A Climate of Contrasts
Yerevan sits on a high plateau with a dry continental climate: long, hot and sunny summers, cold winters and a large difference between day and night temperatures. A building that ignores these conditions relies on machines to stay comfortable. A building that responds to them uses its form, materials and openings to do much of that work for free.
At Design Dazine, site, climate, solar orientation and wind are among the first inputs into every form and massing study.
Orientation and Massing
Placing the main living spaces and larger windows toward the south lets low winter sun warm the interior, while that same façade is easy to shade in summer when the sun is high. West-facing glass is the hardest to control and is best kept modest or deeply shaded.
Compact forms lose less heat in winter. Courtyards, recessed loggias and overhangs create shaded outdoor rooms — a strategy with deep roots in regional architecture.
Shading Before Air Conditioning
External shading is far more effective than internal blinds because it stops heat before it reaches the glass. Horizontal overhangs suit south façades; vertical fins, screens or operable shutters suit east and west.
- Roof overhangs and balconies sized to the summer sun angle
- Vertical fins or screens on east and west façades
- Deciduous trees that shade in summer and let light through in winter
Thermal Mass and Local Materials
Armenia's volcanic tuff — the stone that gives Yerevan its warm pink and ochre tones — has been used for centuries. Heavy materials such as stone and concrete absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, smoothing out the large daily temperature swing when combined with good insulation and night ventilation.
Using local materials also strengthens identity. A contemporary building in tuff, timber and glass can feel rooted in its place without imitating historic forms.
Ventilation and Landscape
Openings on opposite façades allow cross-ventilation, and taller spaces or stairwells can draw warm air upward and out. Around the building, planting, permeable paving and water features cool the microclimate and make outdoor spaces usable in summer.
Landscape design is therefore part of the climate strategy, not decoration — which is why urban and landscape design sits alongside architecture in our services.
Comfort, Cost and Longevity
Passive strategies cost little when they are designed in from the start and are expensive to add later. They lower energy bills, reduce dependence on mechanical systems and make buildings more resilient. Most importantly, they make spaces that feel good to live in throughout the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is climate-responsive architecture?
Architecture that uses orientation, form, shading, materials and ventilation to stay comfortable in its local climate with less reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.
Which direction should windows face in Armenia?
Main living spaces and larger windows generally work best facing south, where winter sun provides warmth and summer sun is easy to shade. Large unshaded west-facing glass should be avoided.
Why is tuff used in Armenian architecture?
Tuff is a volcanic stone found widely in Armenia. It is relatively easy to work, has a warm colour range and provides thermal mass, and it has shaped the identity of cities such as Yerevan for centuries.
