REFLECTION OF CULTURE AND CLIMATE IN THE VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Ankita MehtaShraynita Paliwala

Department of Architecture Gogte Institute of Technology

Belgaum

CONTENT• Introduction• Why Vernacular Architecture Of Himachal Pradesh?• Construction Techniques Adopted To Mitigate Seismic

Tremors • Factors Influencing Vernacular Architecture– Climate – Culture– Materials

• Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

What is vernacular architecture??It is based on :• localized need,• construction materials, and • local traditions.

It is an epitome of place to which it belongs. It cannotbe imported from elsewhere.

“The architecture of the people, By the people and for the people.“ - OLIVER

WHY VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH?

• Seismic tremors are frequent.• Layout plans and construction of buildings is

complicated in hills than in plains.• Extreme example of sustained vernacular architecture.

Kath Khuni Style

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES ADOPTED TO MITIGATE SEISMIC

TREMORS

FACTORS INFLUENCING VERNACULAR

ARCHITECTURE

Climate Culture Materials

CLIMATE• Cold and cloudy climate

• southern slopes are preferred for orientation of the houses so as to maximize penetration of the sun rays.

• The height of building varies at different altitudes and are designed in accordance with the sun path.

• The structure is a two storey building with an Attic.• Low Height of the rooms (2.1 – 2.4 m)• low surface to volume ratio reducing heat loss from surfaces.

Climate

two storey 2.1 to

2.4 m

Attic

low ceiling height

Small windows

slope for efficient drainage

• Small window sizes and low ceiling height

• Roof of buildings possess proper slope for efficient drainage.

Climate

Culture• Major Occupation – agriculture

• House with many stores - for storage of grains.

• Service Area forms a separate unit away from the living quarters.

• Baisakh, Poh, Magh and Phalgun are regarded as auspicious for the start of construction

• House should face east and the rising sun.• Houses do not have a boundary wall.

Culture

Material

• Deodar Wood– imparts stability to tall structures

– insect and termite resistant

– even when untreated, can withstand long periods of weather corrosion.

– It is used in making posts, beams, window and door frames, shutters, roofs etc.

• Mud– good insulator and binder– Either mud is filled into the

wooden forms and rammed– Alternatively, sun dried mud blocks

are used for walls

Material

• Hard Stone - used in building foundation and walls supporting the roof.

Material

• Slate Tiles - These have high quartz content, frost resistant - Low maintenance - Invulnerable to rot and insects - provide a moisture barrier to the structure.

The Attic• A multifunctional space• It is used to store grain• Also served as abode of the god• Windows on the sides ventilate and dry the grain, also protecting from the rain.• Insulate the house, it serves as an excellent storage space

Window on sidesstorage space

Conclusion

• Vernacular structures - by empirical builders without the intervention of professional architects

• In vernacular architecture - culture and climate play a vital role

• Local culture

Local material

stability

• Principles of vernacular architecture can be applied to modern architecture and offer improved adaptation to A particular climate.

• Sensitive to social needs of the users - provision of outdoor areas (verandas and balconies)

• Window hoods provide adequate ventilation and rain protection for the openings

• Buildings provide a good solution by introducing attic – a multifunctional space

• Facilities which are already in use prove their positive qualities on a daily basis

Conclusion

Thank You

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