Landscape Design for Energy Efficiency in Residences of Kerala

Landscaping is considered an integral part of a house, eliminated the distinction between front and backyard, making it possible to place the house in the middle of the landscape. A strategic landscape design is an easy and inexpensive way to improve energy efficiency of a building, enhance the aesthetic value of the property, and provide screening for privacy, and buffer. Landscape design ideally is a part of a wider design process, allowing interactions between the building orientation, building design, and site. The aim of the study is to analyze the influence of site planning aspects of landscaping on the energy efficiency of residence in Kerala (warm and humid climate). To understand the methods for providing natural light and ventilation into the building through proper site planning and determine its ability to reduce the surrounding temperature. The result of the study is a compilation of knowledge base about the different techniques of landscape design strategies and different varieties of indigenous plants and materials that are commonly used in residences, and how they provide a benefit to the overall energy efficiency of the building envelop in Kerala.