What is chajja?

Anusuya, chajja in building is basically a horizontal, projecting structure that hangs over a window or door. This is an element of the Indian architecture. The chajja can also refer to a roof covering. You will see chajjas having large supportive brackets with designs. Chajjas come in different sizes, based on the door and window sizes, along with the designer’s choice. They play a useful role in stopping the direct entry of rainwater. 

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Every component is essential to the development of a building's functioning and aesthetics in the field of construction. The "chajja" is one such feature that you may have seen but not completely understood. Let's explore what is chajja in construction and why it matters, drawing on my personal experience in the construction industry.

Chajja Meaning in Construction:

A projecting or cantilevered slab-like structure that is generally found on the exterior of a building, slightly above eye level, is referred to as a "chajja" in the construction industry. It is a key building element since it has both utilitarian and architectural functions.

Key Chajja Features:

• Weather protection: Chajjas offer crucial defense against severe weather. They screen the building's windows and walls from harsh sunshine and downpours and stop water from penetrating the structure.

• Architectural Aesthetics: Chajjas give a building a beautiful architectural dimension in terms of aesthetics. They can be creatively created to improve a structure's overall appearance and break up the monotony of flat facades.

• Energy Efficiency: Chajja in building construction contributes to improved thermal comfort inside the structure and lessens the need for excessive air conditioning by decreasing direct sunlight exposure.

• Space Utilization: Chajjas enable the construction of semi-outdoor spaces like balconies or verandas, boosting usable space without enlarging the building's footprint, in urban regions where space is at a premium.

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Many of us are not familiar with the term 'Chajja'. But I will try to explain to you what is chajja in building in simple terms. Even if you don't know the term 'Chajja', I am pretty sure you have seen one! 'Chajja' is located just above the window which provides shade and prevents rain from entering the window. So, Chajja is nothing but a 'Sun Shade'. Chajja meaning in English is also known as 'Sun Block' and ' Eaves'. 

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Now that I have explained the meaning of chajja, let me share with you the importance of Chajja.

• It protects the house from external sunlight.

• It protects the house by providing a barrier for rain water to enter.

• It can be used to place the compressor of AC.

•  Chajja helps to protect the wooden windows from rain and sun.

• Chajja  serves as an aesthetic decoration to the building.

Chajjas are generally made of cements, concrete, woods, fibres sheet-asbestos materials. If you check the buildings in India, you will realise every building has chajjas. Generally after hearing the word Chajja people get misled when they hear that the meaning of chajja is hanging balcony. But as per my knowledge Chajja is a sunshade. Although Chajja is an overhang you cannot consider a Chajja as a balcony. A balcony is a verandah.

I hope you find my answer on what is chajja in building informative.

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