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.