bohra havelis in siddhpur

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BOHRA HAVELIS & BHUNGA HOUSES GUJARAT ARCHITECTURE - PRIYANKA GUPTA A Report on Subject In charge AR. KAJAL ARSHI Submitted by: PRIYANKA GUPTA: - 21020 Batch 2010 1 STUDY OF URBAN ‘Bohra Havelis’ & RURAL ‘Bhunga Houses’ GUJARAT VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

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A study of Bohra Havelis architecture in Siddhpur, Gujarat

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Page 1: Bohra Havelis in Siddhpur

BOHRA HAVELIS & BHUNGA HOUSESGUJARAT ARCHITECTURE

- PRIYANKA GUPTA

A Report on

Subject In charge

AR. KAJAL ARSHI

Submitted by:

PRIYANKA GUPTA: - 21020

Batch 2010

Department of Architecture

1

STUDY OF

URBAN ‘Bohra Havelis’

&

RURAL ‘Bhunga Houses’

GUJARAT

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

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BOHRA HAVELIS & BHUNGA HOUSESGUJARAT ARCHITECTURE

- PRIYANKA GUPTA

CANDIDATES DECLARATION

I hereby certify that the work which is being presented in this report entitled “STUDY OF URBAN ‘Bhunga Houses’ AND RURAL ‘Bhunga Houses’ OF GUJARAT ” is an authentic record of my own work under the guidance of Ar Kajal Arshi.

Priyanka Gupta

Roll No.21020/10

University Reg. No. 100312036020

This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidate to the best of my knowledge is true.

Ar. Kajal Arshi

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the people who helped in different capacities at various stages that led to the completion of this report.

My earnest gratitude to my teacher Ar. Kajal Arshi, whose knowledge and support, guided me with constant encouragement and imperative directions throughout.

I am grateful to my parents, Mr. Ramesh Kumar Gupta and Mrs. Santosh Gupta, for always supporting me.

I am indebted to my friends who have always helped me.

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ABSTRACT

GUJARAT, being the semi arid state of India, contrasts the architecture of Urban and Rural development in the region. On one side, where the Urban Development contrasts the use of Modern Building Techniques in a formal and decorative style, the Rural Development of Kutch District highlights the use of vernacular materials in a prominent way making it much and more earthy and beautiful.

This research includes various case studies. The analysis encompasses projects that aim at the transmission of self-construction techniques either through introduction of innovative technologies, or through reiteration of existing building techniques comparing the Rural and Urban Building typologies of Urban and Rural Gujarat.For instance Bohra Havelis in Siddpur ( an urban development) and Nani Daddhar, a settlement located in Banni region, was rebuilt following the pre-existing village layout. New dwellings are recognizable thanks to a different roof (tiles are now commonly used rather then thatch), while they also appear to perfectly merge into the landscape. A sequence of thatched and tiled roofs confirms the coexistence of old bhungas and new ones, while the mural ornamentations provide a common cultural background to both new and pre-existing houses.

Starting from such case studies, it was particularly interesting to foresee the potential for development of earthen dwellings in regions where they are already implemented and accepted by the inhabitants.

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CONTENT

CHAPTER 1 – BOHRA HAVELIS, SIDDHPUR, GUJARAT

1.1 INTRODUCTION1.2 LOCATION1.3 CLIMATE SIGNIFICANCE1.4 BUILDING TYPOLOGY1.5 SPACE TERMINOLOGY1.6 TYPOLOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS1.7 COMPARISON OF TYPICAL PLANS1.8 COMPARISON OF TYPICAL FACADES1.9 BUILDING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES1.10 STREETS1.11 STRUCTURE1.12 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

CHAPTER 2 – BHUNGA HOUSES, KUTCH, GUJARAT

2.1 INTRODUCTION2.2 LOCATION2.3 CLIMATE SIGNIFICANCE2.4 SETTLEMENT PATTERNS2.5 TYPOLOGICAL FEATURES OF BHUNGA2.6 BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES

2.6.1 TRADITIONAL TECHNOLOGIES2.6.2 ALTERNATE TECHNOLOGIES2.6.3 INFLUENCE OF ALTERNATE

TECHNOLOGIES ON LOCAL HABITAT2.7 INTERVIEW WITH RESIDENT - SELF BUILDERS2.8 TYPOLOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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1. BOHRA HAVELIS IN SIDDHPUR, GUJARAT

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Bohra settlements are largely located in the central and northern parts of Gujarat where the climate can be called extreme hot and dry.The traditional habitats of Bohras in Gujarat, found in cities and towns such as Surat, Siddhpur, Dahod, Godhra, Kapadvanj, Khamhbat, Ahmedabad, Palanpur, Bhavnagar, Dholka, Surendranagar, Morbi, Jamnagar.

1.2 LOCATION

Gujarat is located on the west coast of India. The Bohra settlements are largely located in the central and northern

parts of Gujarat where the climate can be called extreme hot and dry. The traditional habitats of Bohras in Gujarat, found in cities and towns

such as Surat, Siddhpur, Dahod, Godhra, Kapadvanj, Khamhbat, Ahmedabad, Palanpur, Bhavnagar, Dholka, Surendranagar, Morbi, Jamnagar.

1.3 CLIMATE SIGNIFICANCE

Climate has its impact on a number of organizational and construction elements such as orientation, cluster formation, the use of materials and it also leads to introduction of special architectural features.

The climate in Gujarat varies from hot extreme desert climate in Kutch to the hot humid on the coastal areas and the Dang jungle on the east side.

All buildings have to account for the hot weather during almost nine months of the year.

Sharing of long walls in this typology solve the major problem of heat gain as it results in a compact geometry where minimum surface areas remains exposed. All buildings have to account for the hot weather during almost nine months of the year.

1.4 BUILDING TYPOLOGY

The typical Bohra house is a long, narrow unit between two parallel walls with various spaces in a hierarchical sequence

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The sense of privacy increases as one goes away from the street into the house.

Symmetrically and centrally placed doorways lead one from one space to another.

The spatial activities in the house, particularly the ground floor, change during the day.

The individual courtyard becomes an air and a light shaft where the cooler air sink below and the hotter air escapes out of the roof.

The ground floor has a semi-enclosed space at the entrance that permanently protects it from direct sunlight and rain.

Architectural projections provide shading and reduce sun exposure while increasing the mass of the building group.

A sense of lofty spaciousness is achieved in the interiors without the loss of the human scale.

Three to four storeys - high houses arranged in a high density layout. A special indigenous element of an air-vent was found in some of the

houses and is used to bring cooler air into the house while avoiding the sun.

Traditional houses in Gujarat are conspicous by the absence of furniture. In all houses carpet were extensively used. The open cupboards are used for displaying decorative objects besides

adding to the interior. Many Bohra houses use the combination of pitched roofs and terraces to

minimize flat surfaces.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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SECOND FLOOR PLAN

THIRD FLOOR PLAN

FOURTH FLOOR PLAN

SECTION A-A

Fig 1.1: DRAWINGS OF A TYPICAL BOHRA HAVELI

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1.5 SPACE TERMINOLOGY OF A TYPICAL GROUND FLOOR PLAN

ORDO:The most important space on the ground floor, very private and formal, used for entertaining and welcoming family friends, sometimes used as a sleeping space at night.

PARSAL: An extension of the avas, the semi-enclosed space.

OTLA:An open or semi-open space that serves as a connection between the dwelling and the street, visual and symbolic rather than functional, occasionally used by women in quiet afternoons.

PARSALI:This is an ante space to the main room used for relaxing by women in the afternoons.

AVAS:The main family space and the focus of the house, ventilated by a skylight at the top, usually includes the kitchen, store and the water place.

DELI:The transitional space at the entrance acts as a screen between the private and the public zones, includes the WC, the stairs and a window seat.

1 2 Fig.1.2: TYPICAL VIEW OF AN ORDO IN THE HAVELIS (1 and 2)

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1.6 TYPOLOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

EXAMPLE 1 – TYPICAL HOUSE AT DAHOD

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

SECTION A-A ELEVATION

Fig 1.3: DRAWINGS OF A TYPICAL HOUSE IN DAHOD

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EXAMPLE 2 - TYPICAL HOUSE AT DAHOD

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

SECTION A-A ELEVATION

Fig 1.4: DRAWINGS OF A TYPICAL HOUSE IN DAHOD

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1.7 COMPARISON OF TYPICAL PLANS

SURAT SIDDHPUR DAHOD

GODHRA CAMBAY KAPADVANJ

Fig 1.5: PLANS OF SOME TYPICAL HOUSES IN VARIOUS REGIONS OF SIDDHPUR

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1.8 COMPARISON OF TYPICAL FACADES

SURAT DAHOD KAPADVANJ

GODHRA KHAMBHAT SIDDHPUR

Fig 1.6: FACADES OF SOME TYPICAL HOUSES IN VARIOUS REGIONS OF SIDDHPUR

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1.9 BUILDING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES

Brick was used mainly as a load bearing element and as in-fill and wood as reinforcement to brick. This use helped reduce the thickness of walls.

Stone and brick was used for foundations that often were made with arches. Wood was not abundantly available locally in Gujarat, it was extensively

used in the 18th and 19th centuries and was exported mostly from Burma and the Malabar coast.

The masonry was plastered with lime plaster. The most common technique of flooring was to lay bricks on wooden planks

with the help of lime mortar and then to do an IPS flooring. In larger houses, the long wall had either brick or wooden columns attached

to it at intervals where the heavy bean met the walls. Teak was preferred material in Gujarat used for doors and windows. The elements such as columns, column capital and brackets were well

developed and were profusely ornamented. The wooden pitched roofs with tiles are able to provide thermal insulation to

the spaces and reduce the transmission of heat. The ornamental ceilings were made out of wood or Plaster of Paris. New materials included cast iron mouldings and railings, glass panels,

ceramic tiles and G.I. sheets. Its outlet was usually near the water place in the houses. This water was used for drinking and cooking purposes throughout the year.

Fig.1.7: TYPICAL BOHRA HAVELI FACADE

Fig.1.8: USE OF PLASTER Fig.1.9: USE OF WOOD Fig.1.10: DOORS

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1.10 STREETS

The Bohrward streets stand apart because of a sense of order, extreme cleanliness, well-designed drainage system.

The closely packed houses, site constrains and absence of building controls result in an organic growth and relatively irregular street pattern.

The passageway with a pedestrian sense of scale creates a series of vistas as one walks down the street. So the communication between different areas is maintained.

The streets range from 4m to 10m in width. The street edge is defined by row houses arranged in a linear manner. The façade remains the only means of visual communication to the

outside.

Fig 1.11: THE BOHRWAD IN KAPADVANJ Fig 1.12: THE BOHRWAD IN SURAT

Fig. 1.13: SIDE-VIEW OF A TYPICAL STREET Fig. 1.14: FRONT VIEW OF A STREET

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1.11 STRUCTURE

Basically a trabeated structural system was used in combination with masonary walls.

Stone was not available easily expect in Saurashtra. Inspite of that , it was used in many houses for plinth and the bases of wooden columns.

There were three main methods of traditional construction employed in Gujarat:Timber bonding: In this the horizontal timber members were introduced at intervals of about 120cm within the masonry walls at floor or ceiling, lintel and in between levels.Partial framing: In addition to the timber bonding , timber columns were embedded in the walls where a beam was located in order to take the loadFull framing: This carried it further by having columns and beams in all short bays regardless of whether the beam was supported by a wall underneath or not.

In northern Gujarat, the dominant system is partial framing. The construction was standardized but the wooden members are fully

ornamented with carvings at the façade level to reduce its bulkiness and to decorate the houses.

The structural members in the inside of the house were not ornamented. The wooden frame structure often had horizontal members at lintel and sill

levels. Later on, this structural system was replaced by load bearing, cross-wall

system of construction where the two parallel walls on the longer side took the weight.

The spanning of the floor was done in wood through wooden beams, joists and slates.

In the early 20th century, wooden structural system was replaced by the steel ‘I’ section or the brick jack- arch technique for spanning, and thereafter by RCC and cement.

Fig. 1.15: TIMBER WITH STONE MASONRY Fig. 1.16: WOOD HIGHLY USED IN INTERIORS

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1.12 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

The varied elements have been crafted with a high level of excellence.

Wood, used extensively for ornamentation and element making. A lot of variation was perceived in the types of zarokhas that were

incorporated as a part of the design. A zarokha is a architectural feature in Gujarat, its evolution is

related to the extreme hot climate of the region. Discreet visual communication, controlled sunlight, catching of wind

and increased aesthetic property of the built environment are its values.

The enclosed balcony takes the form of a luxurious window-seat referred to earlier in the case of the typical house.

The water place (paniara) in another cultural element in a Bohra house. The significance of the water place is related to the hot-dry climate and its sanctity in the Hindu culture.

Simple niches are found in the mud houses at the main door on the outside .They are used for storage and for placing lamps when there was no electricity.

Fig.1.17: RAILINGS AND WINDOWS Fig.1.18: ORDO WITH EXTENSIVE USE OF WOOD

Fig.1.19: DOOR Fig.1.20: FURNITURE Fig.1.21: HANDLE Fig.1.22: SHAFT

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2 BHUNGA HOUSES IN KUTCH, GUJARAT

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The Bohra settlements are largely located in the central and northern parts of Gujarat where the climate can be called extreme hot and dry.The traditional habitats of bohras in Gujarat, found in cities and towns such as Surat, Siddhpur, Dahod, Godhra, Kapadvanj, Khamhbat, Ahmedabad, Palanpur, Bhavnagar, Dholka, Surendranagar, Morbi, Jamnagar.

2.2 LOCATION

Gujarat is located on the west coast of India. The Bohra settlements are largely located in the central and northern

parts of Gujarat where the climate can be called extreme hot and dry. The traditional habitats of Bohras in Gujarat, found in cities and towns

such as Surat, Siddhpur, Dahod, Godhra, Kapadvanj, Khamhbat, Ahmedabad, Palanpur, Bhavnagar, Dholka, Surendranagar, Morbi, Jamnagar.

2.3 CLIMATE SIGNIFICANCE

Climate has its impact on a number of organizational and construction elements such as orientation, cluster formation, the use of materials and it also leads to introduction of special architectural features.

The climate in Gujarat varies from hot extreme desert climate in Kutch to the hot humid on the coastal areas and the Dang jungle on the east side.

All buildings have to account for the hot weather during almost nine months of the year.

Sharing of long walls in this typology solve the major problem of heat gain as it results in a compact geometry where minimum surface areas remains exposed. All buildings have to account for the hot weather during almost nine months of the year.

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2.4 SETTLEMENT PATTERNS

Until some decades ago most of the villages of Banni were characterized by similar morphology. Often a village consisted of several small clusters,usually separated by vegetal fences. The cluster structure aims at the segregation of different castes or communities. A cluster usually consists of a settlement providing shelter to six to ten families, each family’s dominion being well defined by raised platforms.

The cluster, the platform and the bhunga (a traditional dwelling with cylindrical earthen walls and a conical thatched roof), are morphological features typical of Banni’s villages. In most cases a strongly defined central space for community life is absent. Generally, free spaces between different bhungas belonging to the same family are used as meeting spaces, as well as for the family’s outdoor activities. It is rare that the entire community comes together. This generally happens only during festivals.

Settlement units usually consist of two, three or more individual bhungas, built on a common raised platform. The platform becomes the most important element in the village. The platform connects the bhungas, which are never built attached but always separate. It is also a response to environmental factors: since the land in Banni is extremely flat, a few inches of rain are enough to flood the desert. Elevated platforms protect homesteads from flooding and water logging.

Fig. 2.1: MORPHOLOGY OF HARIJAN COMMUNITY’S CLUSTER IN THE VILLAGE LUDIA BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE

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Fig. 2.2: MORPHOLOGY OF A UNIT COMPOSED OF THREE BHUNGAS.

2.5 TYPOLOGICAL FEATURES OF BHUNGAS

The house unit is typically defined by the platform - otla - that is always raised above the ground, from a few centimetres up to one meter. The otla defines the domain of the home and the place for outdoor activities. On this platform rest various structures composing the household: one or more bhungas (generally up to three), circular houses with diameter ranging between 3 and 6 meters, covered by a conical thatched roof.

A typical bhunga has a door and three or four small and low windows symmetrically arranged around the door. In front of the door and against the wall, lies a low platform, called pedlo, on which traditional furniture are placed: chaosar kothalo or panjaro, manje, and sanjeero. The chaosar kothalo, generally placed on the left, is plasterd with earth, and it is decorated in relief with mirrors. It can be rectangular or cylindrical, and serves as a grain-food container, while other food is placed on top of it (butter, vegetables). The manje, placed at the center, is a carved wooden furniture covered by a pile of patchworked embroidered fabrics - dhadkee - produced by the women of the house. This pile increases gradually over the years and is thoroughly covered with a piece of finely embroidered fabric called dhadkla (literally, something that covers). The dhadkla is the most valuable piece of the collection, and shall be brought in dowry from the bride. To the right of the manje there is a rectangular furniture, known as sanjero. This has a small front door and contains objects that are

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considered valuable, such as ornaments, as well as various items purchased in the city markets. It usually contains also items brought as dowry by the bride.

Often the wall is decorated with small mirrors -amblha . These mirrors that decorate the walls inside the bhunga also serve to multiply the light. The design on the walls hence appears to be similar to refined embroidery on traditional textiles and garments.

The analogy between clay reliefs or paintings on the walls and furniture and embroidery on traditional clothes is stunning and it is interesting how communities distinguish themselves through different decorative patterns, used both in clothing and in wall ornamentations.

Next to the bhunga, but never set against it, there is usually a small rectangular building, called chowki, which presents small variations: the largest chowki are used as living spaces, and smaller as kitchens. Smaller units, about one and a half meter high, not very well shaped and devoid of roof are sometimes set against the bhunga. These units are used as functional spaces for storage or bathrooms.

Fig. 2.3: BHUNGA AT DHORODO. Fig. 2.4: PEDLO WITH TRADITIONAL FURNITURE

Fig. 2.5: ANALOGY BETWEEN CLOTHING, Fig. 2.6: CHOWKI AND BATHROOM TEXTILES AND DECORATIVE PATTERNS ON WALLS

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2.6 BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES

2.6.1 TRADITIONAL TECHNOLOGIES

The three main traditional building techniques seen in Kuchchh are:o Earth blocks (adobe)o Earth reinforced with wood, or sometimes bamboo (wattle and

daub)o Stack walls or ‘in situ’.

Mud blocks and reinforced earth are found mainly in Banni and Pachccham and stack walls in the coastal village of Tunda Vandh.

Fig. 2.7: ILLUSTRATION OF THE THREE MAIN CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

TRADITIONALLY USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BHUNGA: ADOBE (MUD BRICKS), IN-SITU MUD (STACK WALLS) AND EARTH REINFORCED WITH WOOD (WATTLE AND DAUB).

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EARTH BLOCKS

The construction of a traditional Bhunga at Ludia (Gandhi No Gao) is brought as example for describing this technique.

The components required for the construction of walls and foundations are:

o Clayey soil and rice husk for earth blocks. Rice husk is a fibrous material, which shatters into small pieces: the disaggregated grains increase the material’s cohesion and blocks strength.

o Cement mortar used for foundations.o Earth sourced from Banni, cow dung and local earth for plaster. The

earth sourced from Banni is used just for plaster. This special earth is sourced from Rudramata, 15 km from Bhuj, and its cost is just the transportation cost. The advantage of using cow dung is that it contains many fibrous particles, such as rice husk, which increase the material’s cohesion.

o Earth and rubble stones for filling the platform -otla .

Fig. 2.8: MUD BLOCKS’ BHUNGA IN Fig.2.9: EARTH, WATER AND RICE GANDHI NO GAO HUSK FOR BLOCKS CONSTRUCTION

Production stages of mud blocks are as follows:

o A catchment is formed with the earth sourced from Banni, water is poured in to moist the soil and the mixture has to rest for one night. Rice husk is then added.

o The compound is mixed using feet.

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Fig. 2.10: CONSTRUCTIONo The blocks are shaped in wooden moulds. After removing the moulds,

they are left to dry and harden in the sun for a day on one side, and then turned on the other side to dry faster. It takes two or three days to complete this process. The average block size is 20x30x10 cm.

Fig.2.11: BLOCKS MOULDING Fig. 2.12: WOODEN MOULDS

DESCRIPTION OF CONSTRUCTION PHASES: LAYING OF FOUNDATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE WALL:

o A trench 30 cm deep and 45 cm wide is dug. Blocks for foundations are laid using a local mud plus cement mortar. The process of laying the blocks is locally called chanter.

o Walls are raised on foundations, using cow dung plus local mud mortar, mixed with water to make the compound workable.

Fig.2.13: LAYING OF FOUNDATION AND WALLS

o Lintels and doors and window frames are inserted where necessary.o A platform-otla-is then built using rubble stone and earth, up to a height

of about 45 cm. This is completed by a thin layer of mud, called lipan, which is applied also on the walls of the bhunga to protect them at the base.

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Fig.2.14: TYPICAL SECTIONPREPARATION OF PLASTER - LIPAN:

The mixture for the plaster layer, locally called gobar lipan, is made with cow dung and local mud. Water is added to improve its workability. A first layer is applied on the outer surface of the wall, and smoothed using hands. It takes about a day to complete it, and then another layer is applied on the inner surface. These inner and outer layers are alternated, up to seven layers applied on both surfaces of the wall. The last layer of Lipan is done using earth sourced from Banni and cow dung.

Fig.2.15: WOMEN APPLYING LIPAN

The components required for roof’s construction are as follows:

o One horizontal beam – adi - of diameter 15 to 18 cm.o A base for the vertical kingpost - patli - size 5x7x25 cmo A central kingpost ranging from 180 to 270 cm, diameter 10 cm.o A cone - mann - at the top of the kingpost, diameter 40 cm, 45 cm high.o Babool wood rafters forming the backbone of the roof – vali -, having a

diameter between 6 and 8.75 cm, 365 cm long. Between 20 and 24 of those are distributed on the wall’s circumference. Eventually another wood, called Nilgiri, can be used if this is available.

o Culms of split bamboo which constitute the secondary warping - khapatis - diameter 2 .5 cm, length 365 cm. 23 bundles with approximately 20 elements per bundle are required. Nabool wood was traditionally used, but because of lack of nabool, bamboo is the current option.

o Rope - kathi -, 1.25 cm thick. 30 kg of rope are required.o Straw - kheep - for roofing. 500 bundles are required. The branches of

this dense plant are very resistant and have few leaves: Their linear nature helps them to shed the rain.

Stages of roof construction are as follows:

o The beam - adi - is placed horizontally on the wall, perpendicular to the door’s axis. The ends of the beam rest on slightly raised portions of the wall and are fixed with pegs.

o The base- patli - of the vertical kingpost rest on the middle of the beam - adi -. The kingpost stands on the middle of the patli. The cone - mann -is fixed on top of the kingpost.

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o The joists – vali - are fixed at the top of the cone –mann- and to each other with rope – kathi .

o Culms of split bamboo - khapatis - fill the span between valis and are fixed to them.

o Straw bundles – kheep- are then tied to the roof structure starting from the bottom.

o A rope’s net is then dropped from the top of the roof in order to hold.

PLACING THE BEAM SETTING THE KINGPOST PLACING THE RAFTERS

FILLING THE BAMBOO SETTING THE THATCHED SECURING THE ROOF RAFTERS ROOF WITH A ROPE MASH

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Fig.2.16: ILLUSTRATION SHOWING THE Fig.2.17: STRUCTURAL VARIATIONS IN COMPONENTS OF A BHUNGA THE CONSTRUCTION OF BHUNGA

o In some cases the roof is supported by a taller central post that reaches the plinth, instead of resting on the kingpost supported by a beam.Instead of being supported on the wall, the beam -adi- can eventually rest on two posts placed outside the wall, which are completely independent. These members help to reduce or cancel the pressure on the two support points of the beam on the wall, so that the wall bears a more uniform load.

o For the design of wall decorations, the walls of the bhunga are covered with a paste made of donkey dung, earth and Fevicol (a glue). Decorative patterns are incorporated onto this surface. For colors, minerals are extracted from a dam near Khavda. These offer a range of five colors: ochre, red, brown, white and dark gray. The minerals are milled, mixed with water and used to paint the walls of the bhungas.

o Inside, the mural relief decorations are accompanied by functional elements such as niches and shelves. The size of a bhunga may vary depending on limitations imposed by the size of the available wooden structural components, but generally the diameter ranges from 3 to 6 mt. The shape of the buildings also varies: rectangular buildings like chowkis display same materials and construction techniques, along with a pitched roof.

o The source of materials may also vary. If the earth sourced from Banni is suitable for mortar, more often local earth is used as a readily available and appropriate material. Instead of cement mortar, a mixture of cow dung and earth is also appropriate for foundations.

o Mangalore tiles are sometimes used as roofing components instead of thatch. Although insulating performance is not the same, small openings for ventilation can be left between tiles, while taking care to prevent water seepage.

Fig.2.18: DECORATION OF EXTERIOR Fig.2.19: DECORATION OF INTERIOR WALLS WALLS

IN SITU:

Stack wall or in-situ is probably the most instinctive of the three construction methods analysed. A mixture of clayey soil is moulded into loaves and stacked using hands to create the wall of the bhunga. This process results in a very

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resistant monolithic form. A mud coating is then applied to smoothen the surface. Such dwellings are seen in the coastal village of Tunda Vandh.

WATTLE AND DAUB:

In reinforced earth construction (wattle and daub) branches are used as wall structure, which is then covered with earth.Stages of construction of a reinforced earth Bhunga:

o Branches are sunk into the platform, about 40 cm deep, with a height above the floor of about 170 cm. The branches are arranged along the wall, leaving an opening for the door.

o Smaller twigs fill in the gap left between the main branches. Branches and twigs are bound together with straw rope in order to improve the stability of the structure.

Fig.2.20: BRANCHES SUNKED INTO PLATFORM

o A mixture of dung and clayey earth is then applied onto the wooden structure. This mixture is applied both inside and outside the membrane.

Fig.2.21: MIXTURE APPLICATION

o The lipan, a smooth layer of plaster obtained with a mixture of earth, cow dung and water, completes the construction of the wall.

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1 2 3

Fig.2.22: FINAL OUTCOME OF THE HOUSES (1, 2 and 3)

2.6.2 ALTERNATE TECHNOLOGIES: THE INTRODUCTION OF STABILIZED EARTH

After the 2001 earthquake appropriate construction technologies have been introduced in order to improve seismic performance of bhungas and of other earthen buildings. The use of stabilized earth (with cement) was introduced and fostered, both in the form of blocks and rammed earth. People affected by earthquake wanted to keep the traditional form of their homes, while improving their durability. One of the key factors for the introduction of stabilized earth was that it does not require a constant and laborious maintenance, which is indeed needed for unstabilized earth buildings.

Compressed Stabilized Earthen Blocks (CSEB)

o This is a simple technology in which cement is added to earth (in proportion of 7-8%) and the mixture obtained is compressed in a press. This technique was first developed in Colombia in the 50s and is being used in India since many years. Most probably its most intensive use can be seen in Kachchh, where more than 100 villages were built so far using this technology.

o The use of stabilized earth has spread rapidly since it is a simple and cost effective construction system, which does not require skilled workmanship and with the advantage that blocks can be produced directly on site, while following very simple technical standardization. In addition, stabilized earth is an eco-friendly material that provides a good thermal comfort.

o The mixture of soil and cement (92-93% of soil, consisting of sand up to 75% clay up to 15%, and silt for the remaining, to which cement is added up to 7-8%), is mixed and the blocks are produced with this compound using the Mardini press. The blocks are then cured on a platform for 21 days.

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Fig.2.23: DIFFERENT SHAPES OF COMPRESSED S TABILIZED EARTHEN BLOCKS

1 2

Fig.2.24: LAST STAGE OF CONSTRUCTION OF A BHUNGA (1 and 2)

Stabilized Rammed Earth

o Like stabilized earth blocks, Stabilized rammed earth is obtained by adding about 7-8% of cement to the soil and ramming the mixture with appropriate tools within a wooden formwork in order to obtain a monolithic wall. The main advantage of this technique is that a wall can be completed in only one stage, since the earth and cement mixture can be poured directly and the process does not require skilled wormanship. For this reason, if compared to stabilized earthen blocks, rammed earth wall construction is more stable and economic, fast and robust since there are no joints. Limitations that must be taken into account are as follows:

Rooms sizes are limited by the formwork’s size Shrinkage cracks can develop, which will have to be filled

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Fig.2.25: SETTING UP THE FORMWORK FOR Fig.2.26: CONSTRUCTION OF A STABILIZED STABILIZED RAMMED EARTH WALL’S RAMMED EARTH WALL CONSTRUCTION Critical points of rammed earth construction:

o Composition of earth must be ideal. Too much clay generates shrinkage cracks.

o Earth must be sieved in a 4-6 mm mesh. Coarse grains may later produce inconsistencies.

o Dry and wet mixing should be done evenly, otherwise it might lead to wearing of the surface. Thickness of the layers should not exceed 12 cm. Thicker layers generate uneven compaction, and strength and performance of the structure over a long term would be affected.

o To get good strength and good performances curing must be done perfectly.

2.6.3 INFLUENCE OF ALTERNATE TECHNOLOGIES ON LOCAL HABITAT

The adoption of stabilized earth came in response to the inhabitants’ needs: being already aware of the bioclimatic performance of earth as a building material, as well as of the structural strength and cultural value of round shaped bhungas, they accepted enthusiastically the proposal to use a local material like earth along with technological additions. This choice was justified mainly by low production costs, and also by greater durability achieved through stabilization, hence avoiding the periodic maintenance of the house.

With the promotion of handicrafts as main source of livelihood, time to dedicate to house maintenance has been sensitively reduced. Women are now engaged in production of manufactured goods for trade rather than just for household use. Nevertheless, an earthen home is generally considered synonymous with poverty and concrete or stone building are usually preferred, whenever possible. As seen during the site visits, in many cases stabilized rammed earth bhungas are also plastered with cement to avoid periodic renewal of lipan, although this is not necessary. Unfortunately, with stabilization part of the thermal inertia of earth is lost, and this loss is even greater if a cement plaster is overlapped. Instead of cement plaster, the use of simple painting is encouraged, or lime plaster as a better option, although the latter is hardly available in the region.

Where preexisting bhungas are found, like in Nanni Daddhar, they are mostly neglected and reduced to storage. This phenomenon took place in spite of the general awareness about the enhanced thermal comfort of old bhungas compared to new ones. In the same village structures like chowkis are still built using mud blocks, but they are afterwards plastered with cement to avoid maintenance work.

Traditional skill of building with earth still exists and is widespread in the region. There is quite considerable scope for these skills to be utilized in coming years as well. Recent advances in research are fostering traditional earthen building in Kachchh region. Without stabilization, it is also possible to

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incorporate seismic safe features in earthen building. Soon the supply of earthen building processes and materials in the region will be even more diverse, thanks to the study of prototypes that combine the bioclimatic properties of unstabilized earth with recent advancements in earthquake engineering.

2.7 INTERVIEWS WITH RESIDENT SELF-BUILDERS

The interviews reported here are punctual: unfortunately due to time and language limitations it was not possible to further investigate the sociological aspects of this research. The purpose of the interviews is to try and understand the level of knowledge of the technologies used and how people perceive their habitat, both in terms of bio-climatic performance, and of structural safety.

Interview with Judía Ali, during the measure drawing of a chowki in the village of Nani Dadhar, 5 September, 2006. C.C.

When was this chowki built?

J.A. Three years ago.C.C.

Do you use more indoor or outdoor space?

J.A. The indoor space is used mainly as storage, and outdoor space for various activities.

C.C.

Who built this house?

J.A. I myself along with my family.C.C.

How many people participated in the construction?

J.A. 15 or 16 people.C.C.

How long did it take?

J.A. From 15 to 20 days.C.C.

Which months have you built the house?

J.A. During the summers, during the month of ‘Phaguna’ .C.C.

How are you using the building at present?

J.A. We are not using it, repairing is going on.C.C.

Which problems are there for repairing?

J.A. No problem, but the necessary material was not directly available here.C.C.

Why do you use cement plaster?

J.A. Because it becomes stronger, and then you can use it over and over again, while we must renovate the lipan every time.

C.C Do you know that the use of earth keeps houses cooler compared to cement

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. plaster?J.A. Yes, we know, but because of maintenance we prefer cement plaster.C.C.

Is this house a bhunga or a chowki?

J.A. Chowki.C.C.

What is a chowki?

J.A. A living room and a storage.C.C.

Why did you first use earth during the construction of the chowki?

J.A. Because there was no cement, and also because with earth the environment is cooler.

C.C.

If there had been cement, it would have been used?

J.A. YesC.C.

Do you think people will continue to build houses out of earth?

J.A. It depends on economic factors, when somebody has more money he builds with cement.

C.C.

Are these Bhunga built with cement (stabilized earth) cooler than the traditional bhunga?

J.A. No, because the former bhunga had thatched roofs and were made of earth,while these bhunga have tile roofs and walls with cement, therefore they heat faster.

C.C.

These new bhunga are made with cement to protect them from earthquakes or rain?

J.A. Both.C.C.

From where did you get the earth?

J.A. From the pond.

C.C.

How do you make the sun dried blocks?A wooden mold is prepared, and then a mixture of earth, cow dung and water, mixed using feet, is poured in the wooden forms.

C.C.

For how long do you dry them in the sun?

J.A. From 8 to 10 days.C.C.

Which are the dimensions of the block?

J.A. 1 x 1.5 feetC.C.

How long did it take to make the wooden roof?

J.A. One or two days.C.C.

Who buys the wood, the carpenter or you?

J.A. We go with the carpenter to buy the wood.C.C.

How much did the house cost?

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J.A. From 30 to 40,000 rupees.C.C.

How much would it cost to do it with cement?

J.A. From 70 to 80,000 rupees.C.C.

Do you feel safe to live in this house?

J.A. Now there are some pieces of metal inside this Bhunga, and it is also more secure, and even earlier bhunga, made out of earth, were safe, but these are safer. In any case, everything depends on God will. During earthquake Maccan (rectangular) houses have fallen, but these did not fall, they are still standing. Therefore they are safer.

Table 2.1: INTERVIEW WITH THE RESIDENT

Cultural and economical factors related to building with earth

In Kachchh various forms of crafts are still intimately linked to various aspects of life. Also the construction of the house follows the rhythms of traditional life, by adjusting to seasonal cycles. Very often a house is built over the lapse of time between one and another activity, and usually is completed in conjunction with the marriage of the future inhabitants.

Unstabilized earth construction is more laborious than stabilized earth and it is marked by several stages, to which the inhabitants of this region are used to, as to other long and complex procedures necessary for the production of their refined handicrafts.

Earthen buildings, often completed by refined decorations, are an integral part of the cultural landscape of Kachchh. Kutchi people are aware of this fact, and this is also why bhungas could be proposed as permanent shelters during the reconstruction process.

Communities of builders, like the Harijans, are thoroughly familiar with the traditional technologies currently in use, and especially with the structural features of bhungas. Craftsmen engage in woodcarving and leather manufacturing with endless passion, while women are mainly into embroidery. All these activities are industrious and creative, similarly to the construction and decoration of a bhunga. Fatigue associated with maintenance of the house is usually accepted, knowing that earthen plaster ensures a better thermal comfort than a cement one. Renovation of Lipan results in a collective ritual during the festival of Diwali, after monsoons.

These practices are bound to disappear when new economic factors intervene to modify the local life style. In most remote villages, like Dhumado, earthen building is the only possible option and at the question of whether concrete would be preferred to mud, the coherent answer is that cement is good for the city, not for a village like Dhumadho.

In villages located closer to main roads, like Dhorodo, where trade has already triggered a certain degree of economic welfare, traditional habitat was altered with introduction of concrete buildings, of villas and often chaotic urban forms, which do not match with the regional morphology of kutchi villages. In many cases the inflow of funds for reconstruction has contributed to the spreading of ‘pucca’ houses, for which almost everybody strives.

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Only in case of economic restrictions stabilized earth was chosen as a viable alternative, and cost effectiveness remains at present the main incentive to continue building with earth.

2.8 TYPOLOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

EXAMPLE 1:

Date: 31/08/2006 Period of construction: 2001, post earthquake Typology: Bhunga Interventions posterior to earthquake: none Location: Nava Vas village, Near Ludia, 70 km north of Bhuj

Fig.2.27: LOCATION MAP Fig.2.28: MUD BLOCKS BHUNGA

DRAWINGS:

Fig.2.29: DRAWINGS OF HOUSE

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS:

Generally adobe construction starts with the dry season, at the end of monsoon. Blocks are made out of clayey soil and rice husk; their size is 20x30x10 cm.Stages of adobe construction areas follows:

A trench is dug, 30 cm deep and 45 cm widht. The blocks for foundations are layed using a compund of local soil and cement for the mortar.

Walls are built in continuity with foundations, using a mortar made out of cow dung and local soil, mixed with water until the compound is workable.

Lintels, door and window openings are inserted where necessary. The platform -otla- is then built using stone and soil, until a height of about 30

cm or more. The otla is then coated with a thin layer of clay, which is applied also on the walls of the bhunga protecting them at the base. The finishing layer, locally called lipan, is composed of clayey soil and dung.

MATERIALS USED:

Bearing walls: adobe. Roof: bearing structure of wood and bamboo, tatched roof tightened with

rope. Floor: cement. Fixtures: wood for doors, wood and wrought iron for windows. Interior plaster: stucco composed of white clay and cow or horse dung,

suitable for relief ornamentations. Exterior plaster: lipan, composed of clayey soil and cow dung. Partitions: absent. Fixed furniture - interior: clay and wood. Fixed furniture - exterior: soil, cement, wood and mangalore tiles.

for the veranda.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY:

1. OTLA AND VERANDA 2. INTEGRATED SHELVES

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3. MANJE FOR TEXTILES STORAGE 4. MURAL DECORATIONS

5. PEDLO WITH TRADITIONAL FURNITURE: TWO MANJE FOR STORING TEXTILES AND ONE

KOTHALO

6. CENTRAL SUPPORT

Fig.2.30: PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE INTERIORS (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)NOTES:

This bhunga appears to be structurally sound: a single transversal beam ortogonal to the door’s axes supports the central post, on which the roof rests. The interior is enriched by traditional ornamentation, a mural relief emphasized by small mirrors (ambhla). Construction of these traditional bhungas was promoted after 2001 earthquake by NGO Manav Sadhna, which fostered the reconstrucion of several settlements around Ludyia, near Kavhda.

EXAMPLE 2:

Date:02/09/2006 Period of construction: previous to earthquake

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Typology: Bhunga Location: Tunda Vandh village, Near Manvi, 60 km south-east of Bhuj

Fig.2.31: LOCATION MAP Fig.2.32: MIXED HABITAT IN TUNDA

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS:

Stack walls: a compound of clayey soil previously moulded into loaves, is stacked or thrown with force, and then shaped using hands in order to build the bhunga’s wall.This process will result in a very thick and resistant monolithic wall. A final coating - the lipan - is then applied in order to protect and smoothen the surface. The roof is resting on a central post and on the perimetral wall.

MATERIAL USED:

Bearing walls: mud stack walls Roof: Understructure made out of palm wood sourced from the coastal area

and covered with small twigs tied with rope Floor: cement Fixtures: wood for doors, wrought iron for windows Interior plaster: stucco made out of white clay and horse (or cow) dung,

suitable for relief ornamentation Exterior plaster: cement on front wall; lipan, made out of clayey soil and cow

dung on back wall. Partitions: absent Traditional furniture: clay and wood Outdoor finish: cement for the platform- otla.

DRAWINGS:

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Fig.2.33: DRAWINGS OFTHE HOUSE

PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY:

1. NICHE WITH SMALL OPENING 2. SPIRALLING STRUCTURE

3. CENTRAL POST HOLDING THE ROOF 4. PEDLO WITH TRADITIONAL FURNITURE

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5. ROOFING COMPONENTS ARE TIED WITH 6. PRESENCE OF GRASS AROUND THE ROPE WALL INDICATES LACK OF DRAINAGE

Fig.2.34: PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE INTERIORS (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)

NOTES:

In Tunda Vandh bhungas showcase a different roofing system. A central post reaching to the floor holds the roof, which in addition is resting on the perimetral wall.Rather than by concentric trusses, the understucture is given by a single truss that unfolds as a spiral and serves to hold together the twigs and other filling elements, on which the thatched roof is resting. Presence of grass around the perimetral walls indicates lack of drainage. This problem can be seen everywhere in the village, where the grass often reaches the roofs of the bhungas.

EXAMPLE 3:

Date: 04/09/2006 Period of construction: 1985 Typology: Bhunga Interventions posterior to construction: after the earthquake addition

of a post in order to support the damaged bearing structure Location: Dhorodho village , 70 km north of Bhuj

Fig.2.35: LOCATION MAP Fig.2.36: EARTH BLOCK BHUNGA AT DHORODHO

DRAWINGS:

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Fig.2.37: DRAWINGS OF THE HOUSE

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS:

Generally adobe construction starts with the dry season, at the end of monsoon. Blocks are made out of clayey soil and rice husk and their size is 20x30x10 cm. Stages of adobe construction are as following:

A trench is dug 30 cm deep and 45 cm width. The blocks for foundations are laid using a compound of local soil and cement for the mortar. 2. Walls are built in continuity with foundations, using a mortar made out of cow dung and local soil, mixed with water until the compound is workable. 3. Lintels, door and window openings are inserted where necessary. 4. The platform -otla- is then built using stone and soil, until the height of about 30 to 40 cm and sometimes more.

The otla is then coated with a thin layer of clay, which is applied also on the walls of the bhunga protecting them at their base.

The plaster layer, called lipan, is composed of clayey soil and dung.

MATERIALS USED:

Bearing walls: adobe Roof: wood and bamboo understructure, thatched roof hold with rope. Floor: cement Fixtures : wooden doors and windows Interior plaster: stucco made out of white clay and dung, suitable for relief

ornamentations. Exterior plaster : lipan, composed of clayey soil and dung, cement Partitions: absent Traditional furniture: clay, wood, cement for the pedlo lining Exterior finish: the platform- otla - is coated with cement.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY:

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1. SUPPORT FOR THE 2. WOODEN STRUC. 3. SANJERO 4. WOODEN WINDOW CENTRAL BEAM SUPPORTING ROOF SHUTTERS

5. INTERIOR OF THE BHUNGA WITH STUCCO MURAL ORNAMENTATIONS AND TRADITIONAL FURNITURE

6. DOOR LINTEL 7. TEXTILE CEILING COVER 8. WOOD AND BAMBOO ROOF UNDER STRUCTURE

Fig.2.38: PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE INTERIORS (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)

NOTES:

This bhunga shows one intervention posterior to earthquake: one post was added as a strengthening measure in order to hold the damaged central beam. On an overall the building seems to be well maintained, and displays particularly rich and detailedornamentations.The wall is very thick, providing space for niches and shelves in itsupper part.This bhunga doesn’t show the typical 1:1 ratio between diameterand roof height, the roof being quite narrowed down. The exterior perimetral wall shows a white color coating, most probably laid on a cement finish, given the smooth and regular texture of the wall’s surface.

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The floors are also plastered with cement both indoor and outdoor. Cement plaster was also applied on the interior wall of the bhunga up to the level where clay ornamentations start.

EXAMPLE 4:

Date:17/08/2006 Period of construction: 2001 Typology: bhunga Project KMVS and HUNNAR SHAALA Location: Rudramata village, 25 km north of Bhuj

Fig.2.39: SETTLEMENT’S LAYOUT Fig.2.40: STABILIZED RAMMED EARTH BHUNGA AT NANI DADDHAR

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS:

Stabilized rammed earth: As for stabilized compressed earthen blocks, stabilization of rammed earth is obtained by adding about 7-8% of cement to the soil by weight and ramming the mixture with appropriate instruments inside a wooden formwork in order to obtain a monolithic wall. The main advantage of this construction technique is that the bhunga’s wall can be finalised in one day, thanks to the fact that the soil and cement mixture can be poured directly without requiring specialized labor. A stabilized rammed earth wall construction results therefore to be more economic, rapid and robust, as joints are absent.

Also within a stabilized rammed earth wall horizontal reinforced concrete bands as well as vertical steel rods have to be incorporated at different levels as seismic safety measures. Bearing walls: stabilized rammed earth with vertical steel rods and horizontal RCC bands at various level as seismic safety measures.

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Fig.2.41: ROOF SCHEME DIAGRAM

DRAWINGS:

Fig.2.42: DRAWINGS OF THE HOUSE

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MATERIALS USED:

Roofing: wooden understructure, mangalore tiles Floor: cement Fixtures: wooden doors and windows frames Interior plaster: sometimes cement (addition), or absent Exterior plaster : paint or absent Partitions: absent Exterior elements: cement and stone for the platform –otla.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY:

1 2 3

Fig.2.43: CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE TYPICAL HOUSES (1, 2 and 3)

EXAMPLE 5:

Date: 05/09/2006 Period of construction: unknown Typology: Bhunga Interventions posterior to construction: none Location: Ramnagar village, about 50 km north-east of Bhuj

Fig.2.44: LOCATION MAP Fig.2.45: WATTLE AND DAUB BHUNGA AT RAMNAGAR VILLAGE

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS:

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Wattle and daub : the roof understructure is given by twigs and bamboo tied together, while it was observed that the prevailing material for wattle and daub walls in this village is bamboo. In both cases, either wood or bamboo, a framework is made then a compound of soil and dung is applied on the supporting framework, with lipan as ultimate layer. The roof is formed by twigs tied together on a bamboo understructure, and it is anchored to the wall through wooden angular elements, locally called khuta.

DRAWINGS:

Fig.2.46: DRAWINGS OF THE HOUSE

MATERIAL USED:

Bearing walls: wattle and daub Roof: twigs fixed with rope Floor: lipan Fixtures: plywood for the door, windows absent Interior plaster: lipan with three natural pigmented clay : white, yellow and

red Exterior plaster: lipan, natural pigments for ornamentations Traditional furniture: clay and wood Exterior elements: lipan for the platform -otla- wood and Mangalore tiles for

the veranda.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY:

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1. ‘KHUTA’: WOODEN 2. TRADITIONAL WOOD 3. WALL ORNAMENTATION WITH ANGULAR ELEMENT AND EARTH PIGMENTED CLAY AND EMBEDDED FOR FIXING THE ROOF FURNITURE SHELVES TO THE WALL

4. PEDLO 5. MURAL DECORATIONS 6. INTERIOR WITH TRADITIONAL USING NATURAL FURNITURE PIGMENTS

7. CENTRAL CONE FOR CLOSING 8. TATCHED ROOF AND MANGALORE 9. DETAIL OF THE ROOF – MANN TILES VERANDAH ‘KHUTA’

Fig. 2.47: PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE INTERIORS NOTES:

The roof is made out of twigs tied together with rope and fixed to the wall through angular wooden elements -khuta - and jute bags for waterproofing are laid.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Book on Vernacular ARCHITECTURE FOR KUTCH by SANJAY UDAMALE

Report on Earthen habitat in rural development of Western India by CEPT UNIVERSITY

www.wikipedia.com/vernacular architecture of kutch

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