LESSONS FROM TRADITIONAL RESIDNTIAL BUILDINGS

OF KANGRA

A DISSERTATION PROJECT

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of degree

of

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

by

RAJAT DHIMAN

(Roll No.: 14633)

under the guidance

of

AR. NEETU KAPOOR

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

HAMIRPUR (H.P.) – 177005, INDIA

May 2015

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I hereby certify that the work which is being presented in the project titled ‘LESSONS FROM
TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS OF DISTT. KANGRA, HIMACHAL PRADESH’ is the partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the award of the DEGREE OF BACHELOR in ARCHITECTURE and
submitted to Department of Architecture, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, is an
authentic record of my own work carried out during the period from January 2016 to May
2016 under the guidance of AR. NEETU KAPOOR, Associate Professor, Department of
Architecture , National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur. The matter presented in this project
report has not been submitted by me for the reward of any other degree or any other
Institute/University.

RAJAT DHIMAN

This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidate is correct to the best of my
knowledge.

Date: (AR NEETU KAPOOR)

Professor

Department of Architecture,

NIT Hamirpur

The Project Viva Voce Examination of RAJAT DHIMAN has been held on……………….

Signature of Supervisor (s) Signature of External Examine

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 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

HAMIRPUR (HP)

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this thesis report entitled “LESSONS FROM RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS OF
DISTT KANGRA, HIMACHAL PRADESH” has been submitted by Mr. RAJAT DHIMAN (Roll No.
14633) in the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the BACHELOR’S DEGREE
in ARCHITECTURE for the session 2014-2019.

RECOMMENDED BY : ACCEPTED BY :

DISSERTATION GUIDE HEAD

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

DATE: DATE:

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 DISSERTATION REPORT

(2018 - 2019)

LESSONS FROM RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS OF DISTT. KANGRA

HIMACHAL PRADESH

DISSERTATION GUIDE: SUBMITTED BY:

AR NEETU KAPOOR RAJAT DHIMAN

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AKNOWLEDGEMENT

The successful completion of this project is a result of concerned efforts, guidance and
inspiration from many people. I would like to pay my heartiest gratitude to my parents
who have helped me in each and every step of life. Sometimes, I find myself unjustly
restrained by words in expressing my sincere thanks to all those, whose contribution
is much larger than any magnanimous words can ever claim to describe.

I feel indebted to my guide, AR NEETU KAPOOR, for being a driving force throughout
and helping me with his experience, finding time in spite of his busy schedule and
encouraging me in tense moments.

I am grateful to the Thesis Co-coordinator– AR PUNEET SHARMA, Department of

Architecture, whose constant words of encouragement and help have helped me
reach the present stage of this project.

At last but not least I am grateful to all those sources, people who helped me directly
or indirectly in achieving this stage of this project.

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ABSTRACT

Earth, wood and othersitraditional materials are still used in houseiconstructions in

many regions of theiworld. Kangra is a region where earthiblocks (adobes) and
rammed earth are important waysito construct, an art passed on throughigenerations.
Energyiproperties of earth are very interesting: thermal conductivityiis low; heat
storage capacity is high; color is variable and can be used to absorb or to reject solar
radiation. However, nowadays theggovernment social dwelling service is proposing a
different type of construction, which does not maintain any relation with the tradition.
This paper presentsgsimulation studies and monitoringIof four differentItraditional
houses ofIkangra, constructed by using traditional materials. ResultsIcan be used to
discuss the thermal performance neededIin desert climate and the reliability ofIsocial
dwelling service houses, under constructionIat this time in the town.

Keywords: energy efficiency; internal comfort;Iadobe; rammed earth; earth

architecture;Itraditional es

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Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 8
INTRODUCTION: ..................................................................................................................... 9
AIM:........................................................................................................................................ 9
OBJECTIVES: ........................................................................................................................... 9
SCOPE: .................................................................................................................................... 9
METHODOLOGY: .................................................................................................................. 10
CHAPTER2: LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................. 11
What are traditional buildings? ........................................................................................... 12
Importance of traditional buildings: .................................................................................... 12
CHAPTER 3: CASE STUDY .......................................................................................................... 13
LOCATION AND ENVIROMENT: ............................................................................................ 14
Location of Four Case Studies: ............................................................................................ 15
CASE STUDY 1....................................................................................................................... 16
CASE STUDY 2....................................................................................................................... 17
CASE STUDY 3....................................................................................................................... 18
CASE STUDY 4....................................................................................................................... 20
CASE STUDY – 5 .................................................................................................................... 21
CHAPTER 3: ANALYSIS AND INFERENCES ............................................................................... 23
Parameters of sustainability ................................................................................................ 24
BUILDING MATERIALS: ......................................................................................................... 25
THERMAL ANALYSIS: ............................................................................................................ 26
RESULTS: .............................................................................................................................. 27
CONCLUSION:....................................................................................................................... 28
BIBLIOGRAPHY: .................................................................................................................... 29

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

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INTRODUCTION:
Humanity is facing in recentIyears the sustainability challenge. DrivingIfuture scenarios
towards a more inclusive andIequitable world without compromise, the ecosystem
appearsIthe first objective of the human being. ThisIchallenge includes a change of
visionIin many disciplines, with special attention toIthe built environment related
issues. For theInext half century, most of humanity will liveIin cities and also ancient
villages will face transformationIand growth. Kangra, the focus ofIthis study, is growing
without anyIcontrol, transforming itself from an agriculture dedicatedIvillage to a
touristic town thatIis receiving thousands of people everyIweek. Moreover, local
populations areIdemanding dwellings and urban infrastructure fromIthe government
and local authorities.IThese authorities are responding buildings madeIup of modern
materials likeIcement. On the other hand, Kangra has an ancientItradition in earth
constructions. TheseIconstruction methods are ancient traditions thatIrelate to
observation andIunderstanding of the climate and local materials characteristics.
Nowadays,Iit is possible to calculate the proprieties of earthIblocks or rammed earth
walls,Iand discover once again the ancient experimental knowledge. LiteratureIoffers
many examples ofItests conducted on this kind of materials, but theIoutcomes of real
construction areIoften different to that predicted using testIresults. This paper studies
real homes,Iselected by material characterization: doneIby adobes (earth blocks).

AIM:
To study the traditional residential buildings of distt. Kangra and further comparing
the traditional buildings with contemporary residential buildings on the basis of
thermal analysis.

OBJECTIVES:
1. Identification
2. Case studies
3. Analysis
4. inferences

SCOPE:
The study would cover the examples documenting various buildings to understand its physical
aspects clearly. The study would also establish its relationship with sustainability

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METHODOLOGY:

DEFININING AIM AND OBJECTIVES

INTRODUCTION TO TRADITION

CASE STUDY OF TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL

BUILDINGS OF KANGRA

ANALYSIS AND INFERENCES

CONCLUSION

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CHAPTER2: LITERATURE REVIEW

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What are traditional buildings?
Tradition may be defined as an activeIprocess of interpretation, adaptation, andInegotiation with
the given conditions and transmittedIover generations to meet the needs andIchallenges of time.
Traditional architectureIis related to the materials culture ofIbuilding, an architecture based on
materials andIforms selected from experience and built from manualIprocesses without
industrial components. BuildingsIoften done by peoples themselves ratherIthan formally
educated designers.

TraditionalIbuildings are usually built ofIstone, bricks, timber and earth. Held together with earth
or limeIbased mortars. These materials are absorbent andIallow moisture to penetrate the fabric
andIthen evaporate harmlessly when conditionsIare favorable.

Importance of traditional buildings:

The knowledge have beenItransmitted from generation to generation. Because in these
generations theyIhave tackled the system of environmental conditions,Imaterial resources,
economic conditions, behavioralIpatterns, social and cultural practices of thatIplace. And
resulted in successful architecture that isIinherently sustainable in nature. These traditions hold
the lessonsIthat may be applied in contemporary architectureIpractices to solve the problems of
21st century.

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CHAPTER 3: CASE STUDY

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 LOCATION AND ENVIROMENT:
Research considers five real cases locatediin Palampur region of distt.iKangra (32.1109° N,
76.5363° E). In Palampur, the summersIare warm and wet, the wintersIare short and cold, and it
isImostly clear year round. Over the courseIof the year, the temperature typicallyIvaries
from 36°F toI86°F and is rarely below 29°F or above 93°F. The rainyIperiod of the year lasts for 10
months, fromIDecember 19 to October 21, with a sliding 31-day rainfall ofIat least 0.5 inches.
The most rainIfalls during the 31 days centered aroundIJuly 29, with an average total
accumulationIof 8.6 inches.

Distt: kangra, Himachal Pradesh

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Location of Four Case Studies:
CASE – 3&4 (KHANYARA)

CASE – 1&2 (ANDRETA)

CASE -5 (PURBA)

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CASE STUDY 1:

The first house is a typical adobe house and constructed using the ancient tradition of earth
construction. It is a family dwelling composed of a bedroom and drawing room on ground floor.
Kitchen and bathing zones are on first floor, under a traditional wood structure to guarantee
shadows. Walls are adobe walls 45 cm thick and the roof is a hipped roof with slate stone tiles.
Wooden doors and windows. The drawings shows the house’s internal aspect, the architecture
plan and the general orientation with respect to environmental surroundings.

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CASE STUDY 2:

The second house is also typical adobe house. Here the difference is that the stairs run though
the partition wall in the centre and there is thick column made of adobe bricks along the stairs
which further supports the riser of gable roof. It is a family dwelling composed of a living and
storage room on ground floor. Kitchen and bedroom are on first floor. Walls are adobe walls 45
cm thick and the roof is a gable roof with slate stone tiles. Wooden doors and windows. The
drawings shows the house’s internal aspect, the architecture plan and the general orientation
with respect to environmental surroundings.

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CASE STUDY 3:

This house is also self constructed typical adobe house. It is located at the region of heavy rainfall
and high altitude. Here the slate stone is easily available and used for flooring of open areas. It is
a family dwelling composed of three bedrooms on ground floor. Kitchen, storage and pooja room
are on first floor. Walls are adobe walls 45 cm thick and the roof is a gable roof with slate stone
tiles. Wooden doors and windows. The drawings shows the house’s internal aspect, the
architecture plan and the general orientation with respect to environmental surroundings.
Further drawings shows the section and details of the house.

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ATTIC FLOOR DETAIL:

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CASE STUDY 4:

This house is just the single story building having different kind of roof structure. Kitchen is
located separately. Walls are adobe walls 45 cm thick and the roof is constructed with slate stone
tiles. Wooden doors and windows. The drawings shows the house’s internal aspect, the
architecture plan and the general orientation with respect to environmental surroundings.

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CASE STUDY – 5

This house is good example of shift in tradition. Changes in life style has also brought in change
of living patterns of the people bathrooms and toilets have been inherently added into the
dwellings, mostly accommodated outside the house. The use of modern materials like cement
plaster is common in practice. This house is also helpful in studying the additions that are done
according to changing need of time from four room house to current building. The house is made
of adobe bricks using typical construction techniques. The drawings shows the house’s internal
aspect, the architecture plan and the general orientation with respect to environmental
surroundings

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The house was first made for few family members and further with changing time when the
children’s are grown up and got married more rooms were added. The doors on the first floor
were kept for future addition of covered veranda and also used for easy access when there is a
need for eg. Storage of wood in attic floor.

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CHAPTER 3: ANALYSIS AND INFERENCES

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Parameters Details Traditional house from distt. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
of
sustainability
Ecological Site planning Generally located along the topography of the site, the houses
are designed to have large south facing verandas and
courtyards to maximize the effect of the low winter sun. The
space outside the house known as aangan is used for public
gathering during family functions and also at the time of
harvesting.

Local FoundationsIare made from river stone and mudImortars.

materials Thereafter plinths andIwalls up to certain height dressedIsand
stone is used either withImud mortars or using dryIstack
masonry techniques. WallsIare made from adobeIbricks and
clay is also usedIfor plastering the walls andIfloor finish.

Response to The houses are designed to have large south facing verandas
climate and courtyards to maximize the effect of the low winter sun.

3’ overhang of pitched roof to protect the md wall from

splashing rain.

The floor ceiling heights of both floors is kept low so that there
is lesser volume of air to heat up in bitter cold months.

Physical Embodied The buildingIuses materials like stone, timberIand mud which
energy are reservoirIof embodied energy andIhave the potential to be
recycledIand reused.

Adaptability Change in lifestyle have also brought in change of living

patterns of the people. Bathrooms and toilets have been
inherently added into the dwellings mostly accommodated
within the courtyards. The use of modern materials like RCC
and cement plaster is common practice

Socio- Planning The housesIare generally with aangans. The ground floor
economic consistIof drawing and bedroom whereas firstIfloor consist of
kitchen and bathingIarea. There are covered verandas onIboth
floor for daytimeIactivities

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 Community The street is the most important community space. There are
development no boundary walls which leads to high social interaction

Cost Built and constructed by local craftsman and materials.

effectiveness Excavated mud during the foundation and levelling of the site
is further used for making adobe bricks.

BUILDING MATERIALS:
S.NO Material USE

1 Mud Erection of walls, floor finish, plastering of walls.

2 Cow dung, special Used as binding material in mud.

grass, wheat and rice
husk

3 stone Foundation of structure.

With mud mortar till plinth level

4 Slate stone tiles Used for construction of roof.

5 Grass Previously used for constructing the roof.

6 Bamboo Solid bamboo: Rafters and battens in slanted roof,

Joist for flooring slab, Used between walls and Lintel

Hollow bamboo: Flattered bamboo chachra is used as

flooring member.

7 Wood Used for construction of doors and window openings,

cupboards.

Hard wood: Beams to support bamboo

lengths/wooden joist. Rafters, battens and Riser in
slanted roofs. Lintel beam.

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THERMAL ANALYSIS:
SIMULATION PARAMETERS:

Simulation studies haveIbeen conducted using Ecotect tool toIperform thermal behavior. Ecotect
isIa simulation tool developed by Andrew MarshIand the Square One Research GroupIand
recently distributed byIAutodesk. It has the limitation of using theIadmittance method in thermal
calculation,Ibut it is suitable for small construction simulationsIif correct values of thermal
decrementIand thermal lag areIcorrectly inserted. A description ofIthe materials isIprovided
in Table.

Material Thickness (mm) Thermal lag (hr) Solar absorption (%)

Adobe 300 8 0.4

Brick plaster 130 3 0.4

The front of the building is oriented towards south. Here figure show the houses models
constructed in Ecotect with orientation and solar path:

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RESULTS:
Passive gainsIbreakdown shows the relative contribution ofIeach component to overallIlosses
and gainsIover a user defined period. ThisIis useful to determining theImost important items to
addressIin design.

BRICK PLASTER:

Here the down side represents the loses and upside represents the gains in heat energy by
building fabric due to conduction, sol-air and direct solar radiation. The results are as follows:

CATAEGORY Losses (%) GAINS (%)

Fabric (red) 70.6 13.4

Sol-air (dark green) 0.0 32.6

Solar (yellow) 0.0 8.5

Ventilation (light green) 21.5 4.4

Internal (blue) 0.0 36.6

Inter-zonal (sky blue) 7.9 4.5

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ADOBE BRIKS:

Gains and loses table for adobe bricks:

CATAEGORY Losses (%) GAINS (%)

Fabric (red) 84.2 13.0

Sol-air (dark green) 0.0 63.5

Solar (yellow) 0.0 3.6

Ventilation (light green) 13.5 2.3

Internal (blue) 0.0 16.6

Inter-zonal (sky blue) 2.3 1

CONCLUSION:
From the above results it can be noted that percentage gain of heat energy in case of adobe
bricks Is very successful result for the climate conditions of kangra where the summer is long and
winter is short. There is only 16% heat gain in internal temperature which also means that very
less heat energy would be lost from inside in cold days.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:
http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/6/6/3321/htm

Vernacular traditions contemporary architecture - AishwaryaTipnis

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