
• No aluminum or PVC used
90% materials sourced from around Delhi; thus involving minimum transportation
Highly efficient use of materials
• Thin ferro-cement channels with stone slabs instead of heavy concrete slabs
• Stone flooring pattern designed to reduce waste to less than 5%

B. 40% Less Operational Energy
User acceptance of indoor temperature range from 180 to 280 Celsius
Optimised orientation to
• Maximise natural lighting and ventilation
• Minimise heat gain
‘Green clothing’ (planting on building façade), cavity walling and built-in shading devices to minimise heat gain
Innovative ‘Hybrid’ air conditioning system minimising use of energy and water
• Prioritising evaporative cooling for hot and dry months
• Supplemented by refrigerant cooling for hot and humid months

H. People-driven Design
Interactive process between DA staff and the architects; design evolved over a series of workshops
Sensitive to requirement of universal access
• Enabling persons with disabilities to reach all points with ease
• Enabling persons from all strata of society to feel welcome
Child care and recreational facilities

I. Commitment to People and Nature
Promotion of skill-based techniques and artisan products
• Terracotta fenestration
• Materials produced from micro-enterprises
All wood from managed plantations q

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