Lauries philosophy of contemporary

version of the vernacular.

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

Baker creates a variety of textures and

patterns by simple manipulation of the
way in which bricks are placed in the wall.
The upturned, horned roofs of buildings as
found in Kerala are the direct result of the
people of those places, they knew that hot air
rises & allowed it to travel upwards from the low
eaves to the openings at the ends of the high
ridge. They understood and applied principles of
insulation; then roofing materials formed hollow
cellular protective layers.
Concrete is used sparingly often in a folded slab
design with waste & discarded tiles used as
fillers thereby making the roof light.
He used jalis which had many advantages, such
as ventilation, enough light, less material
required.

THE HAMLET

The Hamlet built on a steeply contoured

site
An architects personality is reflected in the way
he designs his own house.
1st built a single room hut of timber. It housed
the library of medical books & also as B.R, L.R,
D.R & study.
The site was highly contoured and rocky, but
baker did not disturb even a single rock or a
tree, so it is popularly named as right in the
rocks.
A house was built on the lower contour for the 4
nieces who moved to Trivandrum. One more
house was built for his son Tilak which faced the
trees.

The living room of The Hamlet'

Bakers innovative use of discarded bottles

The incursion of structures on the site is not felt.
Baker has managed to confine this building to
an area that is easily accessible& yet secluded
by the heavy foliage.
Laurie Baker used material from other
demolished structures. Wood planks from an old
boat jetty. He even used old bottles in another

structure, which gives a different effect.

The journey to Bakers home is like from a
concrete jungle of Trivandrum to the freshness
& shade of the suburbs.

Nicery for his 4 nieces.

CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

The Computer center at the Center for

Development studies
Established in 1965 for promoting economic
development, so Laurie Baker was the obvious
choice.
All the concerns of his architectural practice the
sensitivity to the natural contours & elements of
a site, the honest & optimum utilization of the
materials find an expression in the plan &
structures of the center.
It has all the Baker characteristics- the jalis, the
traditional roofs, the stepped arches, the
overhanging eaves and the skylights.
Baker is able to transform vernacular
architecture to suit the requirements of a
modern academic institution.

COST SAVING TECHNIQUES

Using corbelling instead of a lintel above the

frame, this reduces the cost of the R.C.C lintel.
Using less number of bricks to make a wall of
same thickness and providing cavities in
between for insulation.
Reducing the unnecessary cost of a window
with a shutter.
Using jali in his walls for proper cross
ventilation, enough sun light etc.

AR. LAURIE BAKER

BIOGRAPHY

Studied Architecture at The Birmingham School

of Architecture.
In 1938, Associate of Royal Institute of British
Architects (R.I.B.A.)
In 1945, he came to India. In 1983, M.B.E. In
1987, received the first Indian National Habitat
Award.
In 1989, Indian Institute of Architects Medal for
Outstanding Architect of the year. In 1989,
given Indian Citizenship.
In 1990, Grand Masters Award - Architect of the
year. In 1991, Indian Institute of Architects
Medal - Outstanding Architect. In 1992, UNO
Habitat Award and Roll of Honour. In 1993,
International Union of Architects - World Habitat
Award. In 1995, University of Central England.
Doctor of the University.
PROJECTS
Projects ranging from fishermen's villages to
institutional complexes, low cost mud housing
schemes to low cost cathedrals.
Centre for Development Studies, Ulloor,
Trivandrum, 1971.
Houses at Archbishop Compound, Pattom,
Trivandrum, 1970.
K.N.Raj's residence, Kumarapuram, Trivandrum,
1970.
House for R. Narayanan, Golf Links, Trivandrum,
1972-73.
Mitraniketan, Vellanad, Trivandrum - 1970

House for Dr A.Vaidyanathan, Kumarapuram,

Trivandrum, 1972.
House for Leela Menon, Golf Links, Trivandrum,
1973-74.
House for Beena Sarasan (an Income Tax
officer), Kowdiar, Trivandrum, 1989.
PHILOSOPHY

Mahatma Gandhi Laurie Bakers

inspiration.
One of his influences has been Mahatma
Gandhi, for him proper development can be
done if raw material is brought from a place in a
range of 5-10 kms.
Laurie Bakers architecture was a contemporary
version of the vernacular.
He draws a creative sustenance from the
environment in which he works, absorbing

vernacular patterns of construction and

individual styles of living to such a degree that
he is able to give his clients.

The Loyola Chapel, reflecting Baker's

mastery over light.
The forgotten vernacular techniques were used
in his design.
He criticized the works of Le Corbusier, his
structures were characterless.
Another inspiration for him has been ordinary
men

The Hamlet
This is Bakers home in Trivandrum.
This is remarkable and unique house built on a plot
of land along the slope of a rocky hill, with limited
access to water:
However Bakers genius has created a wonderful
home for his family
Material used from unconventional sources
Family eats in kitchen
Electricity wiring is not concealed
Architectural features:
STEPS DIRECTLY CUT IN ROCK
ENTRANCE HAS SMALL SITTING AREA FOR GUESTS
THE WALL IS DECORATED FROM BROKEN POTTERY,
PENS, GLASS
A CALLING BELL FOR VISITORS TO ANNOUNCE THEIR
PRESENCE
USE OF NATURAL LIGHT
NEVER CUT TREES INSTEAD ADAPTED HIS DESIGN
ACCORDINGLY
INNER COURTYARD CLOSE TO NATURE
ARCHES LED INTO A BEAUTIFUL OPEN ROOM
COURTYARD HAS MANY GARDENS AND PONDS
Pitched roof made of manglore tiles
BAKERS FONDNESS OF ARCHES
GABLES FOR PROPER AIR CIRCULATION AND
VENTILATION
SIMPLE YET BEAUTIFUL WINDOWS
GRILL MADE OF BITS AND PIECES
CONICAL STRUCTURE USED.
COST EFFECTIVE BAKERS WINDOW

 Louvered window typical of bakers type

STAINED GLASS EFFECT
WATER TANK FOR STORING RAIN HARVESTED WATER