VERNACULAR

ARCHITECTURE
of ASSAM
Understanding the vernacular
• Socio Economy Architecture
• Building of
Techniques
Assam by relating it to six factors.
• Climate • Building Typology
• Topography • Urban form
 Vernacular architecture is an architectural style
What is Vernacular Architecture?
that is designed based on local needs, availability of
construction materials and reflecting local traditions.
Assam is a state in northeastern India known for its wildlife,
archeological sites and tea plantations.
Area: 78,438 km²
What is Assam?
Capital: Dispur
Population: 30.94 million (2012)
Official river: Brahmaputra River
 The Vernacular style of Assam mainly
consists of three important significances-

Vernacular Architecture of Assam Hip (or Gable)

Roof
Use of Bamboos
as major building
materials.

Higher Plinth level

 Use of
Vernacular Socio Bamboos
Style of Economic as major
Assam Factors building materials
Bamboos
Socially and economically bamboo is
considered as the major building material.
It is influencing the lifestyle of the people.
Vernacular Gable or
Style of Climate
Hip Roof
Assam
Gable and Hip roofs doesn’t allow water logging as Assam receives
heavy amount of rainfall annually.
Graph showing
Annual rainfall
Readings in Assam.
Vernacular
Topography High plinth
Style of
Assam level
Assam faces floods every year.
So, the higher plinth level protects
the inside of house from getting
flooded.
Assam also comes
in an Earthquake
prone area. Thus
the dwellings are
made up of local
and Temporary
materials. It
prevents big
economical loss.
Vernacular Building
Techniques of Assam .
Trusses
 Joints

Lap Joints in
Bamboo
Scarf Joint

Integral
Tenon
(Horned)
Joint
Butt Joints
In Bamboo
Rafter
Connection

Gusset
Plated
Joints
Interlacing of Bamboo in
construction of walls.
Building Typology
 Typical features of Assam
vernacular buildings.
• Walls are of timber frame work, inside those panels ikara used to
fill.
• These ikaras are cut in size of the panel and laid vertically.
• The horizontal members usually bamboo.
• After putting the ikara it is left to dry for few days.
• Then it is plastered in both side with mud mortar.
• 3 layers of plaster are done alternatively after dying of each coat.
• Finished coat is of liquid mix of mud and cow dung.
• The building are maximum of two storeys.
• Building is symmetrical on both side.
• 1st floor is connected with a timber stair case.
• Open spaces in front (chotal) and back side (bari) of the house
Urban Form
The Urbanisation
of the Vernacular.

Urban forms of
the Assamese Architecture
Retains the flavour of their
Vernacular roots with some
added modern features
like the use of more
permanent material like
concreate and brick fused
with the use of Bamboos
Where ever possible.
An example of
Urban house
in Assam.
Some modernised
use of Bamboo.
THANK YOU…