2. PAGE 1
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF INDIA1
Vernacular Architecture1
is a term used to categorize methods of construction which use
locally available resources and traditions to address local needs. Vernacular architecture
tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural and historical context in
which it exists. It has often been dismissed as crude and unrefined, but also has proponents
who highlight its importance in current design.
Indian vernacular architecture is the informal, functional architecture of structures, often
in rural areas, of India, built of local materials and designed to meet the needs of the local
people. Their work reflects the rich diversity of India's climate, locally available building
materials, and the intricate variations in local social customs and craftsmanship.
This architecture can be broadly divided into three categories:
1. Kachcha
2. Pucca
3. Semi-Pucca
Figure 1: House Details
3. PAGE 2
1. KACHCHA HOUSES1:
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
2
:
Mud
Grass
Bamboo
Thatch or sticks
Stone
Bamboo
Lime
TECHNIQUE OF CONSTRUCTION:
Construction of these houses were constructed with earth or soil as the primary
construction material. Mud was used for plastering the
walls.
METHOD2:
Cob
Pise or Rammed earth
Adobe
Pressed bricks
Wattle and daub method
Figure 2: Reinforcement used for construction of mud walls
4. PAGE 3
COB CONSTRUCTION2
:
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
The usual size is between 12 to 18-inches, (30 to 40-cm) long and about 6-inches (15-cm) in
diameter.
Opening for doors and window were done using temporary vertical planks or shuttering.
ADOBE2 :
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.
Sprinkle water over blocks daily, as
many times needed, during 28 days.
Write date of production on block
corner.
Cover stacks top with coconut leaves
or any other cover to avoid direct sunlight.
5. PAGE 4
2. PUKKA
1
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.
MATERIAL2:
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:
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. Figure 3: Traditional Dwelling in Manipur, India
6. PAGE 5
3. SEMI- PUKKA
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 evolves
organically as the needs and resources of the local people residing in the specific region.
The characteristic feature of semi pukka 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 Thach, bamboo etc as the principal
material of construction. Construction of these houses employs less manual labor than
that of the pukka houses.
Thach roofing
Mud Adobe walls with Lime plaster
Figure 4: Semi Pukka House
Figure 5: Laying of Adobe brick wall Figure 6: Thached roof
7. PAGE 6
COMPARISION
KACHCHA PUKKA SEMI – PUKKA
MATERIAL Mud
Grass
Bamboo
Thatch or sticks
Stone
Bamboo
Lime
Stone
Brick
Clay tiles
Metal
Mixed construction
material of kachcha
and pukka house
STRENGTH Weak Strong Strong than
Kachcha houses
ROOFING Slopped May be sloped or
flat
May be sloped or
flat
CLIMATE
RESPONSE
More climate
responsive
Can be built in any
climate
Can be built in any
climate
