11 VI June 2023

https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2023.54295
 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
ISSN: 2321-9653; IC Value: 45.98; SJ Impact Factor: 7.538
Volume 11 Issue VI Jun 2023- Available at www.ijraset.com

Comparative Analysis of Traditional and

Contemporary Architecture in Context to
Sustainable Characteristics and its Construction
Techniques: A Case of Kumaon Region
Ar. Nitika Ranjan Rao1, Ar. Saurabh Saxena2
1
Student, M.Arch, 2Professor, School of Architecture & Planning, Babu Banarasi Das University, Lucknow

Abstract: This research focuses on the study of traditional architecture of Kumaon, and how it has changed over the period of
time. Kumaon region in Uttarakhand shows great examples of traditional architecture which has proven to be the best earth-
resistant structures. The concept of science and earthquake-resistant structures were beyond the thought process of the people of
that time. These traditional structures were cost effective, energy-efficient, provide thermal comfort for the longer period of day.
The buildings of that time were locally constructed by the skilled person of the community using conventional materials like
stone, mud, timber slates etc. With rapid urbanization, the need for rapid development has increased, transportation has
improved, and the need for high rise structures has encouraged the use of modern materials such as concrete. However, society
continues to demand better services, faster and easier construction to meet the needs of residents, resulting in serious damage to
the fragile environment in and around settlements. To minimize the environmental impact of damage caused by modern
technology, the use of indigenous practices needs to be revived. This research comprises of the comparison of traditional
architectural style “Koti banal” which is rarely being used in many northern parts of Uttarakhand and current construction
technique which is affecting the natural terrain of Kumaon resulting in natural calamities like landslide, soil erosion etc. The
vernacular practices and patterns followed in conventional hill settlements have splendid capability to emerge as the premise for
brand new improvement and system of suitable constructing policies for hill settlements.
Keyword: Kumaon region, traditional architecture, earthquake resistant structures, Construction techniques, Koti-banal,
construction materials.

I. INTRODUCTION
Kumaon region in Uttarakhand is positioned on the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain ranges, it is largely a hilly area, surrounded
by China in north, Nepal in east, Uttar Pradesh in south and Himachal Pradesh in north-west. In spite being located in a seismically
vulnerable area, Kumaon shows a unique style of constructing multi storeyed houses. Kumaon had developed its own style of
architecture based on abundantly available materials; like wood and stone. Traditional Kumaon architecture maintains a high level
of comfort for a longer period of the day while potentially lowering energy usage, i.e., creating low-cost, energy-efficient, and
disaster-resistant structures. The majority of the vernacularly made dwellings were built locally with traditional construction
materials such as mud, wood, and stone.
The sensitive and fragile ecology in and around hill settlements is affected by the current situation, which involves numerous
buildings being created in various hill settlements using modern materials and techniques without regard for the context. The loss of
ancient knowledge systems, the lack of experienced craftspeople, the introduction of modern building materials, and government
policies are only a few of the factors that can have an impact on and drive current construction methods in Uttarakhand's hills. This
has resulted in the adoption of an architectural style that is not indigenous to hills but is commonly found in flat regions.

A. Research Background
Uttarakhand state is located in seismically highly sensitive zone.it is categorised under zones IV and V of the earthquake risk map of
India (Figure 1). Kumaon architecture exemplifies the region's richness of art. Kumaon has a distinct sense of style when it comes to
art and architecture. Despite being disaster prone region, few traditional buildings have proved to be disaster-resilient.

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 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
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On the other hand, Uttarakhand has observed many natural calamities in last few decades, in spite of that we can examine that
people are nonetheless using construction techniques which are being used in plain areas. This practice has also given birth to loss
of traditional architecture and loss of lives and properties. Traditional knowledge in the area has been affected by the use of modern
building materials, the lack of skilled artisans, and other factors.
There is need to study traditional architecture and draw lessons learned from the traditional built environment and combine it with
contemporary practices to attain sustainability, a modern approach to life, conservation of cultural heritage preservation and disaster
risk reduction.

Fig 1. Uttarakhand earthquake hazard zonation (source: Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority)

B. Research Methodology
1) Study of Kumaon region on the basis of construction techniques, local material used and sustainable factors.
2) Compare modern construction techniques with traditional architecture.
3) Draw a final conclusion from the case study and literature study.

C. Research Questions
1) What is Koti-banal style of architecture?
2) What effects modern materials are having on the environment in the hilly region?
3) Are traditional construction practices done were better than contemporary construction practices?

II. TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE OF KUMAON

The architecture of Kumaon defines the artistic richness of the region. Kumaon has a unique sense for art and architecture. On the
one hand, it can be seen as a scattered settlement in the high mountains and populated agricultural valleys of the Himalayas, and on
the other, as a temple, forts and dharmshalas. We can observe the following points in this type of traditional architecture-
1) In order to receive significant solar exposure and protection from north winds, settlement patterns were developed on the
southern slope.
2) Placement of buildings were along the contours to allow minimum disturbance to terrain.
3) The orientation of the houses is kept towards the east, south and west directions to get the benefit of the maximum direct
sunlight.

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4) The immense availability of stone and timber can be seen in the traditional houses.
5) Buildings with simple, regular and symmetry in both plan and elevation that produce less magnitude of twist during any hazard-
landslide, flood, earthquake, wind velocity etc., are considered to be very stable.
6) Large projections are avoided. The small projection of 1 to 1.2 mt., seen as the balcony projection on the upper floor.

A. Traditional Construction Techniques: Koti-banal Construction

Koti Banal style,found in Uttarakhand, is one of the oldest architectural forms. It exhibits in-depth understanding of indigenous
materials. Investigations revealed that it was an earthquake-resistant wooden and stone construction that was developed 1000 years
ago. The buildings are constructed using the locally available building materials such as long thick wooden logs, stones, and slates.
This architectural style is one of the most suitable for building in these regions. This style is proven to have minimal environmental
impact and maximum earthquake resistance.
The Uttarakhand region has witnesses some of the catastrophic earthquake in the past. Kumaon earthquake of year 1720 and
Garhwal earthquake of 1803 are termed as two of the great earthquakes(magnitude>8) that shook the region, yet this type of
construction has survived major earthquake resistant properties. The following are major earthquake-resistant characteristics noticed
in Koti Banal architecture:

Fig.02 Koti Banal House (Source: https://madhusudanks.wordpress.com/2015/11/07/koti-banal/)

(Fig 3. Source: https://hierleben.net/koti-banal-architecture-49/)

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1) Choice of Site
a) These structures are often found on flat, sloping, and hilly terrain. They don't have any shared walls with buildings adjacent to
them.
b) These buildings were built independently, apart from any other constructions.
c) The typical distance from a neighboring building is 2.0 - 4.0 meters.
d) Slope stability and the selection of solid ground are critical seismic factors.

2) Choice of Materials: local materials such as wood and stone were used for this type of construction. Wood is ductile and stone
is a brittle material. Adding wood reinforcement to stone masonry improves the tensile property of the structure.
3) Building configuration: Koti Banal buildings are characterized by Very simple rectangular plan configurations while the
lengths and widths are varying between 4 and 8 meters. The ratio between both dimensions varies between 1.1 and 1.4. The
buildings rest upon a raised and elaborated stone in the continuation of the foundation trench made of field and rubble stones.
The height of the platform varies between 2 and 4 m above the ground.

Fig.4 typical plan of single unit construction Fig. 5 typical plan shape of double unit construction

4) Building Plan and Massing

a) Houses were symmetrical about axis.
b) Simple rectangular shaper and enclosed areas.
c) Simple structures, no or very little ornamentation.
d) Height of the building were usually 7-12m.

III. BARAKOT VILLAGE, ALMORA

Barakot village is situated on the top of the hills in Almora. The entire settlement is planned in a linear manner with street in centre
and houses on its side. It is a mix of row houses and single houses. Row houses are planned in a straight manner with houses on
both side of the road.
1) Houses in this village are mainly placed along the contours and have agricultural field. Terrace farming is adopted in most parts
of Kumaon because of sloppy terrain.
2) Main buildings are placed on the first floor which comprise of a fore-court, kitchen, living room, and bedroom. The kitchen is
mostly placed at the end of the unit.

Fig.8 Barakot village in Almora (source: okuttarakhand.com)

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3) Windows were placed in the front façade of the building as well as the opposite façade to ensure cross ventilation.

Following characteristics were observed in Barakot village:

a) Thermal comfort
• Thermal comfort is achieved by keeping height of the windows and doors small so that the interior remains warm, and the
interior warmth is not transferred to the outside.
• Ceiling height is also kept low so that the interior remains warm and insulated.
• Gaushala on the ground floor helps to keep upper floor warm. The windows are generally smaller so that the warmth from
gaushala is transferred to first floor.

b) Walls
1.5 ft. thick Stone masonry walls of these structures running in all four directions keep itself intact in times of calamity and seasonal
changes.

c) Door/window Openings
Rear side of the house, which does not face sun usually have no windows or other openings.

d) Shape of the Plan

Shape of the plan is rectangular.

e) Siting off the House

Entire settlement is placed in linear manner without disturbing terrain. The houses were planned with streets in centre and houses on
its side.

f) Foundation
The foundation of these individual dwellings are mostly 3-4 feet deep and large stones are used in masonry work.

IV. HARKOT VILLAGE, MUNSIYARI

Harkot village is located at the base of the mountains on comparatively flat land in Munshiyari. The area around this village has
been converted into stepped terraces. These villages also exhibit typical architecture corresponding to their culture and livelihood.
The Harkot village is sited in the landscape so as to make optimal use of the available flat land and direct sunlight and to avoid
direct wind. So, the siting of these villages may be understood by taking a look at some physical aspects.

Fig 10. conceptual sketch of Harkot village and its setting (Source:
https://villageinfo.in/uttarakhand/pithoragarh/munsiari/harkot.html)

1) Villages are always sited on the sunniest slopes.

2) Stepped terraces are usually cut into the mountain slopes and then carefully dammed with stone walls and vegetation as
reinforcement to prevent erosion.

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 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
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FIG.11 ground and first floor plan of Harkot village showing living space (Source: Report on traditional
vernacular architecture of Kumaon)

a) Foundation: Individual dwellings have a shallow stone foundation, one to three feet deep, commonly of large stones extracted
locally.
b) Flooring: The flooring is made of wooden planks supported with wooden trunks as beams and then smeared with a paste of
cow dung and clay mixed on every second or third day
c) Construction: The construction of these dwellings was traditionally a family and communal affair. Members of the extended
family and community members usually lent a hand with the building.
d) Walls: Walls are made of local stone and wood and daubed with mud. dry stone walls were built Without any mortar.
e) Roofing: Sloping roof of stone slates were used. People used native grass called selum to cover sloping roof to help regulate
warmth inside house.

f) Thermal Insulation
Low floor height and small door and window openings allows heat to trap for longer period of time.

V. CURRENT SCENARIO OF CONTEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION

With rapid urbanization and need for fast development, started the use of contemporary materials and techniques. The materials like
concrete became one of the most readily available materials which have reduced the use of these traditional practices in India. The
industrialization of cement production in the last 30 years has eroded traditional methods of building, local skills and local markets.
The use of such contemporary materials and techniques resulted in significant changes to the environment and surrounding, creating
a risk and vulnerability for the local communities. The life span of these structures is estimated to be 50 to 80 years by its developer
while the built environment created using the vernacular practices have withstood a much longer lifespan with minimum
maintenance, and are much environmentally friendly than these modern practices.
‘
A. Consequences of Contemporary Construction
1) The major consequences of these construction techniques are landslides which causes loss of life and property.
2) Another consequence of these construction techniques is the depletion of the regional architectural style and construction
techniques.
3) The loss of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage of that region.

VI. THE KUMAON, ALMORA

The small hotel in India's Uttarakhand is located 1600 metres above sea level in the Kasar Devi village close to Almora. The
anticipation is increased by a row of bamboo trees that are used to block the view of the villas beyond and conceal the mountain
vistas. On the site's highest point, the main building is located. The best example of how contemporary technologies and
conventional materials can coexist. From door and window frames to floor finishes, local pinewood was widely utilised. The
overall appearance is one of rustic simplicity, emphasising the use of local resources. Both the fly ash walls and the concrete soffits
are left unplaster.

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 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
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Fig. 12 Site plan (Source: thekumaon.com)

Fig. 13 main building- ground floor (Source: thekumaon.com)

By dispersing the built structure around the site and also by the bamboo cladding we were able to dissolve the visual impact a
building such as this can have in a sensitive environment. All the structures were designed for rain water harvesting, with a drain
system taking the water to a large holding tank at the bottom of the site. The hotel plans to replant seasonal crops in the terraces and
left over spaces, using the produce for its own kitchen. The goal was to draw attention to the breathtaking natural surroundings and
concentrate on the mountain views. while paying tribute to local resources, tradition, and culture. A sustainable solution has been
project while using the traditional methods with modern construction methodology.

VII. INFERENCES OF THE CASE STUDY

1) Modern buildings are designed considering the need of the today’s life-style.
2) Traditional buildings lack sense of living if we compare it to the today’s living lifestyle.
3) The traditional buildings were no doubt stable, having life-span of 1000 years and above.
4) Current practices done by architects are no doubt sustainable and following standard design consideration of hilly region, but
they somehow lack the traditional methods which are much stable in the hilly terrain.
5) Current generations do not know about the traditional Koti-banal, if we incorporate old structures with modern materials, we
can revive the old methods.

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 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
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VIII. OBSERVATION AND INFERENCES

S.no. Parameter of Case study-1 Case study-2 Case study-3

analysis Barakotvillage, Harkot village, The kumaon,
Almora Munshiyari Almora

1 Siting situated on stepped lands Entire settlement is placed in terraced which is typical of
without disturbing natural linear manner without agricultural plots
terrain. disturbing terrain. The houses
were planned with streets in
centre and houses on its side.

2 Orientation Oriented along east and sited on the sunniest slopes Located along south-east
south

3 Foundation 3-4 feet deep stone shallow stone foundation, one Load bearing stone foundation
design foundation to three feet deep

4 Shape of the Shape of the plan is Rectangular in shape Rectangular units

plan rectangular and the ratio of
the width is 1.2 times of its
depth.

5 Thermal Ground floor was made with Low floor height and small Bamboo and Stone walls acts
insulation small windows to make it door and window openings as barrier for thermal
warm; people live on first allows heat to trap for longer conductivity.
floor, livestock on ground. period of time.

6 Roofing The slabs of the stone are cut Stone slate slab, native grass Kota stone terrace supported
into tiles and then used as a called selum used to cover the on wooden beams
roofing material sloping roof to help regulate
the warmth

7 Walls Stone masonry with wooden 1.5 ft. thick Stone masonry Fly-ash walls and stone
beam introduced at 30cm walls
gap alternatively

8 Door /window Rear side of the house, Ground floor was made with Window opening were much
opening which does not face sun small windows to make it bigger,
usually have no windows or warm; people live on first Mechanical means were used
other openings. floor; livestock were on to warm the interior space
ground

9 Ceiling height Ceiling ht kept low ,2.4-2.5 Ceiling ht. was kept low. ceiling ht of units were kept
low

10 Cost All the materials were All the materials are locally Some materials are exported
effectiveness locally excavated and sourced and the construction like fly ash bricks and bamboo
construction were done by done by the owners of the cladding.
the owner family house. Major construction was done
from stone

11 Environmenta Local materials were used Stone and wood are available Units are placed partly to
l impact which were available in in abundance. reduce the bulk of the building
abundance. and also to reduce the overall
footprint of the development.

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 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
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IX. CONCLUSION
The changes that have taken place in the Koti Banal style of architecture are reflections of social and environmental changes that
have taken place in the society. They indicate that it is not easy to hold on to the construction techniques and the historic vernacular
forms, due to the contemporary aspirations. The macro level components—materials for building, methods of construction, and the
form of house—are particularly vulnerable to the mentioned changes. They are strongly impacted by resource availability and
market dynamics (current trends; supply-demand), aspects that are beyond the control of the community. The macro level changes
in interior-architecture have brought long lasting changes in the life of the community. Also, the continuity of vernacular traditions
is threatened.
There is a need to delve into new materials with the old principles of structural design and community involvement, which Koti
Banal style embraced.
However, having expressed the above, there is still a presence of the “Koti Banal” style. It is at least clear that the style has not been
completely abandoned; few selected aspects have been modified to address changes in building materials and lifestyle.
It is also suggested that the Government should ensure that the new constructions proposed, should respect the existing built forms
and maintain the unique identity of the state. The government should take the initiative for the revival of this architectural style. Not
only it will revive the technique that is near extinction, but will also provide employment and support for those contractors who are
skilled in Koti Banal structures. Same approach could be used for government buildings and monuments.

REFERENCES
[1] https://www.gooood.cn/wood-house-uttarakhand-india-by-matra-architects.htm
[2] https://www.archdaily.com/885965/the-kumaon-zowa-architects
[3] Chadalavada,K., Srikonda,R.,2021,vernacular practices: an appraisal for sustainability for housing in Uttarakhand and himachal pradesh, India.
[4] Rautela, P. (2015). Traditional practices of the people of Uttarakhand Himalaya in India and relevance of these in disaster risk reduction in present times.
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 13. 281-290. 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2015.07.004.
[5] Rautela, P. (2008). Earthquake-safe Koti Banal architecture of Uttarakhand, India. Current Science.
[6] Saraswat, S., & Mayuresh, G. (2017). Koti Banal Architecture of Uttarakhand: Indigenous Realities and Community Involvement. Research into Design for
Communities, Volume 2, 165–177.
[7] Thakkar, Jay. (2009). Vernacular Architecture of Kumaon, Uttarakhand, North India.
[8] https://www.kumaonbuild.org/woodcraft-of-kumaon-likhai.
[9] Yadav, N., & Chattopadhyay, N. (2021). Traditional Vernacular Architecture of Kumaon: The Case of the Hill Towns of Munsiyari, Uttarakhand. Journal of
Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism, (2), 347–358.
[10] Negi, N. (2019), Lessons from Traditional Indian Architecture of Uttarakhand.

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