The use of local materials with consideration to local climate and

participation of the people leads to a holistic Design Approach

-Laurie Baker
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

Tintoo K
S5, Diploma in Civil Engineering
Govt. Polytechnic College
 Metamorphosis

Engineering brain + Aesthetic mind

Cave men started Construction

Forced to use natural resources

Built according to the climate

Architecture is a visual art and the building speaks

for themselves
Vernacular Architecture- an Over view
Latin word Vernaculus means domestic, indigenous, native

Based on localized needs and construction material

Reflects the local tradition

Simplest form for addressing human needs

Ordinary architecture or Traditional Architecture

Powerful craftsmanship of people is visible

Low tech methods of building

Elements influencing Vernacular Architecture

1. Climate
2. Culture
3. Materials

Architecture begins where Engineering ends

 Effects of Climate
Macro climate of the area

Raw materials and climate are interlinked

Net zero energy use if follow

To tackle the Humid tropical, subtropical

monsoon, dry tropical and alpine

Anakkaraa vadakka tharavadu in Palakkad

District
 Effects of Climate

The material should remain hot in winter and cold in

summer

Example: Slanting roof and construct dwelling on

stilts in areas with high level of rainfall.

Orientation of buildings such that they have minimal

area to the direction of prevailing winds.
 Effects of Materials
Depends on the permanency of the structure and the region

For walls: Rocky rubble, ashlar, mud, mortar are used

Raised plinths and Bamboo poles in Flood areas suit

In flat lands, sun baked bricks are used

Slate tiles are commonly used in areas rich in rain

Change in materials are visible in the work of

The Haveli art of Rajasthan and Colonial Era art work
 Effects of Materials(Kath-khuni style)
Features
Alternate layering and inter locking timber and
stone

Allow a very good thermal insulation (8 hrs)

Dry masonry construction allow energy of

earthquake to disperse.

Resist sliding or overturning during land movement.

Tapering in buildings as they rise which prevents

toppling during earthquake.
 Effects of Materials(Kath-khuni style)
Interiors

Wood frame is stacked above another

wood frame to distribute the mass
optimally.

Finished with mud plaster

Lined with wood

Good insulation and binding properties.

Cooler in summer and warm in winter

 Effect of culture
The house containing, many stores built for storage of
grains- Agrarian family
A separate unit for cow-shed and kitchen forms
The Indian calendar months of Baisakh, Poh, Magh and
Phalgun- best time to start of construction.
Ideally, the main aspect of the house should face east
and the rising sun- Prayer zone
Classifications of Vernacular Architecture

Kachcha
House

Pukka
House

Semi-pukka
House
 Kachcha House

Non permanent
Light and weak materials are used
Natural materials are used
Mud, grass, bamboo, thatch or sticks
Cheap and available materials
No need of skilled labour
Egs: Hut, Caravans, tent and house boat
 Pukka House
Permanent house
Materials are wear and tear resistant
Stone or Brick, Clay tiles, metals or
durable materials
Binding materials: mortar
Expensive and need skilled labor
Egs: Flats and Bungalows
Semi Pukka House
Combination of Pukka and Kachcha House
Addition of pukka material elements to Kachcha house
Planning techniques
Planning Techniques

Factors that govern the planning are

climatic conditions
cultural influences
topography(heights)

More: orientation, traffic movement, available usable spaces, sources

of water supply, natural drains and paths.
 Plan according to Climate
In cold regions the southern slopes are preferred.
The orientation of the houses is to maximize the
penetration of the sun rays.
The path of the sun, controls the height of building,
as the sun is needed for each dwelling unit.
Small window size and low ceiling height to prevent
heat loss and keep the interiors warmer.
In flood areas, Site susceptible to high winds,
storms, landslides should be avoided.
In rainy areas, Terrace should have proper slope for
efficient drainage
 Plan to mitigate Seismic force

The traditional structures usually stand on a high solid

plinth
made up of dry dressed stone masonry.
The huge mass serves as a dampener pad
The dry construction allows for vibration and hence faster
dissipation of the energy.
In higher areas, layers of wood and stone cage are
constructed with rubble in between.
It is non rigid and allows the building to flex with seismic
waves
Plan to mitigate Earthquake
Slope of the ground should not be more than 30 as far as possible
even in rocky reaches to avoid instability problems.

23