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Traditional and Vernacular systems

Vernacular architecture is a term used to categorize methods of construction, which use locally available resources.

Introduction
Studies of Indian Vernacular Architecture
Earthen Wall Systems
Types of Plasters
Slabs
The term Vernacular is derived from the Latin word vernaculus, meaning “domestic, native, indigenous”. Vernacular architecture is a term used to categorize methods of construction, which use locally available resources. Vernacular architecture tends to evolve to reflect the environmental, cultural and historical context in which it exists. It is the result of hundreds of years of optimization to provide a comfortable shelter in a local climate. It uses available materials and known construction technologies. Due to the absence of mechanical means, traditional buildings use passive measures to achieve thermal comfort conditions.
Vernacular systems have been influenced by several factors.
Influences
Aspects of human behaviour and environment, leading to differing building forms for different context.
Climate
Buildings in Very Hot/ cold climates: Have high thermal mass or insulation to prevent heat loss/gain, Windows – small or non-existent. Buildings in Warm climates: Lighter materials, cross-ventilation. Buildings in regions with frequent flooding or rainy monsoon seasons: dwellings on stilts. Buildings in Coastal Areas Sloping roofs and cross ventilation.
Culture
Influence on building forms: The way of life, the way they use their shelters, the size of family units, how food is prepared and eaten, how people interact.
Great influence on the appearance as occupants often decorate buildings in accordance with local customs and beliefs.

Geography

Hilly Region

In hilly country where rocky rubble, ashlars, and pieces of stone, these can be patched together with a mud mortar to form walls. Finer stonework veneer covers the outside. Sometimes wood beams and  rafters are used with slate tiles for roofing if available. The roof is pitched to deal with the heavy rains and snowfall.

Flatlands

Earth or mud construction is seen in the flatlands, Houses are usually made of mud or sun-baked bricks, then plastered inside and out. Sometimes with mud mixed with hay or even cow dung and whitewashed with lime. Where bamboo is available (mainly in the north and northeastern states) it is widely used for all parts of the home as it is flexible and resilient. Also widely used is thatch from plants such as elephant grass, paddy, and coconut. In the south, clay tiles are used for roofing while various plant material such as coconut palm is common for low-cost buildings.

Climate

As climate decides the parameters for comfort within a built form . It also influences the choice of materials used for construction.

Indigenous Materials

The most important aspect influencing the development of vernacular construction practices is the availability of local building materials. In many areas, the local resources have governed the use of the following constituent materials for walls: • Adobe (mud blocks or whole walls) • Masonry (stone, clay, or concrete blocks) • Timber

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