Vernacular structure is a mode of constructing that champions the usage of indigenous supplies and conventional development methods whereas fostering local weather responsiveness. “Vernacular building practices are crucial for sustainability and offer region-specific, passive solutions that effectively mitigate climate impacts while being cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable,” says Vaishali Mangalvedheker, companion, SJK Architects. The time-tested constructing kinds and methods of vernacular structure have developed over centuries and have been formed by materials, atmosphere, and cultural influences.
“Climate change, resource depletion, and the loss of cultural heritage have necessitated the need for sustainable building practices and context-sensitive design, which has led to a rise, revival, and re-interpretation of vernacular architecture in contemporary constructions,” says Akshay Shrinagesh, principal architect, Archiopteryx. Here are 5 such buildings from throughout India:
The Courtyard House, Kappur, Kerala
House of Edappal Bhoomija.
| Photo Credit:
Prasanth Mohan
This 3,500 sq.-ft. house in central Kerala reimagines the standard nalukettu veedu, a home targeted round a central courtyard. “There is a thoughtful integration of traditional architectural elements, which includes the central courtyard coupled with sustainable and contemporary design solutions, which create a harmonious living space that is both ethereal and forward-thinking,” say Guruprasad Rane and Manasi Puliyappatta, co-founders, Bhoomija Creations. Laterite is the first constructing materials which has been used extensively not just for its accessibility however for its wonderful thermal efficiency. “It is left exposed, and this cools the indoor temperature. Its natural texture and rich tone contribute to the aesthetic character of the home,” says Rane.
Concrete slabs with a form-finished floor and polished cement plaster left in its uncooked kind promote sturdiness, sustainability and cut back the necessity for extreme ending supplies. “The steel truss roof’s construction includes an air gap between the layers, which acts as an insulator, preventing heat from penetrating the interiors while allowing for the movement of air. The sloped roof design aids in the collection of rainwater, a crucial aspect of sustainable design in Kerala’s monsoon climate,” says Puliyappatta.
Key takeaways
The central courtyard, the important thing design aspect on this venture in Palakkad district creates a pure cross air flow shaft that facilitates the motion of cool air whereas permitting sizzling air to rise and escape. The strategic placement of courtyards and open areas guarantee a seamless circulation of sunshine into all rooms decreasing the necessity for synthetic lighting.
The ample use of regionally out there supplies balances performance with aesthetics and fosters wonderful thermal efficiency. The metal truss roof with double-layer clay tiles additionally contributes to the constructing’s climate-responsive design.
The Light House, Nagpur
Wrapped in operable timber
lattices, the Light House is a
sunlit house for a
multi-generational household.
| Photo Credit:
NIVEDITAA GUPTA
Designed as a personal, sun-dappled residence for a multi-generational household amidst a dense city neighbourhood, the Light House spans a whopping 20, 000 sq. ft. Given the extreme warmth throughout summers, the architects designed a contemporary jaali façade that filters harsh daylight. “An eight-foot-wide, linear central atrium topped with a skylight reinterprets the courtyards of vernacular homes and acts as a lively social core for a family that cherishes togetherness. Its proportions are derived from detailed studies of scale and the movement of the sun throughout the seasons,” says Mangalvedheker. The outermost layer of protruding jharokhas and balconies provides privateness within the dense neighbourhood. The smooth geometric patterns of the lattices are impressed by abstracted vernacular motifs, making a dynamic interaction of sunshine and shadow that transforms the interiors right into a dwelling canvas all through the day. “The railings and brise-soleil of the central atrium, crafted from recycled Burma teak wood and executed on-site by local carpenters, showcase an innovative take on traditional craftsmanship,” she provides.
Key takeaways
Inspired by the courtyards within the conventional havelis of Maharashtra, the central atrium facilitates passive cooling inside the residence. It slices via the quantity centrally and serves because the social core of the venture, connecting completely different ranges and holding the household collectively regardless of their want to maneuver between flooring.
The home options balconies that stretch outward, paying homage to the standard jharokhas. They are wrapped in operable timber lattices which diffuse the area’s harsh daylight, facilitate airflow thereby successfully cooling and ventilating the interiors.
Haveli, Amritsar
Outdoor eating for an genuine expertise.
| Photo Credit:
Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Haveli, a hospitality venture spanning 1,07,500 sq. ft., is an ode to Punjab’s architectural heritage. “For centuries, Punjab’s architectural landscape has been shaped by a profound understanding of materials, climate and human interaction with space. The structures that defined the region — havelis, chowks, stepwells, and grand pavilions — were not just aesthetic marvels but functional, sustainable solutions to extreme weather conditions,” says Monika Choudhary, co-founder of Habitat Architects. Apart from the big open courtyards, the sandstone jaalis that line the façades and openings of the construction, in addition to the vaulted ceilings and arched openings, improve cross-ventilation. “Traditional building techniques like load-bearing stone masonry and timber joinery ensure longevity, natural insulation and earthquake resilience. Subterranean water storage, inspired by old Punjabi stepwells and percolation pits, helps replenish groundwater levels,” says Choudhary.
Key takeaways
The partitions are completed with lime plaster, an historic materials recognized for its breathability and pure insulation properties. It absorbs and releases moisture as wanted, maintaining the interiors cool in summer time and heat in winter. Incorporating mud flooring with linseed oil ending and lime terrazzo methods enhances thermal consolation and reduces the necessity for synthetic cooling.
Kishangarh stone, which is used for the flooring and columns, is extremely sturdy, low-maintenance, and naturally cool underfoot. Reclaimed timber, rafters and Nanakshahi bricks guarantee sustainability, whereas handmade clay tiles for roofs cut back warmth absorption and maintain enclosed areas cooler.
The People Tree House, Noida
Living room with double top.
| Photo Credit:
STUDIO NOUGHTS & CROSSES
The People Tree House is a 7,000 sq.ft. residence that serves as a lesson in the usage of native supplies, power conservation, water harvesting, and recycling. Locally sourced rubble for masonry partitions, together with handcrafted, grit-washed partitions, are an ode to conventional craftsmanship. “The load-bearing brick vaults are supported by metal beams embedded within concrete. Wherever visible, the metal detailing is kept honest with exposed nuts and bolts finished with duco paint. Besides minimising the use of concrete and steel in slabs, masonry infills provide insulation from the heat and cold,” says Shrinagesh. Locally sourced random rubble stone masonry kinds the partitions, lending structural integrity and pure cooling. “Earthen pots embedded in masonry further regulate indoor temperatures,” provides Shrinagesh.
Key takeaways
Taking a cue from the subcontinent’s wealthy vernacular architectural heritage, the dwelling and leisure zones are oriented north-south and gentle is let in from the south-east quadrant via apertures, skylights and cut-outs. This ensures that synthetic lighting is stored to a minimal and the ingress of pure gentle all through the house is maximised.
Vernacular water harvesting strategies take centre stage and the house channelises rainwater runoff by way of its curved roofs, sloped skylights and catchment balconies to a water storage tank on the higher degree. Water is then launched beneath gravity by way of drip irrigation pipes to plant our bodies at decrease ranges. Excess water from the higher degree is additional directed by way of pipes (this pipe serves because the handrail for the staircase on the entrance degree) to the underground rainwater storage tank.
House of Solid Stone, Jaipur
Façade with operable stone display.
| Photo Credit:
FABIAN CHARUAU AND BHARATH RAMAMRUTHAM
This 4,700 sq.ft. house reimagines the usage of Rajasthan’s conventional sandstone, which is commonly not utilized in trendy development. Built fully from stone, the home makes use of supplies sourced from the location and close by quarries. “Every element was crafted by skilled stonemasons from local villages, merging generational craftsmanship with modern engineering principles. Sourcing materials and manpower locally helped reduce costs, making this approach more cost-effective than conventional methods,” says Arjun Malik, principal architect of Malik Architecture. The venture, which modifies the standard dry stone development methodology by growing a hole interlocking structural wall system, highlights the worth of vernacular and regional architectural heritage via design selections, supplies, and craftsmanship, providing a compelling counterpoint to mechanised development.
Key takeaways
The use of sandstone and conventional constructing methods supplies distinctive temperature regulation — sustaining a 5°C-7°C variation between the outside and inside.
The spatial planning of the home additionally embraces the vernacular by arranging the rooms round a slender courtyard to supply passive cooling. Deep overhangs and operable stone screens shade the glazing within the entrance and rear of the home to modulate gentle, privateness, and views from indoors.
The Bengaluru-based freelance author is enthusiastic about all issues design, journey, meals, artwork and tradition.
Published – June 06, 2025 07:50 pm IST
