VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE (MAR-203)

ASSIGNMENT-1

Submitted by
Ar. Namita Agarwal
M.Arch-I (2nd Semester)
Q.1 What do you mean by Vernacular Architecture ? Explain its types ,characteristics, features ,role &
scope of Vernacular Architecture.
A.1 Vernacular Architecture: Vernacular architecture is a modest style of building(It is the simplest
form of addressing human needs) that is specific to a region and period. It relies on the use of local
materials and knowledge to construct buildings, and it's usually done without the supervision of a
professional architect. (Source: thespruce.com)
Vernacular building is the traditional and natural way by which communities house themselves. It is a
continuing process including necessary changes and continuous adaptation as a response to social
and environmental constraints. (Source: Charter on the built vernacular heritage, 1999)
Vernacular architecture can be defined as a type of local or regional construction, using traditional
materials and resources from the area where the building is located. Consequently, this architecture is
closely related to its context and is aware of the specific geographic features and cultural aspects of its
surroundings, being strongly influenced by them. For this reason, they are unique to different places
in the world, becoming even a means of reaffirming an identity. (Source: archdaily.com)
Vernacular architecture encompasses cultural building traditions that have been passed down
through several generations. While the styles and techniques evolve, each vernacular structure
is modest, cost-effective, and sustainable. These homes have been around since people first began
building primitive structures. Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
Types of Vernacular Architecture:

KACHCHA HOUSES: A kachcha is a building made of natural materials and is therefore a short-lived
structure. Since it is not made for endurance it requires constant maintenance and replacement. This
type of houses exists in many villages around India. These houses were generally constructed by the
House owner himself. The structure of these houses vary from place to place. According to the climate
and locally available material of construction.

MATERIAL USED FOR CONSTURCTION: Mud, Grass, Bamboo, Thatch or sticks, Stone, Bamboo, Lime
TECHNIQUE OF CONSTRUCTION: These houses were constructed with earth or soil as the primary
construction material. Mud was used for plastering the walls. Cob, Pise or Rammed earth, Adobe,
Pressed bricks, Wattle and daub method.
Cob Construction: Cob construction is done by making
spherical mud balls and then placing them one on the
other vertically and making of walls. A row of these cobs
of mud are laid neatly side-by-side(Fig-1). The usual size is
between 12 to 18-inches, (30 to 40-cm) long and about
6-inches(15-cm) inches diameter. Opening for doors and (Fig-1).

window were done using temporary vertical planks or shuttering. Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
Adobe: Adobe is a material used for building that is made of organic materials such as earth, clay,
straw, and so on. In Spanish, 'adobe' translates as 'mudbrick', and buildings that are constructed from
adobe have a similar appearance to cob or rammed earth buildings(Fig-3).
Blocks shall be kept covered with air tight polythene sheets for first 48 hrs with relative humidity up to
100. Polythene sheets shall be removed after 48 hrs and the blocks shall be kept in shaded area like
having enough air circulation. Water is sprinkled over blocks daily, as many times needed, during 28
days. Stacks top is covered with coconut leaves or any other cover to avoid direct sunlight(Fig-2).
The risk of extensive shrinkage and cracking, which would otherwise occur in soils of high clay content
in a large monolithic wall, is prevented.

(Fig-2). (Fig-3). Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

Pise or rammed earth: Rammed earth walls are constructed by ramming
a mixture of selected aggregates, including gravel, sand, silt, and a small
amount of clay, into place between flat panels called formwork.
Traditional technology repeatedly rammed the end of a wooden pole
into the earth mixture to compress it. (PISE is an acronym for
pneumatically impacted stabilized earth)
(Fig-4).
Wattle and Daub Method: Wattle and daub is a composite building
technique that has be used for wall construction for thousands of years.
It consists of a woven lattice (the ‘wattle’) which is daubed with a
sticky filler material.
Wattle is typically formed by wooden strips or thin branches woven
between upright stakes. Other materials that can be used as wattle
include reeds, vines, and bamboo, and it can aso be formed as a loose
panels slotted between timber framing. Daub is typically formed from
mud plaster made from a combination of wet soil, clay, sand, animal (Fig-5).
dung and straw(Fig-4, Fig-5).
Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
PUCCA STRUCTURE: A pukka is a structure made from materials resistant to wear, sometimes using
mortar to bind, that does not need to be constantly maintained or replaced. These structures are
expensive to construct as the materials are costly and more labor is required. A pukka house may be
elaborately decorated in contrast to a kachcha house.
MATERIAL USED FOR CONSTRUCTION: Stone, Brick, Clay tiles, Metal
TECHNIQUE OF CONSTRUCTION: Construction of there house are done using masonry structure
which may be brick or stone, depending upon the locally available material in the region where the
structure is constructed, Manual labor is much high in construction of these structure than the
kachcha houses. Method of construction include placement and alignment of brick. Dressing of stone.
Installation of designed motifs and illustration on the façade. Pukka building were constructed by the
wealthy people of the society as the construction material costs more than the material used in the
construction of the kachcha houses(Fig-6). Traditional Haveli in Rajasthan, India.
SEMI- PUCCA: A combination of the kachcha and pukka style together forms the semi- pukka. It has
evolved as villagers have acquired the resources to add elements constructed of the durable materials
characteristic of a pukka house. Its architecture has always evolved organically as the needs and
resources of the local people residing in the specific region.

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

The characteristic feature of semi pucca houses are that these houses has walls made from pukka
material such as brick in cement/lime mortar, stone, clay tile but the roof construction is done in the
kachcha way using thatch, bamboo etc as the principal material of construction. Construction of these
houses employs less manual labor than that of the pukka houses(Fig-7).
TECHNIQUE OF CONSTRUCTION: Thatch roofing, Mud(Adobe) walls with lime plaster

(Fig-6). (Fig-7).

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

Types of Vernacular Architecture:
• KOTI BANAL

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

Koti banal structures are earthquake-resistant buildings that have been standing since past 900 years
in the Rajgarhi area of Uttarkashi and can be anywhere from 2-7 storeys high although the residences
are generally 2 or 3 storeys , where the lower storey is for keeping cattle and upper storeys are for
residing and as attic to store grains.
The building rests upon a raised platform made from dry masonry over the foundation. The walls are
50 to 60cm thick and are made up of timber reinforced stone masonry with the paste of pulse as
mortar, the structure has minimum openings so that the heat is trapped inside the house, single small
door access on the ground floor, and relatively smaller south-facing windows are provided, the upper
two floors have balconies running around the whole building cantilevered with the support of wooden
logs of the flooring system with a wooden railing. The roof consists of a wooden frame and is cladded
with slate tiles.

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

BHUNGA

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

A typical Bhunga house consists of a single cylindrical-shaped room topped with a conical thatch roof
supported by a wooden post and rafter. The walls are made up of mud bricks and generally have only 3
openings: one for the door and two for windows that are set at a lower level to draw a cooling breeze.
The circular form of these houses helps to provide insulation against the external environment by
resisting high-velocity desert winds and reducing exposure to heat; it also resists lateral forces of
an earthquake, thus, making the structure earthquake resistant.
Since the traditional Bhunga dwelling requires regular maintenance i.e. a regular application of lime
plaster to the walls and floor and replacing dried grass on the roof more and more houses nowadays
are shifting towards Mangalore tiles as an alternative to the thatched roof.

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

• BAMBOO HOUSE

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

BAMBOO HOUSE: As the state goes through flooding
almost every year, the traditional bamboo house has a
higher plinth level. The structure can be of maximum two
storeys connected through the bamboo staircase, and the
walls are of timber frames inserted with ikra panels(A
weed, which grows in river plains and lakes across the state
of Assam) covered with 3 layers of mud mortar plaster,
open spaces are provided in front (chotal) and backside
(bari)of the house.

Due to heavy downpour round the year, Gable or Hip roof

are considered best options as it doesn’t allow waterlogging
and are made up of locally available grass which can last up
to 10 years before being replaced.

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

• CHUTTILLU

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

Chuttillu style houses are built with mud or mud and wattle, the house is raised on a plinth decorated with
finger marks in white rice paste or vertical stripes of white and red ochre. Thickly thatched roof projects and
comes down very low on all sides to protect the interiors of the mud walls from the rains and because of it, it
was better not to have windows.

The interior of the house is divided into two or three rooms: the inner circular room is used to stock grains
during summer and used as sleeping space during winters, it is enveloped by another circular space that serves
as the kitchen on one side and a store or a sitting/sleeping area at the other end. Each house has a spacious
verandah at the entrance.

Earlier, the houses were built close to each other in a circular formation so that the cyclonic winds that often hit
the coast bounced off tangentially away from the cluster.

While vernacular houses usually only refer to climatic conditions, the houses in the south depend largely on
the economic factors of the families. The use of local materials and labor must have made things cheaper and
more feasible. Their livelihood and jobs are very visible from the architecture. The house shapes the people
and is shaped by the people.

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

Characteristics of Vernacular Architecture: “Vernaculus”(Latin word) means native and
“architecture” is science of building. Since vernacular architecture is built by the people for the
people, the homes tend to be simpler and less definitive than other forms of architecture. Other types
of architecture use a deliberate set of rules and materials. Here, there is less emphasis on rules or
aesthetics and more on creating something easy and effective without needing to travel far for
building supplies.
Vernacular architecture can be identified:
1. Builders use inexpensive materials and utilitarian design: Materials were generally affordable
and locally sourced. The design was intended to focus on function over beauty.
2. The design evolves: Local builders would learn from their experiences and tweak homes to
reflect that experience. Traditional techniques of joints, masonry, binding evolved over the time
like interlocking techniques, pegging, wedging, joints without the use of nails.
3. Homes often embody local technology, social conditions, and culture: You will see some
common themes among vernacular architecture in a given area. The theme might mean similar
materials used or similar design styles that can be a hodgepodge of other more worldly styles.
You might also see homes grouped closer together or apartment complexes in areas with a dense
population. Some homes might feature religious customs. Homes with poorer residents would be
smaller and less elaborate.
Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
4. The design is reflective of the climate: For
instance, builders might consider what direction the
home is facing when positioning windows. Specific
materials might be used to help with the winter
season, etc. Lighting and shading taken into
consideration. Passive designing, taking advantage
of natural sun and wind direction in order to achieve
energy efficiency.
Features of Vernacular Architecture:
• Steep roof
• Overhangs
• Jharokhas
• Round built form
• Courtyards
• Ventilation stack
• Opening sizes
• Orientation N-S (smaller face of the building)
• Cluster living
• Thick walls Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
Role & scope of Vernacular Architecture: Understanding Vernacular Architecture and its
characteristics are very important for architects, as it can help regulate the brimming problem of
environmental degradation and also help society stay true to its culture and heritage.
Vernacular architecture adheres to basic green architectural principles of energy efficient materials
and resources in close proximity to the site. These structures capitalize on the native knowledge of
how buildings can be effectively designed as well as how to take advantage of local materials and
resources. Even in an age where materials are available well beyond our region, it is essential to take
into account the embodied energy lost in the transportation of these goods to the construction site.
Today, we have come up with a number of Green design certification bodies, which have based their
standards on the latest technological solutions, rather than vernacular strategies. By applying
vernacular strategies to modern design, a structure can ideally achieve net zero energy use, and be a
wholly self-sufficient building.

Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal

Q.2 What are the issues of concern in present day World ? How vernacular architecture help in solving
these issues. Explain.
• Environmental issues: With growing concerns about our uncertain future regarding climate
change, population growth and scarcer resources, it is crucial to find energy efficient solutions in
order to provide comfortable living conditions for the growing population. Such solutions do not
necessarily require being costly or being of complicated modern technology. It is becoming more
common to refer back to vernacular architecture and forensically study the environmental and
energy-efficient ways in which they tackled their context and climate through intelligent
architectural solutions and limited resources.
• Environmental crises and climate change; processes of economic and political globalization;
cultural interaction and conflicts caused by migration, tourism and war; and rapid technological
developments, compose some of the other significant issues.
• Migration to cities: When people are forced by economic or environmental decline to migrate
from the rural regions to the cities, they rarely share in the urban prosperity but suffer as the most
disadvantaged of the populace. Without their skills and knowledge, developed and passed on by
successive generations within the vernacular context, few would be able to build a dwelling or
simply survive within the peri-urban squatter settlements which constitute a high proportion of
target cities. Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
• In the 1800s, the term Vernacular was looked down upon and was used for an entity that was
ordinary and designed out of necessity. In 1964 an exhibition was held by Bernard Rudofsky,
called “Architecture without Architects”, this very event established the significance of the term
“vernacular architecture” amongst the architects, which was followed by amplification by ace
architects like Le Corbusier, Adolf Loos, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
• Sustainability: Vernacular architecture is sustainable in its approach and uses green building
techniques to work around its design schemes. It works on techniques that lower the carbon
footprint, hence reducing the pressure on the environment.
• For example, the Warli House in Maharashtra uses karvi stones to create a light external envelope
that quickly dissipates the internal heat creating a cool interior atmosphere in a hot and humid
climate of the central plain. Another example of a climate-responsive building style is the Bhonga
House, which is a typical Rajasthani circular house that has thick mud walls, protecting the inmates
from the hot and arid climate of the desert city.
• Taking a cue from the above studies Modo Designs have designed a house known as The House of
Courtyards in Ahmedabad, which has been built on the concept of “pols”, typical to the city’s
vernacular architecture, where a “pol” was a cluster of houses around a courtyard that has a
common entrance and also gives protection from the harsh weather conditions by sufficing cross-
ventilation. Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
• Architectural monologue: All cities nowadays have a repetitive architectural monologue and have
become a plethora of glass, concrete, and steel. They have parted ways with their local traditional
architecture, thus losing out on their originality.
• If vernacular architecture is allowed to play its role, the cultural landscape of a city can be
protected, creating a dialogue between the city and its inhabitants. For example: Architects like Raj
Rewal have also designed low-cost housings like the Aranya Housing in Madhya Pradesh on the
lines of a typical Indian city that has narrow streets with congregational spaces to celebrate the
culture of the city.
• Cost of project: While we are living in times when we can export and import materials nationally
and internationally on a phone call, we also increase the cost of the project, which in turn creates
a gap in the economic growth of the country. In introspection, the vernacular architecture uses
homegrown materials thus cutting down on various costs like the processing and manufacturing,
the transport, and the cost of intricate construction processes for its application, then we should
shift to a more local approach.
• Therefore, understanding Vernacular Architecture and its characteristics are very important for
architects, as it can help regulate the concern in present day world of environmental degradation
and also help society stay true to its culture and heritage. A proper approach has to be adapted in
the induction of these vernacular values in architects, which starts from the specializing courses at
root level and not just learning, but understanding and its application to see the results.
Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
Q.3 What are the Causative forces of vernacular forms. Explain each with suitable examples.
The vernacular forms were evolved over long periods of their establishment and slow rates of change
in value and techniques combined with a sense of homogeneity as a whole between man and the
environment.
Furthermore, its eternal quality is resultant of the underlying consistency in value systems along with
well-worked out construction techniques and systems.
While some have emphasized on its collectiveness, management of resources, infusion of sacred and
profane, including the art of constructing with perishable materials; others have highlighted it for
inherent sense of place, rich visual experience, intuitive open-ended and loose-fit nature and
denotation of iconic values of that caste, civilization, status and culture. Having similar underlying
meaning from varied nomenclature the vernacular architecture of diverse contexts can be analyzed
for their myriad responses to the environment and social fabric.
The causative forces of vernacular forms were that prevalent on the site.
Climate: Climate was the primary factor that influenced the basic existence and form of a built unit.
The orientation of the building, sizes of fenestrations, roof overhangs etc were outcomes based on the
climatic conditions, rainfall etc. In the heavy rainfall regions, the roof is steeply pitched with extended
eaves. Slope of waterproof roof keeps the water away from living area and extended eaves protected
Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
the wall fabric from damage. The thatched roof covering the verandah provided the extended
workplace and the length of the eaves was depended upon the amount of rainfall in that region.
Courtyard planning is the result of centuries of trial and experimentation. It could be one or multiple
courtyards depending upon inhabitants. The courtyard were the controllers of the micro climate. Cool
breeze would flow through the courtyard, which made courtyards comfortable for household
activities.
For example: in cold and humid regions like Himachal, sizes of fenestrations are kept small to reduce
heat gain and were kept south facing to keep in the warmth. But in hot and humid areas significant
cross ventilation was seen through openings which were predominantly windward facing.
Locally available materials: The material that was locally available/ produced was the one that could
survive and sustain in the existing climatic conditions and therefore formed a wise deal in its usage.
Such materials responding well to the climate would be cheap and all put together sustainable.
For example: Assam is the highest producers of bamboo. So it is used for construction of houses.
Almost the complete structure was made of bamboo. The house stood on raised timber platform. The
wall and roof structure was of variably sized bamboo poles, the wall panels of flattened bamboo
culms. The roof is thatched with paddy straw (easily available material considering agriculture being
their local profession). Extensive use of red and pink sandstone in Jaipur Rajasthan.
Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
Topography and land form: There are several natural topographic features on the earth’s surface that
exist across the globe. Since each of these features is unique, the built form has to respect and use it
to its benefit for longer survival. The topography and land form decides the appearance and the
physical built form of a structure.
For example: in a hilly terrain like Ladakh had houses built at levels in accordance to the landforms to
suit the existing backdrop and to reduce cutting and filling of site. The resulting built form is
camouflaged with the site. Any kind of built mass that respected the site conditions, land form and
topography without affecting it would survive the longest.
Prone to disaster: Areas which are prone to disaster had to adopt a different methodology of
construction. They were designed in a manner that even if it was not disaster proof it would cause
least damage to life and structure. The use of cheap lightweight locally available materials was seen so
that building inevitably destroyed were easily built.
For example: Kath Kuni houses in Himachal Pradesh. It building methodology works well in
earthquake prone zone. It’s a cold & humid region. Main occupation of people is agriculture & cattle
rearing. The materials used for construction are predominantly wood, stone(slate), mud in varying
proportions as they are locally available. Compact group of houses arranged along contours of
preferably south facing slope. Lower storey made of dry stone masonry used for keeping cattle,
storing grains and fodder. Upper floor made of timber, projected on all four sides supported by beams
and brackets forming the main living area. Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
In Cambodia, wooden houses or structures in flood prone areas are perched atop thin wooden stilts,
10m above the ground.
Social customs: The way of life of the building occupants and the way they used their shelters was
also of great influence on the building forms & spaces within. The size of the family, occupation of
inhabitants, the food preparation and how it was eaten, how people liked to interact, other cultural
considerations would affect the layout and size of the dwelling unit. The urban pattern of most of the
settlements was organized in hierarchy order, demonstrated at ethnic groups level, settlement level,
neighborhood level, that consisted of a number of households with different group of families, groups
of houses that comprises of two or three groups of houses. Community center at ethnic level, bazaars
at neighborhood level, play area at group level.
For example: In some of the tribes a family would live in one marked compound but would comprise
of separate single dwelling for each individual of the family, whereas in other tribes there was
separate dwelling for different wives & her set of children. This way the was governed and privacy was
provided by separation between structures in which family members lived. Culture had a great
influence in the appearance and look of the vernacular buildings as the occupants would decorate
their buildings in accordance with local customs and beliefs. The houses of a village had the same
style so that they were easily identified. The mukhia of the community would be prominently placed
for easy access and identification.
Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal
Source: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a2252-why-architects-must-
study-vernacular-architecture/

https://www.alpinme.com/vernacular-
architecture/#:~:text=Vernacular%20architecture%20is%20defined%20by,traditions%2C%20culture%
2C%20and%20religion.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259278928_Vernacular_Architecture_Solution_to_a_more
_sustainable_future/link/00b4952aaf38d1c11d000000/download

https://www.99acres.com/articles/relevance-of-vernacular-architecture-in-todays-context.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_vernacular_architecture

https://www.utdesign-gyaan.com/2020/11/vernacular-architecture-of-india.html
References and quotes by Paul Oliver(Architectural Historian) and Bernard Rudofsky(A writer,
architect, collector, teacher, designer, and social historian) Submitted by: Ar. Namita Agarwal