BHUNGAS

ADVANTAGES DESERT OF KUTCH, GUJARAT

Earthquake imparts
lateral forces on the
structure. Due to the
circular plan of a
Bhunga, one-half part
of a bhunga always
reacts as an arch
against the forces
applied from any
direction that the
earthquake waves hit
the structure. Thus
Bhunga uses a circular VERNACULAR
shape for its
Anubhav garg

maximum advantage Vernacular architecture refers

against lateral forces to designs which find their
of an earthquake. primary influence in local
DISADVANTAGE conditions, in climate, in
 Span can not be availability of construction
increased. materials, and in tradition and
 Only one story relied on design skills and
building.
ESS

tradition of local builders.

1B

Bhungas are single cylindrical
structures put close to each other
to form a house. Each Bhunga is
equivalent to a room in a house.
Material: Mud and Grass
Climate: Arid region, Scorching
heat, and erratic rainfall. The harsh
conditions of the desert and
sparse population have resulted in
small rural settlements and a
few towns. Geological: Occasional
rock outcrops, plains of dry clay,
characterized by sand dunes.
Vegetation: With no vegetation or
moisture to hold the soil, even
moderate winds gain momentum as
they travel, turning into sandblasts.
Wherever the sandblasts are
obstructed by obstacles, they
deposit the entire sand content,
resulting in raised platform of the
dwellings. Due to this nature, the
houses are open in the center and
are closed in the periphery. Culture:
Spatial distribution based on
different castes and community
groups which are the dominant
factor in the zoning of the
settlement pattern and in the
evolution of built form.
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In mud or stone construction
of Bhungas, the walls are thick.
This makes the surface less
penetrative for the heat.
The lipan done on the walls is
also less conductive which adds
to the thermal comfort inside
the Bhunga.
Bhungas have small openings,
this helps in the extreme climate
of the region.
Thatch roof is a weak conductor
of heat and adds to the thermal
comfort.
The roof overhang of
a Bhunga comes quite low casts
shadows on the walls and
protects the walls from the direct
sunrays.