Negi Sir Report

Architecture of Uttarakhand and Construction
Techniques for Affordable Housing

PRABHJOT KAUR
B.Arch. 5th year ,ASAP,AUMP 12TH DEC,2022
prabhjotkaur7201@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
A large part of the population in Uttarakhand lives in rural areas and is deprived of the basic human need of a decent shelter.
Such a scenario is observed in almost all the parts of India. Various housing programs are initiated from time- to-time by the
government to provide better living conditions to the rural population at an affordable range in terms of cost and size of the
dwelling unit. But 'one size does not fit all'. There is a need to provide safe, durable, comfortable and low cost housing solutions
considering the local geo-climatic conditions, living habits and socio-economic conditions of the local people. CSIR- CBRI has
developed and constructed environment friendly prototype of an affordable dwelling unit
Keywords: Affordable housing; Low cost construction techniques..
1. INTRODUCTION
According to the 2011 census, around 68.84% of

population in India lives in the rural areas. In Uttarakhand
alone 69.77% of people reside in the villages of rural
areas under poor living conditions and with bare
minimum services. Many National housing programs by
the government are initiated from time-to- time to provide
better living conditions for people both in the rural and
urban areas.
This paper discusses the prevailing construction
typologies of Uttarakhand and proposes a prototype to
provide better living conditions at low cost, considering
the local geo-climatic conditions, socio-economic status
and the living habits of the people of Uttarakhand while
addressing the shortage of the conventional building
material.
2. CONSTRUCTION TYPOLOGIES
IN UTTARAKHAND
The vernacular architecture of Uttarakhand differs all
throughout the state based on the geo-climatic
conditions and the local materials used for construction.
The major factors which guide the construction
typologies in the state are the a) climate, b) materials
available for construction and their techniques used, c)
spending capacity of the people or affordability, d)
features used against flood/ snow/ earthquake
resistance, e) living habits, f) ease of maintenance and
environment friendly g) use of aesthetical and
architectural features.
2.1 Foothills
The basic factors which guide the local architecture of

this zone are: a) availability of good quality top soil, b)
warm temperatures and moderate level of precipitation
c) agricultural residue, d) easy availability of non- local
materials.
2.2 Low-level hilly regions
1
The basic factors which guide the local architecture
of this zone are: a) easy access to building quality
stone b) limited availability of good quality top soil,
c) varying availability of timber and of water, d)
moderate precipitation with no snow in winters.
2.3 Mountainous Regions
The basic factors which guide the local architecture of

this zone are: a) easy access to building quality stone b)
limited availability of good quality top soil, c) varying
availability of timber and of water, d) extreme cold and
snow in winter, e) increased seismic activity.
3. DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROTOTYPE
CSIR-CBRI has designed and constructed a prototype

affordable housing unit, designed for the hilly areas and
the plains of the Uttarakhand state of India.
3.1 Design
The protype house is a two storey building with a

plinth area of 24 sqm at plinth level and 30 sqm as the
total area covered area. The design is for a family of 5
members based on the living habits, safety, comfort,
space, function, energy efficiency and socio-economic
requirements of the people of Uttarakhand. The
entrance is provided from the middle of the house,
segregating the living and the utility spaces. There are
two multi-purpose living rooms on each floor. A large
storage-cum-study or sleeping space for two is
provided in the attic at the first floor approachable
through a flight of stairs within the house. Since the flat
slab RCC roof is preferred in the region, the design is
also constrained by the type of roofing system. The
spaces are well lit and ventilated through the
appropriate positioning of the openings; this not only
reduces the cost of operation by minimising the use of
artificial light and fans in the day time but also
provides a healthy environment.
1
3.2 Construction
The house is constructed using innovative new Table 1: Saving in cost, time and energy of the
technologies and materials developed by CSIR-CBRI, proposed house
which aim to provide durable and cost efficient
options. The construction system is divided into 3.3 Cost
foundation, walling and roofing. The proposed house with the total covered area of 30sqm
costs Rs.1, 95,000/- at the current cost of Rs.650/- per sq.
3.2.1 Foundation feet. There will be only one time cost for the installation
The foundation is laid by stone masonry blocks with of the various systems.
corner reinforcements. This technology is developed
by CSIR-CBRI, and is used where building quality 4. CONCLUSION
stone and aggregate is easily available at cheaper rates.
The irregular shaped stones are laid in steel moulds, Most techniques used for building the house are
over these stones; concrete is poured and compacted by taken from the technology developed at CSIR- CBRI.
using plate vibrators. Mass production of the Several innovative materials & construction techniques
stone/concrete blocks is possible in parallel stacks. have been developed for a wide variety of applications in
After setting of the concrete a good exterior texture of buildings, especially in low cost mass housing
the blocks is achieved. programmes in rural and semi- urban areas. These
material and techniques are effective, affordable and
3.2.2 Walling Type easily adoptable. There adoption adds to improvement in
There are various systems that can be used for walling the housing environment as well as improvement in the
as a cost effective, easily available and durable quality of life of the people. This design may be
solution. The alternatives that can be used for the implemented with local labour and is therefore amenable
walling system are a) Stone Concrete Blocks, b) Solid to the economic condition of the villagers.
Concrete Blocks, c) Burnt Clay Bricks in English &
Rat – trap REFERENCES
Garg, R. K., Garg, N, K. and Batra, Y. K., Sanitation

3.2.3 Roofing Type
and Waste Water Disposal Systems in Rural Areas,
Various options for roofing are available for the house.
Seminar on “Up-gradation of Housing & Amenities
The following partially precast systems have been
in Rural Areas”, December, 22nd-23rd 2004 at
adopted in the proto type: a) Precast Brick Panel & RC
Bhubaneswar, Journal of Indian Building Congress,
Joists, b) Precast RC Planks & Joists and c) CGI Sheets.
The precast brick panel & RC joist system is ideal for 11(2), (2004).
providing durable and economical roofing / flooring in Verma, N., CBRI Building Research Note No. 34 on
the low cost houses where bricks are available locally Low Cost Sanitation for Rural & Urban Houses,.
otherwise RC Plank and Joist system can be adopted. 1985.
“Pot-Panel Roofing/Flooring Technique", CBRI - News
3.2.4 Additional Features Letter, 14(3),(1998).
Additional features such as the integrated solar "Faster Production of Stone Blocks and Concrete
cooker, Earthquake resistant construction, Solar water Blocks", CBRI-Annual Report, 1999 - 2000.
heater & LED lights have been provided in the house. Hira, B. N. and Negi, S. K., Innovative Building
Techniques for Mass Housing Problems in India;
Saving Indian Habitat and Infrastructure – Need for
Saving Energy
Technique in Innovative Approach, 25th & 26th September (2003).
in Cost Time Saving
Hira, B. N. and Negi, S. K., Seminar on “Up-gradation
ROOFING TYPE
of Housing & Amenities in Rural Areas”, December,
RCC Slab
(Conventional) 0 0 0 22nd-23rd 2004 at Bhubaneswar appropriate Building
20 – Techniques for Rural Housing, Journal of Indian
RC Plank Roof 25% 75% 20%
Building Congress, 11(2), (2004).
25 – ENT172247.pdf (nanoient.org)
Brick Panel Roof 30% 75% 5%
WALLING TYPE
230 mm brick wall
0 0 0
(Conventional)
Stone Block wall 20 20 60%
C- Brick Wall 15 - 60%
Rat Trap Bond 20 - 25%

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Architecture of Uttarakhand and Construction

Techniques for Affordable Housing

Keywords: Affordable housing; Low cost construction techniques..

According to the 2011 census, around 68.84% of

The basic factors which guide the local architecture of

2.2 Low-level hilly regions

2.3 Mountainous Regions

The basic factors which guide the local architecture of

3. DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROTOTYPE

CSIR-CBRI has designed and constructed a prototype

The protype house is a two storey building with a

Garg, R. K., Garg, N, K. and Batra, Y. K., Sanitation

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