6 Reasons to Bring Jalis Into Your Home
From providing privacy to cooling the indoors, jalis make for a sensible design element particularly suited for our climatic conditions
Traditional Indian architecture developed in response to local contexts such as the climate. Wind towers, deep overhangs, courtyards and jalis (lattices) and other structures were used to bring cool relief to homes when temperatures soared. A jali is a commonly used element of architecture to combat a hot climate even today. It is a sheet or surface with small or large perforations. The 16th century Mughals used intricately carved marble and other types of stone to create jalis – the Taj Mahal’s arched screens are a very fine example. They used jalis as railings, skylights and partitions, too.
Over time, wood, metal, brick and reinforced concrete evolved as alternatives to stone for making jalis. The arrival of laser-cutting machines and 3D printers made jali fabrication much easier, paving the way for extreme customisation.
This multi-functional design element has many benefits, particularly suited to Indian homes. Let us dig a bit deeper…
Over time, wood, metal, brick and reinforced concrete evolved as alternatives to stone for making jalis. The arrival of laser-cutting machines and 3D printers made jali fabrication much easier, paving the way for extreme customisation.
This multi-functional design element has many benefits, particularly suited to Indian homes. Let us dig a bit deeper…
…and control light
Jalis are a great replacement or accompaniment for windows as they block off the glare but welcome the much-needed filtered daylight without fully obstructing the view outside.
Tip: You can also pair curtains, shades or louvres with the perforated screens to further control the incoming light as needed. These screens work best for spots where the sun is the brightest. Not recommended for darker areas.
Jalis are a great replacement or accompaniment for windows as they block off the glare but welcome the much-needed filtered daylight without fully obstructing the view outside.
Tip: You can also pair curtains, shades or louvres with the perforated screens to further control the incoming light as needed. These screens work best for spots where the sun is the brightest. Not recommended for darker areas.
See how this jali ceiling has been used as a roof and softens the direct light entering this bathroom. These can be used in the porch, garden and courtyard too.
They stimulate air movement
Here’s something about the relation of jalis with breezes. Due to the general physical behaviour of fluids, the air flowing inside through small apertures compresses and gains increased velocity, even if the breeze is mild outside. As it emerges from the apertures, it expands and cools. This incoming air can also be controlled by carefully positioning and sizing openings on the jali panel. The natural phenomenon of compressing and releasing the cooled air inside is similar to that of a mechanical air-conditioning compressor. Literally cool, isn’t it?
Here’s something about the relation of jalis with breezes. Due to the general physical behaviour of fluids, the air flowing inside through small apertures compresses and gains increased velocity, even if the breeze is mild outside. As it emerges from the apertures, it expands and cools. This incoming air can also be controlled by carefully positioning and sizing openings on the jali panel. The natural phenomenon of compressing and releasing the cooled air inside is similar to that of a mechanical air-conditioning compressor. Literally cool, isn’t it?
Jalis aid seclusion
Jalis let us see out but not be seen – though this largely depends on the size of the slits (apertures) and how much light they let through. Such perforated screens are often also used in the exteriors of homes, as skylights, windows, partition walls, railings, door panels and more. They are also great for hiding bathroom vents and piping systems.
Jalis let us see out but not be seen – though this largely depends on the size of the slits (apertures) and how much light they let through. Such perforated screens are often also used in the exteriors of homes, as skylights, windows, partition walls, railings, door panels and more. They are also great for hiding bathroom vents and piping systems.
A jali works wonderfully as a divider or partition within the interiors of a home.
They are super picturesque
Jalis can be very pretty additions to your home. I think they introduce a sense of ornamentation and elegance. Lattice patterns abound and can complement both traditional and contemporary decor.
Jalis can be very pretty additions to your home. I think they introduce a sense of ornamentation and elegance. Lattice patterns abound and can complement both traditional and contemporary decor.
Shadow patterns are a plus
The perforations cast dappled shadows and light on the indoor walls and floors that dance and move with changing angles of the sun. Don’t you love the flower patterns that the jali wall is projecting here?
Read more:
10 Ways to Add Jalis to a Contemporary Home
8 Vernacular Design Elements We Love
Tell us:
Don’t you think the jali is a wonder solution? Show us how you have used jalis in your home in Comments below.
The perforations cast dappled shadows and light on the indoor walls and floors that dance and move with changing angles of the sun. Don’t you love the flower patterns that the jali wall is projecting here?
Read more:
10 Ways to Add Jalis to a Contemporary Home
8 Vernacular Design Elements We Love
Tell us:
Don’t you think the jali is a wonder solution? Show us how you have used jalis in your home in Comments below.
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There is no denying that summer is unpleasant in most parts of India. Many of us rely on air conditioners to maintain a cooler indoor temperature. Jalis are a green tool can help you reduce the energy load of cooling and the costs associated with it.
The apertures in the jali efficiently lessen the ingress of heat in the daytime. They also block the entry of direct sunlight, making for pleasant interiors. This feature is a boon for homes in hot-dry and hot-humid climatic regions.
Tip: These versatile screens can be installed as walls or windows, and on roofs as skylights, too. Determine the size of apertures and the location of the jali according to the sun path in your region, to make best use of this element.