If you grew up in an old Indian town, you probably remember the feeling. Stepping barefoot into your grandmother’s haveli on a scorching afternoon. The clang of the metal latch, the sudden drop in temperature, the earthy scent of wet stone, and that hush of cool air brushing past as you entered the courtyard. It felt like magic.

It wasn’t. It was brilliant design.

Long before the word ‘sustainability’ filled design journals, India’s traditional homes had already perfected the art of living in harmony with their environment. Built centuries ago across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal and beyond, havelis were grand mansions rooted in both climate and culture. At their core was an architectural feature that did more than look beautiful — the courtyard.

Why courtyards worked: A natural cooling system

Indian havelis were built in hot, often arid regions where temperature control was essential. Courtyards were the answer. Here’s how they worked:

• It cooled itself, naturally: The central courtyard absorbed sunlight during the day and released heat into the open sky at night, drawing cooler air into the surrounding rooms — a simple system of thermal regulation.
• Air moved freely through the house: Rooms on all four sides opened into the courtyard, creating constant cross-ventilation without fans or machines.
• Trees and plants made it even cooler: Many courtyards had tulsi plants, trees, or fountains. These green features released moisture into the air — a process known as evapotranspiration, which contributed to the cooling effect.
• Walls that worked with the weather: Havelis used lime-plastered walls,........
  

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