ADAPTING THE VERNACULAR





Written: Salonee Ghosh | Edited: Sanjay Jain



Vernacular architecture is a product of the land. The traditions and climate of a place have, for generations, driven people to build instinctively, using locally available materials and techniques to address problems specific to their context.



“Every district has its own traditions and, by trial and error, over thousands of years, people have learnt how to use and to cope with all the many factors which are involved in Architecture. Unsatisfactory items have long since been discarded and alternatives have been tried until a satisfactory solution has been found.” – Laurie Baker



Popularised by Laurie Baker in the late 1900s, the filler slab is one such element that has gained recognition as an alternative yet aesthetic method of slab construction. This strategy is based on the simple principle that concrete acts in compression. The cement at the bottom of a slab, which is in tension, only contributes to dead weight and hence, is replaced by light weight filler material. The use of Mangalore tiles in houses in Keralite villages inspired Baker, who used them extensively while consistently adapting them to the context of each individual project.





A common misconception that surrounds vernacular architecture is that it is antiquated and not suited to the homes of modern clients. Innovations are a must and the integration of modern materials and technology with vernacular techniques often creates beautiful designs that blend in with the aesthetic of modern homes.



MUD DECISIONS – 2015



Mud Decisions, a home that exudes vernacular charm, was designed after making a conscious decision to source materials from a 5-8km radius, in a bid to lower transportation costs and minimize the carbon footprint of the building. Filler slabs are used throughout, with an emphasis on utilizing them to brighten up the front façade, the stark contrast of earthen colours against white plaster creating an interesting visual. Clay pots embedded in the slab greet a visitor at the entrance, their concavity creating the illusion of added height and therefore, a more open space. A portion of the sub-ground parking area that faces the street has a similar slab, creating a visual vertical continuity. Private and semi-private areas on upper floors such as the bedrooms and dining rooms, too, have horizontal Mangalore tiles as slab infill.



BHOOMI – 2016



Bhoomi featured a more experimental approach to the implementation of an element that had been used previously with positive results. The conventional was modified, with hollow earthen frustums of varying diameters that puncture the slab completely, permitting light to pour into the court below. This method also helps reduce the use of mechanical ventilation by allowing hot air to escape through these openings via stack ventilation.


Practical concerns were addressed using modern materials, by covering the openings with a wire mesh and sloping glass roof, redirecting the flow of rainwater and protecting the interiors from undesirable elements. The light court is surrounded by the dining and living areas, their quality greatly enhanced by the presence of an innovative element in the modern home.



A common misconception that surrounds vernacular architecture is that it is antiquated and not suited to the homes of modern clients. Innovations are a must and the integration of modern materials and technology with vernacular techniques often creates beautiful designs that blend in with the aesthetic of modern homes.



The vernacular itself has evolved with time but it still perceived as outdated and has not become synonymous with contemporary architecture. It is imperative that designers and clients alike embrace the integration of the traditional with modern styles and materials, creating spaces with unique aesthetic appeal that are tailored to the requirements of the present day.