CENTRAL

INDIA
VERNACULAR STUDY
#casestudy- GONDIA
 Gondia district (almost on Maharashtra and MP border) is located near Nagpur in
Mahrashtra. The traditional dwellings situated there, are typical for that region.
 The houses varied from small single storied mud structures to three or even
more, in similar pattern. So the main building of the original haveli is combined
to the courtyard and livestock-shelters of the second, completing the original
traditional dwelling as it would have had been.
PLAN
ISOMETRIC VIEWS
ZONES
ELEVATIONS, VIEWS
A stepped pyramidal structure with sloping roofs.
No open terrace and minimal openings.
VILLAGE GATHERINGS
Gatherings of males of the village happened daily in the evenings after the days
work.
Sometimes small scale social functions also happen here.
This activity is completely public and thus no privacy is required.

1- Front verandah for minor and personal gatherings

2- A large courtyard suitable for holding mini functions
3- Seating outside the main gate.
LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT
The management of the livestock is mainly carried out by the servants,
throughout the day. It is a combination of different activities like cleaning,
milking, feeding, etc. Cleaning of the shelters is done everyday.
The 1st floor of the shelters is used for storing the fodder for the livestock. An
year’s supply is stored at one go.
1. Use of courtyard for livestock management.
2. Storage on 1st floor, replenished each year.
STORAGE
The whole built form has more combined space for storages than any other purposes.
This is mainly because the zamindar/ tashildar the whole harvest produced on their land is
stored in the haveli.
Further there is a large collection of livestock, and storage is required for their fodder
as well.
Also an emergency food storage is kept for the family members
SLEEPING
It is a space where outsiders are
not allowed.
Adjacent side storage is used for
storing the bedding whenever
not in use
CLIMAT
The
E building seems to be built keeping in mind all the seasons.
Though it is best suited for summers.
The upper floors act as false ceiling.
The side passage rooms act as wind channels.
Absence of openings reduces the heat exchange to the minimum.
The roof extends almost a meter beyond the walls, probably to
protect the heavy rainwater from soaking the walls.
As well as to provide shade from the sun and prevent heating up
of
the building.
Front courtyard faces the north, preventing direct solar rays on the
most used part.
The rear verandah can be used much more in winter due to sun’s
southern inclination.
SPECIFIC FEATURES KEEPING IN MIND THE CLIMATIC
CONDITIONS
To resist heat gain
Increase of thermal resistance and capacity by maximizing the building
depth.(The thick walls increase the time lag)
(Low utility areas like verandahs, courtyards, storages, etc.)
Low utility upper floors act as false ceilings.
Light colouring to minimize heat absorption by the walls.
Promote heat loss ,..Vegetation outside to decrease glare
BUILDING MATERIALS

1. Timber framework
2. Light blue color of the walls
3. Mud walls
Building materials are completely local:
Framework is done by teakwood found in the jungles
nearby.
Wherever stone is used, (most importantly as a plinth) is
local stone. Grey granite is found in the region.
Walls are made up off a mixture of mud + straw + cow
dung.
The walls are coloured with lime mixed with indigo,
to
give a light blue colour.
The tiles used on the roof are burnt clay tiles
DWELLING FORM AS STATUS & POSITION SYMBOL

As one approaches the village the 2nd floor of the haveli is

seen towering on top of other single and double storeyed
structures.

Though built as an outpost for watching the estate the 2nd

floor works rather as an identitifcation mark.

Courtyard of the haveli is much larger than

any other in the village measuring almost 17m
x15m, making it an ideal spot for social
functions
Though entries to all residences in the
village are big, the main gate to a haveli is
the largest measuring about 3m x 3m and
outer walls being 5m tall.

TRADITION AND BELIEFS

Short heights of the door.

The big main entrance.
Secluded puja room.
Secluded area for
women.