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AMITY
UNIVERSITY
— RAJASTHAN—
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES OF VERNACULAR
ARCHITECTURE OF KUMAON REGION OF
UTTARAKHAND
DISSERTATION REPORT
By
ARCHIT PARIHAR
A20104017006
09.12.2021
Dissertation Guide- Ar. Swechcha Roy
Amity School of Architecture and Planning,
Amity University RajasthanDECLARATION
|, ARCHIT PARIHAR, student of fifth year, Sth Sem. (2017-22 Batch) of five years
Bachelor of Architecture Degree Programme of Amity School of Architecture &
Planning, Amity University Rajasthan, hereby confirm that this dissertation entitled
“Sustainable Features of Vernacular Architecture of Kumaon Region” submitted
for the partial fulfilment of the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture is my own work and
only 20 percent of the matter into the report is being referred from the outside sources
| also confirm that | have not submitted this work for any other Degree/ Diploma/
Certificate.
Dated:
ARCHIT PARIHAR
Place:
ENROLL.NO.
420104017006
5% YEAR, B. ARCH (2017-
22) ASAP, AURRECOMMENDATION
| hereby recommend that the Dissertation Report entitled "SUSTAINABLE
FEATURES OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF KUMAON REGION’ has been
prepared by ARCHIT PARIHAR, student of the fifth year, 9" Sem. (2017-22 Batch) of
five years Bachelor of Architecture Degree Programme of Amity School of
Architecture & Planning, Amity University Rajasthan, under my guidance. The
report may be accepted as requirement for the partial fulfilment of the Degree of
Bachelor of Architecture.
Dated: 09.09.2021
DISSERTATION GUIDE:
AR. SWECHCHA ROY
COURSE COORDINATOR: HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
AR. PRASHANT VAYVARGIYA (PROF. (DR.) ANURAG VARMA)ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
| would like to thank all the individuals who helped me get this far. | would also like to
acknowledge my parents for their support and encouragement.
| would like to thank almighty god and my parents for the throughout support and
encouragement.
Many people have made significant contributions to the research, data collection and
data analysis required in this report.
would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Ar.
Swechcha Roy for her continued guidance throughout the dissertation.
| would also like to thank the dissertation coordinator Ar. Prashant Vijayvargiya.
| would also like to thank Prof. Dr. Anurag Verma for giving us the opportunity to do
this research.
Again, | would like to thank all those who have helped me or even indirectly.
‘Thank You!
Archit PariharABSTRACT
Vernacular Architecture is a type of construction that uses local materials and resources
wherever its building is located. It is conscious of the cultural and geographic features ofits
surrounding environment.
Vernacular architecture is related to the environment and its cultural and geographic
features. This type of construction is unique to a particular region or country. According to
Paul Oliver, Vernacular Architecture is a type of architecture that focuses on the
people’s homes and the environment, and it usually involves the use of traditional
techniques.
Various sustainable features of architectural design include - natural ventilation,
natural daylighting, achieving human thermal comfort and cost- effectiveness. It is
important that we maintain our connection to the past by using traditional building
techniques. This ensures that communities have a sense of calm and continuity
without a departure from their traditions.
Local architecture is a vital source of information that can explain and explain the
various customs and traditions of a community. Vernacular Architecture design is a
type of modern construction that is influenced by the environment and human
behavior.
This style of architecture mainly uses materials that are available in the area where it
is built. Some of these include mud bricks, timber, clay, and brick blocks. It is also
built with a strong cultural connection.
Characteristics of Vernacular Architecture:
1. Orientation: The different orientations of a built form help in maintaining the
thermal comfort of the building
2. Shading: A building's exterior walls and openings get exposed to sun and.
water, which is why the use of overhanging eaves is recommended
3. Ventilatior ‘ross-ventilation ventilation is a feature that controls the relative
humidity of a building. This is important for minimizing heat and humidity in
the structure.
4, Some of the factors that influence the overall performance of a building
include its form and mass, spatial organization, and built distribution.
5. Vernacular architecture is a type of design that is climate responsive. This
means it is built to lower its environmental impact while still maintaining a
desirable appearance.
The research mainly focuses on the vernacular architectural styles of Kumaon
region, Uttarakhand and how the contemporary architecture is influencing it.
Contemporay architecture is the 21*' century architecture which is overtaking all thearchitecture styles around India which is why the traditional architecture of the
specific region is depleting and the regional identity is lost.
The research comprises of various live case studies based on various parameters
like natural ventilation, natural lighting, thermal comfort, and various other
sustainable features which will be then used for the comparative analysis and
various design recommendations for a vernacular style building in Kumaon Region of
Uttarakhand.LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. No. Description of the figure Page No.
Fig 4 View of Himalayas from Kumaon Region 14
Fig 2 ‘Jageshwar temple in Almora district 14 |
Fig3 Diagram showing cut and fill technique 15
Fig 4 Use of Brick masonry in contemporary 16
houses.
Fig Use of Stone masonry in traditional 16
houses.
Fig 6 Excavation of land for construction 16
Fig7 ‘Map of Uttarakhand with Almora district 7
Fig A typical village of the Almora district 7
Fig 9 A typical row house in Barakot village 18
Fig 10 Ground floor plan of a typical row house 18
Fig 14 First floor plan of a typical row house 19
Fig 12 Section of a typical row house 19
Fig 13 ‘A conceptual sketch of site plan, Almora village | 20
Fig 14 ‘A conceptual section of the settlements in Almora | 20
village
Fig 15 ‘Stone roofing in the houses 24
Fig 16 Atypical sketch of the roofing details 21
Fig 17 The roof supported on wooden beams and 24
battens
Fig 18 Interior of a house in Barakot Village, Almora | 22
Fig 19 typical stone wall foundation detail 22
Fig 20 Nainital district of Kumaon Region 23
Fig 21 ‘Atypical row house (Bakhii) in Ramgarh Village | 23
Fig 22 Ground foor plan of two dweling units ina Baknii 24
Fig 23 First floor plan of two dwelling units in aBakhli or | 24
row house
Fig 24 Elevation of two dwelling units in a BaKhli orrow | 25
Ramgarh
Fig 26 ‘Atypical Bakhii olovation, Ramgarh 25
Fig 26 ‘Overall view of the Bakhii, Ramgarh 26
Fig27 Window detailing of a Bakhli, Ramgarh 26
Fig 28 Door detalling of a Bakhll, Ramgarh 26
Fig 29 ‘Sun orientation for cold climates 28
Fig 30 Building design along contours 28
Fig 31 Window details of a Kumaoni window 29TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION
RECOMMENDATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
ABSTRACT.
LIST OF FIGURES
CHAPTER-1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 TOPIC OVERVIEW.
1.2 AIM OF THE RESEARCH
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH
1.4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1.5 SCOPE OF WORK
4.6 LIMITATIONS
CHAPTER 2: KUMAON REGION AND ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICES
2.1 BACKGROUND.
2.2 ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY
2.3 STUDYING THE EXISTING SCENARIO.
2.3.1 CURRENT ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
2.3.2 CURRENT CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES USED.
2.3.3 CONSEQUENCES OF THESE TECHNIQUES
2.3.3 VERNACULAR APPROACHES USED.
CHAPTER-3: CASE STUDY 1: ALMORA VILLAGE, UTTARAKHAND
3.1. ROW HOUSES OF BARAKOT VILLAGE.
3.1.1 NATURAL VENTILATION.
3.1.2 NATURAL LIGHTING
3.1.3 THERMAL COMFORT
3.1.4 ROOFING.
3.1.5 COST-EFFECTIVENESS
3.1.6 FOUNDATIONS
CHAPTER 4- CASE STUDY 2 :RAMGARH VILLAGE, NAINITAL,
4.1 COST-EFFECTIVENESS
akon
10
10
10
"1
"1
12
13
13
13
14
14
14
15
15
16
17
7
19
19
20
2
a
22
244.2 ROOFING
4.3. DOORS AND WINDOWS
CHAPTER -5: CONCLUSION
CHAPTER-6: DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS,
BIBLIOGRAPHY
25
25
26
7
29CHAPTER.
: INTRODUCTION
TOPIC OVERVIEW
Vernacular Architecture is a type of regional construction that uses local materials
and resources wherever possible. It is conscious of the cultural and geographic
features of its surrounding environment.
Paul Oliver defines Vernacular Architecture as the process of designing and
constructing dwelling units and other structures that are designed to meet the needs
of a specific community or group of people.
Vernacular Architecture must consider various aspects of design like:
4. Natural ventilation
2. Natural Lighting
3. Human comfort
4. Cost Effectiveness
AIM OF THE RESEARCH
1.The basic aim of the research is to study the sustainability features of vernacular
architecture of Kumaon Area of Uttarakhand.
2.The lack of these features in the current architectural style and how these features
can be used in the current style.
3. Comparative analysis of both the styles on various parameters like natural
verntilation, natural lighting, human thermal comfort, and cost effectiveness
4. Suggesting design recommendations based on various case studies and literature
studies,
OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH
> To study the various local materials used
> To study the different types of construction techniques used.
> To do a comparative study between the new age buildings and the old
buildings on certain parameters like thermal comfort, ventilation, day lighting,
cost effectiveness etc.> Imbibing these construction techniques and local materials in new age
buildings to promote sustainability and cost effectiveness.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research methodology will include-
> Topic selection
* Discussion of the three topics with jury pane! members.
* Finalization of one topic after discussion
> Formulation of Aim and Objectives
* The formulation of aim and objectives of the selected topic.
This will also include scope of work that will be involved in the research
process and the limitations of the research process.
> Research and data collection
"The collection of data and research process on the selected topic
* This will also include various literature studies and online studies.
> Research review
* The review on the data collected and inferences from the research.
> Live case studies
* Comparative study on the available parameters between the new age
buildings and buildings built in vernacular style
+ Live photographic documentation.
> Research paper writing
* Combining all the inferences from the literature reviews, case studies
and research process.
* Proposal of design recommendations.
SCOPE OF WORK
> Defining various parameters on which comparative analysis between the
above mentioned can be done.
> Studying live examples of Vernacular Architecture in Kumaon region.
> Live photographic documentation> Literature studies of various buildings relating to the topic.
> The research will include structural, sustainable aspects of architectural
design.
LIMITATIONS
> The research will be limited only to the Kumaon region.
> The research will focus mainly on the sustainability aspectCHAPTER 2: KUMAON REGION AND ARCHITECTURAL
PRACTICES
BACKGROUND
Located in the foothills of India’s tallest mountain, Kumaon is known for its cool and
fresh mountain breeze, and its beautiful view. Itis also known for its rolling cultivation
of hill crops. Nainital district is the headquarter of the Kumoan Region.Kumaon
regions is blessed with
beautiful landscapes, climate,
and sloped terrains. Kumaon
Region consists of six districts:
Almora
Bageshwar
Champavat
Nainital
Pithorgarh
Udham nagar
oosens
Fig 1: View of Himalayas from Kumaon Region
ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY
Architecture of Kumaon defines the region's rich art. It can be seen in the various
settlements and temples of the Himalaya Mountain,
The houses in Kumaon are built with mud floors,
stone walls, and slate roofs. The main entrance to
the houses is adorned with drawings of Lord
Ganesh and other religious figures.
The temples and monuments that have been
constructed around thousand years ago follow a
local style known as the Himadri. This style of
architecture is usually referred to as post-Gussen
architecture.
Along with the architecture and art, the Kumaoni
also has a distinct sense of sculptures. There are
numerous statues of various shapes and sizes in
temples and other places, which are worth seeing,
There are various victory pillars scattered all
around the region of Kumaon. These pillars can be
‘seen at various places such as Pithoragarh,
Almora, Kangrayat, and Gangolihat. Fig 2: Jageshwar temple in Almora district.STUDYING THE EXISTING SCENARIO
CURRENT ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
The influence of contemporary architecture can be seen in the Kumaon region of
Uttarakhand. Contemporary architecture draws inspiration from various styles and
influences. Instead of following the traditional lines, it incorporates various eco-
friendly features and uses the latest technology in building construction
The exisiting scenario can be summed up as:
1. The regional architecture is depleting because of the influence of
contemporary architecture in the region
2. The use of locally available materials in construction have been reduced
because of the extensive use of bricks, cement etc.
3. Use of glass has been promoted because of the good aesthetics it provides to
the building
4. Use of cut and fill technique in construction is adopted these days which
results in the loss of soil strength and landslides.
5. The hilly terrain is mostly converted to a flat land for construction which results
in the above-mentioned consequences.
6. The vernacular architectural features are not scene much in the construction
and design these days.
7. Many illegal constructions in Zone-V areas led to landslides and loss of life
and property.
CURRENT CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES USED
1. Cut and fill construction technique: Cut and fil excavation is mainly used
for the construction of
embankments and other flat
surface works on hilly
terrains.
The site is completed or
converted to a flat before ey
construction starts so that
construction and designing Z
becomes easier. The nearby
lands are also excavated for
soil which decreases the soil
strength.
core ya
Fig 3: Diagram showing cut and fill technique2. Use of brick masonary: The extensive use of brick masonary has reduced
the use of stone masonary in the region which results in increased material
and transportation costs.
Fig 4: Use of Brick masonry in contemporary Fig 5: Use of Stone masonry in traditional
houses. houses.
CONSEQUENCES OF THESE TECHNIQUES
1. The major consequence of these
construction techniques are
landslides and loss of life and
property.
.. Another consequence of these
construction techniques is the
depletion of the regional
architectural style and construction
techniques.
3. The loss of regional architectural
language of the region. Fig 6: Excavation of land for construction
VERNACULAR APPROACHES USED
Still, many of the architects try to incorporate some features of traditional
architecture in the modern age buildings like:
1. Use of sloping roofs to naturally drain the rainwater and snow from the roof is
still used in many of the modem buildings.
2. Floor to ceiling height is kept low to keep the interiors warm and maintain
thermal comfort.CHAPTER-3: CASE STUDY 1: ALMORA VILLAGE,
UTTARAKHAND
Almora is a famous tourist destination in
Uttarakhand situated in the foothills and
1638 metres above the sea level. Some of
its famous attractions include The
Jageshwar Temple and Nanda Devi
Temple.
‘Almora has a rich cultural heritage and traditional architectural style which is visible
in most of the villages in Aimora district.
Fig 7: Map of Uttarakhand with Almora district
‘The houses in the Almora village are ‘Source: okuttarakhand.com
situated on stepped lands without
disturbing the natural terrain.
‘The access to these houses is generally
through the agricultural lands and much
far away from the main roads.
Generally, a typical house has a
verandah, a gaushala or goth(place for
keeping cattle's), living area, kitchen,
store room and their farms around the
house.
Fig 8: A typical village of the Almora district
Source: okuttarakhand.com
BARAKOT VILLAGE, ALMORA
Barakot is a small village in the foothills of Almora District of Uttarakhand. Barakot is
known as a town but has no functions like a town. Barakot has a mix of row houses
and single houses. The row houses are planned in a straight manner with houses on
both sides of the road.
‘The pedestrian street is very narrow and the houses have arched windows and
doors with balconies supported on stone columns.
The houses in this village are mostly placed along the contours and have agricultural
fields in front of them. Terrace farming is adopted in most parts of Kumaon because
of the sloppy terrain,ROW HOUSES OF BARAKOT VILLAGE
Arched windows
Balconies supported on
stone columns
Stone columns on the
ground floor
Fig 9: A typical row house in Barakot village
(Source: From Report on Indigenous buildings of Kumaon)
NATURAL VENTILATION
Entrance to Space outside used as Stone columns
gaushala storage
Fig 10: Ground floor plan of a typical row house
(Softwares used: AutoCAD and Photoshop)
‘The ground floor usually has small and lesser number of openings because the
inhibitants are mostly on the first floor. The ground floor is used as a goth or
gaushala for keeping cattles or used as storage rooms. Ventilation is not much
required on the ground floor.eu wut oun wt
== =
roxtcon
7A
Forecourt isthe area outside the Wind movement ___‘Sialroase used to aocess the fst
dwelling unit used as a living area or fioor dweling unt
kitchen
Fig 11: First floor plan of a typical row house
(Softwares used: AutoCAD and Photoshop)
The main dwelling units are placed on the first floor which comprise of a fore-court,
kitchen, living room and bedroom. The kitchen is mostly placed at the end of the unit
Windows are placed in the front fagade of the building and on the opposite wall to
‘ensure cross ventilation throughout the dwelling unit. (Shown in Fig.11)
The slanting roof of the house helps
in draining the rainwater as well as
<< the snow during the winter seasons,
The dwelling unit on the first floor.
The height of the unit is usually kept
low.
=! {The gaushalaon the ground foo
<_ Staircase which leads to the first
floor.
12: Section of a typical row house
(Softwares used: AutoCAD and Photoshop)NATURAL LIGHTING
The settlements are
oriented in such a way that
the units receive maximum
sun as the climate is
usually cold throughout the
year.
The windows are designed
on the facade of the
building so that maximun
tae sunlight enters the building.
Fig 13: A conceptual sketch of site plan, Almora village
(Source: Report by Neelima Yadav, Navanil Chattopachyay)
The houses are placed
—— 1's alongside the contours and
not on the opposite side of
the slope.
They are mostly placed on
the sun facing slope so that
the houses receive
maximum day lighting
om Se ~ "throughout the day.
ee sen
toad
Fig 14: A conceptual section of the settlements in Almora village
(Source: Report by Neelima Yadav, Navanil Chattopadhyay)
THERMAL COMFORT
Thermal comfort is achieved by keeping the height of the windows and doors small
so that the interior remains warm, and the interior warmth is not transferred to the
outside.
The floor to ceiling height is also kept low so that the interiors remain warm and
insulated,
‘The gaushala or goth on the ground floor help to keep the upper floor warm. The
windows are generally smaller so that the warmth from the goth is transferred to the
first floor.ROOFING
The slabs of stone are cut into tiles
and then used as a roofing material
in most of the Kumaon region.
‘The major disadvantage of this
roofing type is the load of the stone
on the foundation therefore it is not
considered in the construction
Fig 15: Stone roofing in the houses
(Source: hitps:/build.com.au/stone-slab-roof)
The solidness of the rocks makes it |
storm-resistant as well.
The advantage of using stone roof is =
that they provide excellent insulation. {2} —sp =
Base
Wood logs are used as beams and
battens are used to support the stone
roof.
Fig 17: The roof supported on wooden beams and battensCOST-EFFECTIVENESS:
The most common building material
used in these houses are wood and
stone. The walls are typically built out
of stone while timber is used for
structural members in roofing, also
slated are used for roofing because
wood and stone are found in plenty
in the Kumaon Region.
The floors and walls inside are
plastered with mud and cow dung
because of the good insulation
properties of both materials. The
rooms are therefore kept warm
during winters and cold during the
summers.
Fig 18: Interior of a house in Barakot Village, Almora
FOUNDATIONS
The foundations of
these individual
dwellings are mostly
three to four feet deep
and large stones 250 mn-———>]
extracted locally are riser
used in the masonry =
work
300mm thick
stone wall
600mm thick
stone
foundation
Rock V—_____C
bed Fig 19: A typical stone wall foundation detail
(source: autocad and Photoshop)CHAPTER 4- CASE STUDY 2 :RAMGARH VILLAGE,
NAINITAL
The Nainital district is a famous tourist
destination in Uttarakhand, It is in the
Naini lake region. Nainital district has
many villages which have preserved their
traditional building techniques and the
architectural styles. The villages involved
in this case study are Ramgarh village
and Padampuri village.
(Source: Autocad and Photorhor)
RAMGARH VILLAGE, UTTARAKHAND
Ramgarh village, the fruit bow! of Uttarakhand, is a beautiful hill station in the
Kumaon region. The traditional houses in the area have preserved their vernacular
architectural styles along the time.
Slated Stone
‘Small Window Openings
oon the first floor
Gaushala on the ground
Main door to the first floor
Fig 24: I row house (Bakhli) in Ramgarh Village
(Source: On site photography)
People of the same caste or of the same family reside in these houses. The Bakhli
gets divided within different generations of the same family.
The Bakhli usually has a big gathering space in front of it and agricultural lands.
around it and is generally away from the main roads.Gaushala on the
ground floor to keep
the upper floor warm.
Dwelling Dwelling
unit 1 unit 2 Storage area in front
of the gaushala to
keep the cattle’s food
and other belongings
Pathway for the bakhii
oor ROM ISTE entrance,
Fig 22: Ground floor plan of two dwelling units in a Bakhli or row house
Kitchen is usually
placed at the end of
the house
Bigger room in
between which is
usually divided
unt? depending upon the
family members.
Dwelling
unit 4
‘Small room facing the
pedestrian pathway
with small windows.
Staircase to the first
Wooden frame {floor
Fig 23: First floor plan of two dwelling units in a Bakhil or row houseDwelling unit 2
fe Slated stone roof
|— Wooden work
done on windows
Wooden batten
Storage area in
front of gaushala
c 1 Entrance to
gaushala
Fig 24: Elevation of two dwelling units in a Bakhli or row house, Ramgarh
Source: (Source: On site study)
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
The most common building material used in
these houses are wood and stone. The walls
are typically built out of stone while timber is
Used for structural members in roofing, also
slated are used for roofing
The floors and walls inside are plastered with
mud and cow dung because of the good
insulation properties of both materials. The
rooms are therefore kept warm during
winters and cold during the summers.
The foundations of these individual dwellings
are mostly three to four feet deep and large
stones extracted locally are used in the
masonry work. Stone masonry is used for
construction of these buildings.
Fig 25: A typical Bakhii elevation, Ramgarh
(Source: On site study)ROOFING
Chimney for the outlet
of the smoke from
kitchen
Slated stone tiles for
roofing
‘Small windows to keep
the warmth inside
‘A gathering area in front
of the Bakhii
Fig 26: Overall view of the Bakhli, Ramgarh
Source: (Source: On site study)
DOORS AND WINDOWS
Fig 27: Window detailing of a Bakhil, Ramgarh
(Source: On site study)
‘The extensive use of wood can be seen in the doors
and windows of these houses. A lot of carvings and
attention to details can be seen in figure 19 and
figure 20,
Sankhli, a local term for door locks, was used earlier
for keeping the doors locked.
Fig 28: Door detailing of a Bakhli, Ramgarh,
(Source: On site study)CHAPTER -5: CONCLUSION
The traditional architecture was mainly divided into two types of housing: Row
housing or Bakhii’s or Stand-Alone Housing which was usually owned by an
influential person of the village.
From the above predecent studies the following conclusions can be derived:
1. The buildings are oriented in such a way that the sun penetrates maximum
into the building. Mostly the buildings are designed in a linear settlement so
that the sunlight doesn't get blocked due to other buildings.
2. The buildings are mostly placed along the contours without disturbing the
natural terrain which helps in maintaining the soil strength which in turn
prevents soil erosion as well as landslides.
3. The windows are provided with sunshades for prevention against direct
sunlight as well as rainwater.
4. Sloped roofs are used to naturally drain rainwater.
5. Cow dung and mud are used to plaster the interior of the buildings which
include the floor as well as the walls. The mix of cow dung and mud help in
insulation during the summer as well as winter season.
6. The height of the openings i.e., doors and windows are kept low to prevent
loss of interior warmth, similarly the floor to roof height is also kept low to keep
interiors warm and maintain thermal comfort.
7. ‘The cow shelters on the ground floor have low ceiling heights and small
window openings which help in keeping the upper floor warmth.
8. The use of locally available materials like stone and wood can be seen in the
constructions of these buildings which not only is economical but maintains
the regional language of the area,
9. As farming is the major source of livelihood of the people in this village
therefore, they mostly have their houses in front of their farms or beside it
10. The mud and cow dog floor has wooden batten beneath it to support the
superstructure.
11.Culture also played an important while designing these houses as the kitchen
mostly placed at the end of the dwelling unit as they didn't want outsiders to
enter the innermost part of the house.CHAPTER-6: DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
The proper orientation of
the building in hilly areas
can be done so that
maximum sun can
penetrate the building,
providing daylighting as
well as thermal comfort
which will help in reducing
the mechanical load of the
building pdt
Ideally, buildings should be
positioned slightly east of tatan weno coe
the south to expose them to loaeramatsiecmee
the morning and afternoon
sun, and to allow them to Fig 29: Sun orientation for cold climates
heat up during the day. (Source: On site study)
The building should
be designed
according to the
natural slope of the
area not by
excavating land
which not only
reduces the soil but
also increases the
risk of soil erosion
and landslides.
The use of locally available Fig 30: Building design along contours
materials like wood and stone (Source: On site study)
can be promoted rather than using bricks which will not only help in reducing
the material cost but also the transportation cost.
Cow dung can be used in the flooring beneath the tiles or marbles which will
not only help in insulation but also acts as an insectiside.
The floor to ceiling height should be kept minimum as per the requirement so
that the interiors remain warm during winters. Also the overall building heights
should be kept low so that less heating and cooling energy is wasted.6. Open plan interiors should be promoted so that cross ventilation can be
facilitated, and natural ventilation can take place without using mechanical
means,
7. The windows can be carved out of wood to maintain the regional identity of
the area.
Cill Beam
Mehraab
--Opening
Bel
Brackets Kathera
Fig 31: Window details of a Kumaoni window
(Source: Source: Pages from-Likhal-Book-Draft-2_)
harari bhedi kosheoareona
BIBLIOGRAPHY
https://www.indianetzone.com/S6/architecture_ kumaon.htm
https://www. firstinarchitecture.co. ukitips-for-building-on-a-sloped-terrain,
https://www.tealproducts. com/latest-news/types-of-ventilation-controls
https://build.com.au/stone-slab-roof
https://issuu.com/dicro/docs/kumaon_booklet
https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/almoras-crumbling-century-
old-homes-are-still-nurtured-by-loyal-old-residents/article24349518.ece
https://www.architecturepulse.com/post/uttarakhand-and-it-s-architecture
https://www.scribd.com/presentation/515204195/Vernacular-housing-of-
champawat