Vernacular Architecture of Kumaon,Uttarakhand - Dissertation Report by Archit Parihar

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 Rajasthan

DECLARATION

I, ARCHIT PARIHAR, student of fifth year, 9th 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.

I also confirm that I have not submitted this work for any other Degree/ Diploma/ Certificate.

Dated: Place:

ARCHIT PARIHAR ENROLL.NO.: A20104017006 th 5 YEAR, B. ARCH (201722) ASAP, AUR

RECOMMENDATION I 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, 9th 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: AR. PRASHANT VIJAYVARGIYA

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: (PROF. (DR.) ANURAG VARMA)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to thank all the individuals who helped me get this far. I would also like to acknowledge my parents for their support and encouragement.

I 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.

I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Ar. Swechcha Roy for her continued guidance throughout the dissertation.

I would also like to thank the dissertation coordinator Ar. Prashant Vijayvargiya.

I would also like to thank Prof. Dr. Anurag Verma for giving us the opportunity to do this research.

Again, I would like to thank all those who have helped me or even indirectly.

Thank You! Archit Parihar

ABSTRACT 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 of its 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. Ventilation: Cross-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 21st century architecture which is overtaking all the

architecture 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

Fig 1

View of Himalayas from Kumaon Region

Fig 2 Fig 3 Fig 4

Jageshwar temple in Almora district Diagram showing cut and fill technique Use of Brick masonry in contemporary houses.

14 15 16

Fig 5

Use of Stone masonry in traditional houses.

16

Fig 6

Excavation of land for construction

16

Fig 7 Fig 8 Fig 9 Fig 10 Fig 11 Fig 12 Fig 13 Fig 14

Map of Uttarakhand with Almora district A typical village of the Almora district A typical row house in Barakot village

17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20

Fig 15 Fig 16 Fig 17 Fig 18 Fig 19 Fig 20 Fig 21 Fig 22 Fig 23 Fig 24 Fig 25 Fig 26 Fig 27 Fig 28 Fig 29 Fig 30 Fig 31

Ground floor plan of a typical row house First floor plan of a typical row house

Section of a typical row house A conceptual sketch of site plan, Almora village A conceptual section of the settlements in Almora village Stone roofing in the houses A typical sketch of the roofing details The roof supported on wooden beams and battens Interior of a house in Barakot Village, Almora

Page No. 14

21 21 21

22 22 23 A typical row house (Bakhli) in Ramgarh Village 23 Ground floor plan of two dwelling units in a Bakhli 24 A typical stone wall foundation detail Nainital district of Kumaon Region

or row house First floor plan of two dwelling units in a Bakhli or row house Elevation of two dwelling units in a Bakhli or row house, Ramgarh A typical Bakhli elevation, Ramgarh

Overall view of the Bakhli, Ramgarh Window detailing of a Bakhli, Ramgarh Door detailing of a Bakhli, Ramgarh Sun orientation for cold climates Building design along contours Window details of a Kumaoni window

24 25 25 26 26 26 28 28 29

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ........................................................................................................ 2 RECOMMENDATION ............................................................................................... 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT............................................................................................ 4 ABSTRACT............................................................................................................... 5 LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................... 7 CHAPTER-1: INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 10 1.1 TOPIC OVERVIEW ....................................................................................... 10 1.2 AIM OF THE RESEARCH ............................................................................. 10 1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH ............................................................. 10 1.4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ..................................................................... 11 1.5 SCOPE OF WORK ....................................................................................... 11 1.6 LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................... 12 CHAPTER 2: KUMAON REGION AND ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICES ............... 13 2.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................ 13 2.2 ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY ....................................................................... 13 2.3 STUDYING THE EXISTING SCENARIO....................................................... 14 2.3.1 CURRENT ARCHITECTURAL STYLE ................................................... 14 2.3.2 CURRENT CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES USED.............................. 14 2.3.3 CONSEQUENCES OF THESE TECHNIQUES ...................................... 15 2.3.3 VERNACULAR APPROACHES USED ................................................... 15 CHAPTER-3: CASE STUDY 1: ALMORA VILLAGE, UTTARAKHAND ................... 16 3.1

ROW HOUSES OF BARAKOT VILLAGE .................................................. 17

3.1.1 NATURAL VENTILATION....................................................................... 17 3.1.2 NATURAL LIGHTING ............................................................................. 19 3.1.3 THERMAL COMFORT ........................................................................... 19 3.1.4 ROOFING ............................................................................................... 20 3.1.5 COST-EFFECTIVENESS ....................................................................... 21 3.1.6

FOUNDATIONS .................................................................................. 21

CHAPTER 4- CASE STUDY 2 :RAMGARH VILLAGE, NAINITAL ......................... 22 4.1

COST-EFFECTIVENESS .......................................................................... 24

4.2

ROOFING .................................................................................................. 25

4.3

DOORS AND WINDOWS .......................................................................... 25

CHAPTER -5: CONCLUSION ................................................................................. 26 CHAPTER-6: DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................... 27 BIBLIOGRAPHY ..................................................................................................... 29

CHAPTER-1: 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: 1. 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 panel 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 aspect.

CHAPTER 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. It is 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: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Almora Bageshwar Champavat Nainital Pithorgarh Udham nagar 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, Fig 2: Jageshwar temple in Almora district.

Almora, Kangrayat, and Gangolihat.

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 ecofriendly 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 fill excavation is mainly used for the construction of embankments and other flat surface works on hilly terrains.

The site is completed converted to a flat before construction starts so that construction and designing becomes easier. The nearby lands are also excavated for soil which decreases the soil strength.

Fig 3: Diagram showing cut and fill technique

2. 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.

2. 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 modern 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 Almora district.

The houses in the Almora village are situated on stepped lands without disturbing the natural terrain.

Fig 7: Map of Uttarakhand with Almora district Source: okuttarakhand.com

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 gaushala

Space outside used as storage

Stone columns

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.

w

w

Forecourt is the area outside the dwelling unit used as a living area or kitchen

Wind movement

w

w

Staircase used to access the firstfloor dwelling unit.

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 façade 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 gaushala on the ground floor.

Staircase which leads to the first floor.

Fig 12: Section of a typical row house (Software's 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 façade of the building so that maximun sunlight enters the building.

Fig 13: A conceptual sketch of site plan, Almora village (Source: Report by Neelima Yadav, Navanil Chattopadhyay)

The houses are placed 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 throughout the day.

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: https://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.

Wood logs are used as beams and battens are used to support the stone roof.

Fig 16: A typical sketch of the roofing details

Fig 17: The roof supported on wooden beams and battens

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 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 extracted locally are used in the masonry work.

250 mm riser

300mm thick stone wall

600mm thick stone foundation

Rock 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.

Fig 20: Nainital district of Kumaon Region (Source: Autocad and Photoshop)

RAMGARH VILLAGE, UTTARAKHAND Ramgarh village, the fruit bowl 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 Roof

Small Window Openings on the first floor

Gaushala on the ground floor Main door to the first floor

Fig 21: A typical 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 unit 2

Dwelling unit 1

Storage area in front of the gaushala to keep the cattle’s food and other belongings.

Pathway for the bakhli 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.

Dwelling unit 2

Dwelling unit 1

Bigger room in between which is usually divided depending upon the family members.

Small room facing the pedestrian pathway with small windows.

Wooden frame

Fig 23: First floor plan of two dwelling units in a Bakhli or row house

Staircase to the first floor

Dwelling unit 1

Dwelling unit 2 Slated stone roof

Wooden work done on windows Wooden batten Storage area in front of gaushala

Fig 24: Elevation of two dwelling units in a Bakhli or row house, Ramgarh

Entrance to gaushala

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 Bakhli 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 Bakhli

Fig 26: Overall view of the Bakhli, Ramgarh Source: (Source: On site study)

DOORS AND WINDOWS

Fig 27: Window detailing of a Bakhli, 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 Bakhli’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 1. 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.

Ideally, buildings should be positioned slightly east of the south to expose them to the morning and afternoon sun, and to allow them to heat up during the day.

Fig 29: Sun orientation for cold climates (Source: On site study)

2. 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.

3. The use of locally available Fig 30: Building design along contours (Source: On site study) materials like wood and stone can be promoted rather than using bricks which will not only help in reducing the material cost but also the transportation cost.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Fig 31: Window details of a Kumaoni window (Source: Source: Pages-from-Likhai-Book-Draft-2_)

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

https://www.indianetzone.com/56/architecture_kumaon.htm https://www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk/tips-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/dicrc/docs/kumaon_booklet https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/almoras-crumbling-centuryold-homes-are-still-nurtured-by-loyal-old-residents/article24349518.ece 7. https://www.architecturepulse.com/post/uttarakhand-and-it-s-architecture 8. https://www.scribd.com/presentation/515204195/Vernacular-housing-ofchampawat