1. Reflection of Culture and Climate in the Vernacular Architecture of Himachal Pradesh
Ankita Mehta
Shraynita Paliwala
Department of Architecture
Gogte Institute of Technology
Belgaum

2. Content Introduction Why Vernacular Architecture Of Himachal Pradesh?
Construction Techniques Adopted To Mitigate Seismic Tremors
Factors Influencing Vernacular Architecture
Climate
Culture
Materials
Conclusion

3. “The architecture of the people, By the people and for the people.“
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 cannot
be imported from elsewhere.
“The architecture of the people, By the people and for the people.“
- OLIVER

4. 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.

5. Kath Khuni Style Construction Techniques
Adopted To Mitigate Seismic Tremors
In higher levels layers of wood and stone cage are constructed with rubble in between. It is non rigid and allows the building to flex with seismic waves and quickly dissipate destructive energy of earthquake.
To counter the seismic forces, the traditional structures usually stand on a high solid plinth, made up of dry dressed stone masonry. The huge mass serves as a dampener pad to the earthquake forces and the dry construction allows for vibration and hence faster dissipation of the energy.
Kath Khuni Style

6. Factors Influencing Vernacular Architecture
Climate
Culture
Materials

7. 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.

8. Climate 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.
Attic
The structure is a two storey building with an Attic.
Low Height of the rooms (2.1 – 2.4 m), keeps interiors warmer from heat released by individuals, also low surface to volume ratio reducing heat loss from surfaces.
two
storey
2.1 to
2.4 m

9. Climate Small window sizes and low ceiling height
Roof of buildings possess proper slope for efficient drainage.
slope for efficient
drainage
Small window size and low ceiling height to prevent heat loss and keep the interiors warmer.
Small windows
low ceiling height

10. Culture Major Occupation – agriculture
House with many stores - for storage of grains.
Service Area forms a separate unit away from the living quarters.
, where it is divided into two sections by a common passage. The basic idea of segregating the service area from the main spaces was to maintain hygiene.

11. Culture
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.

12. 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.

13. Material Mud good insulator and binder
Either mud is filled into the wooden forms and rammed
Alternatively, sun dried mud blocks are used for walls
Mud: . Either mud is filled into the wooden forms and rammed into the place slowly building up the wall. Alternatively, sun dried mud blocks are used in the construction of the wall.

14. Material Hard Stone Slate Tiles - used in building foundation and
walls supporting the roof.
Slate Tiles
- These have high quartz content, frost
resistant
- Low maintenance
- Invulnerable to rot and insects
- provide a moisture barrier to the structure.

15. 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
storage space
Window on sides
D. The Attic
An interesting part of the house is the attic as it acts as a multifunctional space. It is used to store grain which forms the staple diet of the people and is also served as abode of the god. The two windows on the sides ventilate and dry the grain at the same time protecting from the rain. Although the main function of the attic is to insulate the house, it serves as an excellent storage space,

16. 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
. Himachal Pradesh here reflects sensitivity to local culture mainly by adopting the locally available materials to provide stability to the entire structure.

17. Conclusion
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

18. Thank You Open For Queries