Windows & Ventilation At Satara

Satara near Pune in Maharashtra is a wonderful place nestled among the western ghats(range of mountains).

One thing that struck me at Satara were the windows fixed everywhere. Most of them were of the sliding types.

There were double railings. The inner rail was fitted with sliding glass panes. The outer had lesser number of sliding frames of fine mesh panes. If one were to open the glass window, the mesh window would move into place as a cover from the second railing automatically! No portion would be left open! Fine Mesh will allow a good cover as well as enough air traffic!

Even at a height of 12 feet (just below the ceiling), the walls had a lengthy 6" gap running from one end to the other. A 12 feet wall's 6" gap would then have 4 divisions in which 3 glass strips of 3' each and 1 mesh strip of 3' would be fitted into metal frames and fixed. On the opposite wall 1 strip of mesh and 3 glass strips would be fitted to allow for cross ventilation as well as to let in light.

Not an insect entered our place unless the door was kept open.

When I enquired with the owner about such window types, he said due to hilly region all around, snakes were too many as were rodents though he hurriedly added that they have never harmed humans so far.

Such window types would effectively keep them out even while letting in light and air. This seemed to be a wonderful way to deal with such local problems. Invention is indeed the mother of necessity!

Cheers!
Mahalakshmi