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International Journal of Architecture (IJA) Volume 3, Issue 1, January- June 2017, pp. 01–11, Article ID: IJA_03_01_001

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DEVELOPING NEO-VERNACULAR HOUSING IN

INDORE

Anuroy Vyas

Final Year Student, School of Architecture, IPS Academy,

Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT

Human negligence has brought catastrophic imbalance in ecosystems all around the globe.

Construction industry is a major contributor in the cause of this imbalance hence elaborate

measures should be taken by architects and designers to rectify this. Moreover, rapid urbanisation

in India has resulted in increasing demand of housing proximal to towns and cities. This movement

of urbanisation is still in its conception phase (in India) and hence has a lot of purview for

interventions. Neo-vernacular style which is evolved from culture and qualities of both

contemporary era and vernacular traditional practices could be considered ideal for this

rectification. After concluding certain observations many interventions regarding all the aspects of

design could be suggested which when applied on the all levels could contribute to sustainability of

the dwellings in an enormous way. This style of architecture should be encouraged because of the

qualities it comprises and sustainable future it promises. This research paper aims at providing neo

vernacular alternatives for current housing practices through detailed analytical case studies of

relevant structures.

Key words: Eco-friendly architecture, Neo-vernacular architecture Sustainable housing,

Residential design, Sustainability.

Cite this Article: Anuroy Vyas, Developing Neo-Vernacular Housing in Indore. International

Journal of Architecture (IJA), 3(1), 2017, pp. 01–11.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJA/issues.asp?JType=IJA&VType=3&IType=1

1. INTRODUCTION

Affrontery and oblivious attitude towards nature will cost humans the most invaluable commodity that

exists, their future. All the researches, case studies, geographical and climatic analysis have directly

alluded that dire consequences are upon humans should they continue their current malpractices towards

nature.

Construction as a practice itself consumes lots of natural resources. Around 50% energy and 60% of

timber overall produced is consumed directly in building maintenance and construction industry.

Construction accounts for 23% of total air pollution, 40% of total water pollution 55% of ozone depletion.

These facts are terrifying as well as alarming. Housing remains the most prominent part of infrastructure

development. In India more than 1,15,07,476 houses will be constructed annually between years 2012-

2025. The process of urbanization has resulted in rapid construction of numerous townships and urban

settlements around the cities to accommodate their growing population and it is extremely vital that this

development follows certain principles which make it sustainable and eco-friendly. It is now an established

fact that construction industry as a whole is consuming a lot resources than feasible and in process causing

Anuroy Vyas


immense damage to ecology it is very important that certain reforms are created and architects, project

managers, urban planners and engineers are trained to have an eco-friendly mind-set.

Sustainability in construction could be achieved through lots of ways; neo-vernacular architecture is

one of them. Vernacular Architecture is the art of constructing buildings and shelters which are

spontaneous, environment-oriented, and community-based; it acknowledges no architect or treaty and

reflects the technology and culture of the indigenous society and environment. This style has developed

through centuries of trial and error and applies rudimentary science to overcome most complex spatial

problems. It gives us knowledge of planning, construction techniques and building materials while

embodying the essence of our roots. This style is specifically ideal for residential design because of the

principles it hails. Despite having rich vernacular heritage the traditional, cultural as well as sustainable

elements it comprises are now extinct in our current architectural practices. However, it carefully analyzed

combining modern technological advancements with vernacular architecture could lead housing

architecture towards a whole new dimension of sustainability. This neo-vernacular style will include all the

key elements of its predecessor while simultaneously rectify its drawbacks by introducing contemporary

materials and techniques to it.

2. METHODOLOGY

The process of deriving conclusion is divided into 2 major parts-

2.1. Case Studies

• Selection of residential project for case study based on relevance to the topic and originality.

• Collection of every possible data related to construction techniques, materials and aesthetics of vernacular

residences of Indore

• Analyzing the effectiveness of vernacular techniques in modern residential projects.

Table 1 Understanding methodology

2.2. Interventions

Based on the inferences drawn from the case studies, solutions will be suggested regarding all the aspects

of residential design. These solutions will integrate modern advancements into vernacular architecture and

create a hybrid style which may provide designers with better insight towards sustainability.

3. CASE STUDIES

3.1. Ground Case Study: Private Residence, Chaawni Main Road Indore

Chaawni is a common place where many of the buildings still exist from pre independence era and the

private residential units still effectively portray the original vernacular architecture of Indore. One of the

oldest houses of these was chosen for case study as it was majorly unaltered since its preliminary

Details Objectives Input In Research

Case Study- I

(Ground/Live

)

Private Residence

Chaawni, Indore.

To observe and study in detail

about vernacular architecture of

Indore

Provide with understanding

about actual architecture of

Indore dated in 1900s

Case Study-

II (Desktop)

Vikas

Community

Housing Project,

Auroville.

To understand how sustainable

techniques are applied to modern

residential designs.

Act as a template on which

reforms could be planned.

Developing Neo-Vernacular Housing in Indore


construction and exhibited many of the older design features. Major spaces inside the east facing house are

not dissimilar to current planning, a long overhanging balcony, and use of light colours along with minimal

aesthetic installments are major elements of the front façade of the house. The backyard is used as focal

point and is surrounded by areas like washing area, kitchen, toilets and bedrooms. It also has a subsidiary

entrance.

Figure 1 Form of residence

Table 2 Overall Analysis

3.1.1. Materials

The house was constructed with materials indigenous to the area. No use of concrete or cement in any

form.

S.No. Particulars Observations Analysis

1.

Climate

Composite climate, moderate annual rainfall Residence need to be protected from

high temperature as well as low

temperatures during night.

2,

Site Surroundings Approach by a narrow lane

Similar houses in close proximity.

Shared walls with nearby houses.

Overshadowing through compact

planning and lesser exposure to sun

3. Volumetric

Analysis

Volume of house was 72% of the whole site.

Remaining 28% was used in courtyard, semi

open spaces and balconies.

Emphasis on open spaces

4. Topography

Flat land, no natural or developed contour was

observed.

N.A.

5.

User

Requirements

No influence of occupation on spaces of the

house

Standard templates designs are

effective

6. Form The form of the house was a typical cuboidal

in shape with considerable sized voids created

as subtractions from the overall form.

Open spaces are encouraged as they

allow wind flow, daylight and

ventilation

Anuroy Vyas


Table 3 Material Analysis

Figure 2 View of back entrance through courtyard

3.1.2. Structural Details

Primarily the residence was a load bearing structure with columns and bamboo struts a secondary supports.

Table 4 Material Analysis

S.no, Particulars Observations Analysis

1.

Walls

Composite climate, moderate

annual rainfall

Allows the house to breathe by use of perforated mud

bricks

2,

Fenestrations Iron, wood, glass panels

Deep-set windows for provision of diffused daylight

3. Plaster Sand, lime plaster

Lime plaster to provide smooth finish

4. Roof

Clay tiles, Timber strutting Haystack, and bamboo is used to maintain

5.

Floor and

Tiles

Wood, stone, lime, rocks These materials remain cool even when subjected to

direct sunlight.

S.no. Particulars Observations

1.

Walls

Thickness- 0.5 meters (narrow towards top).

Wooden struts (dia. 7cm) placed at regular intervals

inside walls.

2,

Columns Dimensions- 0.5mX0.7m (narrow towards top)

Continuous Iron sections penetrating through columns

3. Rood 2 side sloping roof which was earlier covered with roof

tiles.

4. Floor

Timber strutting was done, perforated rocks were laid

under the framing and wooden boards/stone slabs were

used to flatten the surface.

Developing Neo

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3.1.3. Discussion on Planning

The planning has many unique features regarding its segregation of private and public areas and its

placement of areas. The overall planning is compact with unclear separation of public

Only required area is allotted to all the spaces of the house to save building materials and other resources.

Washrooms and washing spaces are designed on the external walls for easy dispatch of foul smell. All the

rooms are interconnected even the bedrooms. Courtyard is surrounded by bedrooms and all of them open

towards it. Kitchen is placed on south western side of the house which is completely shelled by adjacent

house but windows are provided for ventilation. The courtyard is always

7 m high walls around its three sides.

The balcony opens on the front façade of the house which also serves as an elevation treatment. Long

Asoka trees are planted in the garden on the western side of the house to block di

circulation inside the house is continuous and well planned. Comfortable temperature in the core of the

house is maintained by regular air flow through courtyard.


IJA/index.asp 5

Figure 3 Approach through narrow lane

Figure 4 Deep-set windows


placement of areas. The overall planning is compact with unclear separation of public



ed even the bedrooms. Courtyard is surrounded by bedrooms and all of them open


house but windows are provided for ventilation. The courtyard is always shaded because of the presence of

7 m high walls around its three sides.


Asoka trees are planted in the garden on the western side of the house to block di


house is maintained by regular air flow through courtyard.

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placement of areas. The overall planning is compact with unclear separation of public and private areas.



ed even the bedrooms. Courtyard is surrounded by bedrooms and all of them open


shaded because of the presence of


Asoka trees are planted in the garden on the western side of the house to block direct sunlight. The



3.2. Desktop Case Study: Vikas

Auroville (City of Dawn) is an experimental township in

Nadu, India which is known for its sustainable architecture.

development in Auroville, which used stabilized earth right from foundations to roof. The extensive use of

sustainable materials in its design and construction makes it ideal for case study. The third and final block

of the project was built in 1998 which comprised of 13 apartments

basement). The main idea behind the building was that it should be self sufficient on every aspect. From its

construction to its functionality from materials to application of renewable techniques this project

incorporated vernacular architecture form the binary level.

Figure 6 Plan of the project (Source:

Anuroy Vyas

IJA/index.asp 6

Figure 5 Plan of the house

Desktop Case Study: Vikas Community Housing Auroville

) is an experimental township in Viluppuram district

India which is known for its sustainable architecture. Vikas housing project was the first

which used stabilized earth right from foundations to roof. The extensive use of


of the project was built in 1998 which comprised of 13 apartments build across four floors (including



ted vernacular architecture form the binary level.

f the project (Source: http://www.earth-auroville.com/vikas_community_en.php

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mostly in the state of Tamil

Vikas housing project was the first

which used stabilized earth right from foundations to roof. The extensive use of


build across four floors (including



auroville.com/vikas_community_en.php)

Developing Neo


3.2.1. Salient Features

The structure has energy efficient mechanisms along with adequate natural

It integrates into the land with existing nature, trees, etc.. The project is designed after detailed climatic

study.

3.2.2. Building Technology

• Stabilized rammed earth foundations with 5 % cement

• Plinths and walls in compressed stabilized earth

• Stabilized rammed earth walls with 5% cement

• Composite beams and lintels and composite

• Ferro-cement plasters for water tanks and

• Rain water harvesting

• Waste water treatment pond

4. INTERVENTIONS

Based on the problems identified and case studies performed certain solutions/interventions could be

suggested to rectify the issues with the present design practices on a precise level. These interventions

would be amalgamation of traditio

The whole procedure of fabrication of a dwelling unit could be broadly divided into two phases design

and construction. Design refers to planning of every space, element and feature of a structure while

construction means its implementation and commission. Modifying both these phases is mandatory for a

true sustainable approach

4.1. Design Interventions

Energy conservation should be kept in mind throughout the design process as all the design decisions

immensely affect energy requirement of a residence.

improved by introduction of vernacular approach are

• Orientation and Form

• Internal Planning


IJA/index.asp 7

The structure has energy efficient mechanisms along with adequate natural ventilation and sun protection.


Stabilized rammed earth foundations with 5 % cement

ressed stabilized earth blocks

Stabilized rammed earth walls with 5% cement

nd lintels and composite columns

nt plasters for water tanks and ponds

Figure 7 Construction phase



would be amalgamation of traditional vernacular architecture with modern techniques.





gy requirement of a residence. Certain aspects of design which could be greatly

ion of vernacular approach are

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ventilation and sun protection.




nal vernacular architecture with modern techniques.





Certain aspects of design which could be greatly

Anuroy Vyas


• Day light and Ventilation

4.1.1. Orientation and From

One of the most crucial stages of design is determining the ideal orientation of the block. In the composite

climate of Indore providing shade in summers and adequate sunlight in winters to the dwelling area are

very important. Ideal orientation can only be decided by surveying the micro climate of the site (a common

ancient vernacular practice) however, generally north eastern areas of the structures experience less heat

gain in summers. Southern orientation is suggested for winter solar gain while landscaping must be

planned to counter winter winds from entering the structure. It is observed that slight deviations in

orientation could change the energy consumption of a house by 5%-10% hence it should be decided

carefully.

According to case study 60% to 75% of the total site volume should only be constructed rest should be

left to provide open spaces and provisions for ventilation. This type of form also enhances the aesthetic

appeal of a structure. In traditional vernacular practices compact planning was emphasized as it minimizes

solar gain by keeping the plan aspect ratio around 1:1. Generally, orientation and form of a structure are

influenced by planning regulations and site constraints.

4.1.2. Internal Planning

It is arguably the most important aspect of design and has a huge potential of energy conservation.

• Air movement for cross ventilation and summer cooling should be provided.

• Careful placement of fenestrations and walls for heat transfer.

• Areas should be distinguished according to their functions. For eg.- Heat generating areas like kitchen

should be placed in the northern area of the house.

Courtyard planning which is a major feature of vernacular architecture of Indore is considered

excellent for passive cooling and improving ventilation. Provisions for small courtyard spaces should be

included invariably in modern residential design as well.

4.1.3. Daylight and ventilation

Heating and cooling of a structure account for about 50 % of total energy consumption and proper day

lighting could alone reduce lighting bill up to 15%. It also provides a nourishing and soothing environment

inside a residence. The fenestrations should be designed considering the required daylight factor. The light

admitted by windows should not cause glare in the eyes of dwellers neither should it be unable to light a

room effectively in day hours. In composite climate of Indore diffused light is almost always favoured over

direct light and deep-set windows; a salient feature of vernacular architecture is a viable option.

Ventilation increases the comfort level of the habitants while lowering the overall energy requirement

of the building. Openings after studying micro climatic wind pattern should be meticulously placed to

provide good ventilation inside a residence.

4.1.4. Miscellaneous

Thick stone walls provide natural cooling; a Jaali wall which is an important feature of vernacular

architecture prevents direct heat distribution inside the house. Installment of kitchen gardens should be

encouraged where organic waste of the house is used as a manure to grow in house crops to create zero

waste homes. All these elements derived from traditional vernacular architecture must be necessarily

incorporated in contemporary designs.

4.2. Building Material Interventions

Identification and application of eco-friendly construction materials is very important for any sustainable

design. These building materials play a pivotal role in determining true sustainability of a building. Recent

Developing Neo


advancements in the field of architecture and chemical engineering have resulted in invention of many

futuristic/innovative building materials which are sustainable and affordable as well.

Traditional vernacular materials are however easier to harvest and process,

costs of construction and transportation. These materials are completely eco

in environment degradation in any way. Combining application of these with modern building materials

could bring out amazing results as this combination eradicates the limitations of both the groups while

keeping their favorable properties.

4.2.1. Lime

Lime is one of the most prominent vernacular building materials. It was used extensively for binding

stones and bricks, plastering, flooring and decorative purposes. It is abundantly available in all parts of

India and is a cheaper option compared to Portland cement. One of its only disadvantages is its longer

setting time but it more than makes up for it through other advantage

• Could be produced on small scale (ideal for

• Lime has permeability which allows wind flow

• It is an excellent adhesive because of its fine particle nature

• Lime is durable and provides excellent strength

• It reduces greenhouse effect as it absorbs CO

4.2.2. Rammed Earth

Rammed earth buildings are extremely durable and strong. To create masonry using rammed earth

techniques, builder pounds layers of moist

removable forms. The best mixture of rammed earth contains 30% of clay and 70% of sand with small

quantity of cement. This technique is inexpensive and extremely feasible. The main advantages of

rammed earth in residential design are

• High strength yet inexpensive.

• Soil dug out from the site itself could be used for this process to reduce soil waste and transportation costs.

Black soil is indigenous to Indore which is even better for this p

• Thermal mass of rammed earth walls helps to even out temperature fluctuations between day and night

which are favored in composite

• Gives a personal feel to the house.

4.2.3. Flyash Bricks

Fly ash is a combustion product of coal or lignite in thermal power plant. It is a waste material which can

have many applications in construction industry because of its low density, high fusion temperature and

high surface active property. It is available abundantly and cheaply near all thermal power plants in India.


IJA/index.asp 9

ents in the field of architecture and chemical engineering have resulted in invention of many


Traditional vernacular materials are however easier to harvest and process,

costs of construction and transportation. These materials are completely eco-friendly and don’t contribute


g results as this combination eradicates the limitations of both the groups while

keeping their favorable properties.


ering, flooring and decorative purposes. It is abundantly available in all parts of


setting time but it more than makes up for it through other advantages such as-

duced on small scale (ideal for individual residences)

eability which allows wind flow inside buildings.

It is an excellent adhesive because of its fine particle nature

and provides excellent strength to other materials as well

It reduces greenhouse effect as it absorbs CO2 throughout its lifecycle


techniques, builder pounds layers of moist, sifted soil mixed with small amount of Portland cement into


quantity of cement. This technique is inexpensive and extremely feasible. The main advantages of

rammed earth in residential design are-

High strength yet inexpensive.

Soil dug out from the site itself could be used for this process to reduce soil waste and transportation costs.

Black soil is indigenous to Indore which is even better for this process.

Thermal mass of rammed earth walls helps to even out temperature fluctuations between day and night

which are favored in composite climate of Indore.

Gives a personal feel to the house.

Figure 8 Rammed earth Constructions



ace active property. It is available abundantly and cheaply near all thermal power plants in India.

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ents in the field of architecture and chemical engineering have resulted in invention of many


Traditional vernacular materials are however easier to harvest and process, this reduces the overall

friendly and don’t contribute


g results as this combination eradicates the limitations of both the groups while


ering, flooring and decorative purposes. It is abundantly available in all parts of



, sifted soil mixed with small amount of Portland cement into


quantity of cement. This technique is inexpensive and extremely feasible. The main advantages of using

Soil dug out from the site itself could be used for this process to reduce soil waste and transportation costs.

Thermal mass of rammed earth walls helps to even out temperature fluctuations between day and night



ace active property. It is available abundantly and cheaply near all thermal power plants in India.

Anuroy Vyas


Of the various usage of flyash, flyash based brick making is one of the most developed wide spread

application. These bricks are manufactured by grinding and later sun drying volumetrically pre-measured

quantities of flyash, lime and gypsum in ratio of 92:4.5:3.5 with measured quantities of water. Advantages

of flyash bricks-

• Cheaper in cost and superior in quality when compared to burnt clay bricks.

• Flyash bricks have sharper edges and smooth finishes.

• Higher compressive strength.

• Flyash bricks consume large amount of flyash which reduces atmospheric, surface and ground water

pollution.

Figure 9 Fly-ash bricks

4.2.4. Old Railway Sleepers

Wooden ties/sleepers were used traditionally in construction of railway tracks. However, after introduction

of concrete sleepers in early 1980s in India these wooden sleepers were deemed outdated and were

replaced. These used and surplus wooden sleepers currently stacked in railway warehouses throughout the

country could have vast applications in construction industry. Azkoitia Station extension designed by

Studio Beldarrain uses old wooden sleepers as a façade element to give a unique aesthetic appeal to the

building. These wooden sleepers are excellent substitute for virgin wood which is a major cause of

deforestation. Some suggested applications of wooden sleepers are-

• Carpentry and façade treatment

• Platform construction to alter space inside a residence

• Truss design and fabrication

• Old furniture repair and patchwork

Figure 10 Old railway sleepers



Figure 11 Azkoitia Station façade

5. CONCLUSION

It can be now concluded that these interventions can effectively decrease the carbon footprint of individual

housing units while being affordable and readily accessible. The vernacular derivation of these solutions

imparts some unique pro climate techniques as well as aesthetics to the contemporary architecture evolving

it in a more interactive, relatable and responsible style. However, despite having numerous qualities such

solutions are not applied practically to the extent one would expect. This is because lack of awareness of

people towards environment degradation, unavailability of skilled and aware work force and absence of

strong initiatives by government to support and encourage sustainable vernacular design applications.

These issues could only be resolved by organizing awareness campaigns, including strict bylaws in

building codes and educating all strata of construction industry about advantages and applications of these

interventions.

Perpetuated environmental degradation has connoted dark times ahead for humans should they choose

to continue on their current path. Construction industry being one of the biggest contributors to this

atrocity has enormous scope of sustainable transformation which can be achieved by neo-vernacular

architecture. This transformation is absolute necessity for conservation of earth and betterment of human

race on it.

REFERENCES

[1] Francis D.K. Ching, Building Construction Illustrated, Wiley; 4 edition 2008.

[2] Ar, Tanima Shrivastava, Ashish Choudhary, Approach to sustainable architecture through vernacular

practices. A case study of dwelling in village of Madhya Pradesh and Gujrat

[3] Ahmadreza.Foruzanmehr, Prof. Fergus Nicol, Towards new approaches for integrating vernacular

passive-cooling systems into modern building in warm-dry climate

[4] Pankaj Khanna, Kriti Nagarth, Amol Mangrulkar Climate and construction, An impact assessment

[5] K. Rajkumar, P. Thavamani, Chandresh Dwivedi and Pankajregar, An Eco-Friendly Rubber-Textile

Composites for Construction of Rubber Dam to Use in Watersheds Application. International Journal of

Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), 5(2), 2014, pp. 128–137.

[6] C.V. Subramanian, N. Ramachandran and S. Senthamil Kumar, Performance Evaluation of the Designed

Solar Passive Architecture Incorporated Residence in Warm Humid Climate. International Journal of

Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET) , 7(6), 2016, pp.523–535.

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