Traditional Indian architecture evolved through performance before aesthetics. Elements such as jaalis, chajjas and verandahs existed because they solved real environmental challenges. This is an encouraging shift because architecture in India is beginning to move away from copying international templates and toward solutions that respond better to local climate and lifestyle requirements.
The biggest shift in the Indian market is that material selection is increasingly being evaluated through performance and lifecycle value rather than immediate visual appeal. Environmental conditions in India can be extremely demanding. UV exposure, pollution, humidity, coastal corrosion, and dust all influence how systems age over time.
As a result, we are seeing stronger adoption of durable aluminium systems, advanced powder-coating technologies, engineered surface finishes and tested façade solutions designed for long-term performance with lower maintenance requirements.
At the system level, there is greater attention today on parameters such as air permeability, water resistance, structural behaviour, and acoustic performance. Facades are increasingly being viewed as integrated environmental systems rather than external cladding elements.
That evolution is important because good facades should not only look relevant on day one; they should continue effectively performing years after installation. India has made meaningful progress in introducing frameworks around sustainability, safety and energy efficiency. However, one of the industry’s ongoing challenges remains consistency in implementation. Standards, testing requirements and approval processes can vary significantly across regions.
In India, where cooling loads account for a significant portion of operational energy use, the building envelope has a direct impact on efficiency. The most effective strategies are often not the most complex ones. Orientation, controlled glazing ratios, external shading, high-performance systems and better daylight management can collectively create substantial impact.
Instead of traditional stone or wood, architects are using High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) panels that can be CNC-cut into intricate, custom motifs and perforations. This allows for the intricate light-filtering and ventilation properties of a jaali, while maintaining the structural integrity, weather resistance, and sustainability of a modern engineered system.
The future is not about choosing between handcrafted character and industrial methods; it is about combining both intelligently.
Read the full story that first appeared in Architect & Interiors June 2026 issue here:
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