Traditional Havelis and streets have been laid out so as to provide a significant amount of self-shading. The streets are about 5 degrees is cooler whether oriented north-south or east-west. This is due both to grater shading of the streets, which reduces direct solar irradiance, and the smaller sky viewing angles, which reduces diffuse solar irradiance.

In Bundi, the city scape is defines by narrow roads banked by tall and compact havelis with thick walls and small openings - all of these strategies help keep heat out of the buildings.

Traditional dwellings have been mostly designed around courtyards and therefore demonstrate inward looking orientation. A central courtyard provides a focal point for the family activities removed from the commerce of the street.

The courtyard performs a variety of different but important functions. It provides a protected play-space for children; a valuable work area; and a partial shelter from rain, wind and sun.

Further, it offers privacy, especially for females of the family; a gathering place for social intercourse; a cool, safe, well-ventilated sleeping place in hot weather, and a convenient location for family celebration and observances.

Fatto’s residence

This residence is a perfect example of a classic haveli with interesting transition of spaces. The house has evolved with time and yet has retained its original character. One enters the house into the baithak area and gently the space alters into a semi-open verandah and finally to a courtyard. Hence, there is no direct visual connection between the street and the courtyard.

Five families stay collectively in this dwelling where four are rented and the fifth one owns the house