What old city homes knew about heat that modern buildings forgot

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

As temperatures soar across Marathwada, residents of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar should take inspiration from city’s old quarters Shahganj, Paithan Gate, and others not for nostalgia, but to escape the blistering heat.

Built over a century ago, these traditional homes stay remarkably cooler than modern buildings. Their thick lime-plastered walls, shaded courtyards, and natural ventilation systems help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without artificial cooling offering a sustainable alternative as power demand spikes.

Local engineers and conservationists point out that builders once designed homes with the local climate in mind. “Before air-conditioners came along, homes were made to breathe,” a senior heritage planner explained. “High ceilings, stone floors, verandahs, and neem trees weren’t just aesthetic they were practical thermal solutions.”

In areas like Shahganj, homes with central courtyards, jali windows, and well-placed trees remain 5–7°C cooler than newer housing colonies. Despite this, many of these heritage homes are being demolished and replaced by compact flats that trap heat and worsen indoor comfort. Some modern developers have begun adopting passive cooling features in select housing projects. A few eco-housing schemes now feature green roofs, shaded balconies, and terracotta cladding. However, such efforts mostly cater to premium buyers. Architect Vinay Jagtap, who works on both heritage conservation and climate-responsive projects, emphasizes the need to bridge traditional wisdom with modern design. “We don’t need to replicate the past, but we must learn from it. A neem tree in the courtyard or a jali window can naturally lower indoor heat,” he said. “We often forget that shade and ventilation work better than machines. In my projects, I combine old design logic with new layouts it’s affordable, effective, and it works.”

What can be done?

• Use courtyards, jali windows, and lime plaster in new buildings.

• Plant neem and other shade-giving trees.

• Include passive cooling in building regulations.

• Make climate-wise design part of building approvals.