: 8 Ancient Indian Techniques We Must Bring Back to Build Sustainable Homes Today #IndiaNEWS #Environment Traditional architecture has evolved over generations in response to the local climate, topography,

8 Ancient Indian Techniques We Must Bring Back to Build Sustainable Homes Today #IndiaNEWS #Environment
Traditional architecture has evolved over generations in response to the local climate, topography, culture and context. It employs locally available natural materials and indigenous construction techniques. Hence, it is sustainable, cost-effective and has a strong aesthetic character.
To put it in the words of the Gandhi of Indian architecture, Laurie Baker — “Sometimes the local architecture is so beautiful and so apt that I feel it would be foolish and an affront to try and design in any other way. ???
But did you know that many of the elements of traditional architecture can be easily reinterpreted and incorporated in the design of new homes?
Local and natural materials
Traditional architecture employs locally sourced natural materials as they are easily available, economical and climatically more suitable. Also, they have a very low carbon footprint due to negligible transportation cost. Such materials also harmonise well with the natural environment of the location.
Stone, bricks, mud, wood, lime and thatch were the most widely used materials depending upon their availability in a particular region.
Since time immemorial, homes have used stone for building walls, roofs and floors. Stone is strong and durable, in addition to being available in a wide range of appealing colours, grains and textures. It is advisable to use stone that is found locally like slate in Himachal, sandstone in Rajasthan, cuddapah in Andhra or laterite in Kerala.
Mud and bricks have been used in buildings since ancient times. Mud is the one of the most eco-friendly materials available for building. Sun-dried bricks also fall in the same category. Burnt bricks have added strength and impermeability that made them popular since the times of the Indus valley civilisation. Brick buildings and structures have stood for centuries bearing testimony to their durability.
While bricks are being widely used for construction even today, building with mud has become obsolete. Some architects and organisations are trying to revive the use of mud in contemporary architecture. Architect Didi Contractor uses sun-dried mud bricks in the adobe construction of homes in the Dharamshala. She works on the philosophy of “marrying the Earth to the building???.
Lime was used in the buildings before the advent of cement. Lime mortar and plaster can save on the consumption of cement without loss of any strength. Lime wash is also a healthy and an organic option for painting instead of using synthetic paints that release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Natural materials in a modern home in harmony with nature. Photo: vernarch. com
In the North-eastern states of India bamboo has been used for making traditional homes.

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