The material used for the construction of different types of houses in India varies as per the region. It can be categorized into two – natural and synthetic. Wood, cement, metal, bricks, concrete, marble, stone, and clay are the most common type of building materials used in the construction of houses in India. The choice of these is based on their cost-effectiveness, type of house, design, and climatic conditions. Natural materials such as mud, clay, sand, timber wood, bamboo and rocks, stone, even twigs and leaves have been used to construct houses. People in rural India traditionally live in mud houses made of a blend of clay, sand and silt. Also, with the awareness of eco-friendly homes, sustainable materials are in demand. Locally produced materials are sought after as they go well with the local design aesthetic and can be more durable in the local climate. In recent times in India, modern homes are extensively using glass as a façade or ceiling as they provide additional sunlight and reduce energy consumption. Aluminium and steel alloys also form a big part of the construction industry and are the framework for big housing structures
Traditional types of houses have evolved over the years in response to the local climate, topography, and culture. Traditional Indian houses differ in each state as they are made from locally found material, employing indigenous construction techniques. Stone, bricks, mud, wood, lime, and thatch are the most widely used materials. Most of the traditional types of houses in India have an internal courtyard as an integral part of a layout. It provides ample natural light and ventilation to the interiors. Some of the other features include a spacious veranda, sloping roof, jaalis or lattice screens, chajjas over the windows, and doors. Let us look at a few examples of traditional houses in India.
Bhungas- Traditional houses of Kutch
Bhungas, the traditional type of house in Kutch, is the result of topography and extreme climate. These mud houses in Gujarat are round in shape with a thatched roof. They are known for their structural stability during earthquakes, and for being climate-resistant.
Guttu – Traditional houses of Karnataka
The guttu house of Karnataka is a traditional house of the bunt community. These houses with steeply pitched roofs combine double-storeyed blocks around a courtyard and have a lot of woodwork in the form of wooden swings, wooden ceilings, intricate pillars, and carved doors. The design is adapted to withstand the extreme summer climate and heavy rainfall. Clay and hardwood are used in the construction. Guttu houses are surrounded by paddy fields and plenty of palm trees.
Nalukettu – Traditional houses of Kerala
The traditional big houses of Kerala, called the nalukettu, has four blocks that are linked together by an open courtyard, while ettukkettu is an eight-block structure. The traditional houses in Kerala are usually designed with clay, timber wood and palm leaves stone and are in harmony with nature. These houses were built according to the principles of the traditional Thachu Sasthra (the science of architecture) as well as Vastu Shastra.
chang ghar- Traditional houses of Assam
The concept of chang ghar (an Assamese term), built on bamboo stilts or wooden poles, is an adaptation of the houses of the indigenous tribes of upper Assam. These houses keep the occupants safe from floods and wild animals. Traditionally, people of the Mising community of Assam live in houses on stilts.
Havelis – Traditional houses of Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s traditional house design reflects craftsmanship inspired by the Mughal, Persian and Indian architecture. The traditional type of house, havelis, boasts of beautiful courtyards and intricately designed jharokhas, patterned floors, and carved pillars. Havelis are made of sandstone, marble, wood, plaster, or granite.
