1.

Vernacular Architecture It is a term used to categorise

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.
2. Laurie Baker The use of local materials with consideration to
local climate and participation of the people leads to A
Holistic Design Approach.
3. The use of local materials and the participation of the people
leads to a holistic design approach
4. The function of the building would be the dominant factor,
aesthetic consderations, though present to some small
degree, being quite minimal. Local materials would be used
as a matter of course, other materials being chosen and
imported quite exceptionally. a building designed by an
amateur without any training in design; the individual will
have been guided by a series of conventions built up in his
locality, paying little attention to what may be fashionable.
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE
5. Our vernacular homes in Rajasthan In vernacular
architecture, the conception of space begins with a single
cell shelter. This is irrespective of the form and the material
which may vary from one context to another.
6. 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. The builders of these structures are
unschooled in formal architectural design and their work
reflects the rich diversity of India's climate, locally available
building materials, and the intricate variations in local social
customs and craftsmanship. It has been estimated that
worldwide close to 90% of all building is vernacular,
meaning that it is for daily use for ordinary, local vernacular
people and built by local craftsmen
7. A kachcha is a building made of natural materials such a
mud, grass, bamboo, thatch or sticks and is therefore a
short-lived structure. Since it is not made for endurance it
requires constant maintenance and replacement.kachcha
This architecture can be broadly divided into three
categories.
8. A combination of the kachcha and pukka style, the semi-
pukka, has evolved as villagers have acquired the resources
to add elements constructed of the durable materials
characteristic of a pukka. Architecture as always evolves
organically as the needs and resources of people change.
Semi-pukka Pukka A pukka is a structure made from
materials resistant to wear, such as forms of stone or brick,
clay tiles , metal or other durable materials, sometimes
using mortar to bind, that does not need to be constantly
maintained or replaced. However, such structures are
expensive to construct as the materials are costly and more
labor is required. A pukka may be elaborately decorated in
contrast to a kachcha.
9. The roof is pitched to deal with the monsoon season and
the house may sit on raised plinths or bamboo poles to cope
with floods. Houses on hills usually have two stories, with
the livestock living on the ground floor. Often a verandah
runs along the side of the house. Finer stonework veneer
covers the outside. Sometimes wood beams and rafters are
used with slate tiles for roofing if available. Building
material depends on location. In hilly country where rocky
rubble, ashlar, and pieces of stone are available, these can
be patched together with a mud mortar to form walls.
Regional variation
10. Traditional home, Manali
11. EARTH CONSTRUCTION In the flat lands, abodes are
usually made of mud or sun- baked bricks, then plastered
inside and out, sometimes with mud mixed with hay or even
cow dung and whitewashed with lime. Where bamboo is
available (mainly in the north and northeastern states) it is
widely used for all parts of the home as it is flexible and
resilient. Also widely used is thatch from plants such as
elephant grass, paddy, and coconut. In the south, clay tiles
are used for pukka roofing while various plant material such
as coconut palm is common for kachcha.