International Journal of Engineering Research ISSN:2319-6890 (online),2347-5013(print)

Volume No.7, Issue Special 2, pp : 138-141 11-12 Jan. 2018

Reviving the Vernacular Architecture of Gond Tribes of Gondia District -A

Sustainable Case Study in Today’s Context
Ar.Seema M Burele1 Dr.SheebaValsson2
1
Smt. Manoramabai Mundle College of Architecture, Nagpur, Maharashtra
2
Shree Datta Meghe College of Architecture, Hingana, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract : Each and every region all over the world has its climatic zones were done on the basis of rainfall that region
own architecture developed through time, climate, receives which affects the cropping pattern. As vernacular
topography and available resources. The vernacular architecture deals with local materials available for the
architecture of a particular place has a peculiar construction, the agricultural waste is considered as an
characteristic and also reflects the above components. It is important content of it. Natural resources like earth, stone,
flourished and still proving its best in today’s context as it is bamboo, timber are available for construction purpose.
experimented and time tested. It’s noteworthy to study the Out of which earth is being extensively used for construction
vernacular architecture for which the case study from along with other materials which gives additional strength,
Gondia district is being studied and analyzed to understand improves it water resistance properties and enhances its
its unfolded aspects. The agro climatic zones were referred appearance. Earth architecture developed in different regions
for studying the village of Gond tribe. Thus the paper will reflects their social status their rituals and culture. The most
highlight the construction technology adopted and how the important feature of earth architecture is its climate
earth architecture of the place has proven itself sustainable responsiveness. Different earth construction techniques were
in today’s context. evolved depending upon the availability of materials, the soil
type available and the additives or stabilizer used which
Keywords Vernacular Architecture, Agro climatic Zones, comes from agricultural waste. Thus the earth architecture is
Sustainable, Earth Architecture, Construction considered as most sustainable architecture which is
Techniques. economical, environment friendly and fulfilling the society’s
expectations in all aspects. Through the study of the earth
I Introduction architecture of Gondi tribes of Gondia the paper aims to
Vernacular is the term derived from the Latin word analyze it’s social, economical and environmental
vernaculus, meaning "domestic, native and indigenous”. sustainability.
Vernacular architecture is a term used to categorize methods
of construction which use locally available resources and
traditions to address local needs. Vernacular architecture tends
to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural and
historical context in which it exists. It is an indigenous
architecture with specific time or place (not imported or
copied from elsewhere).In contrast to planned architecture by
architects, the building knowledge in vernacular architecture
is often transported by local traditions and is thus more - but
not only - based on knowledge achieved by trial and error and
often handed down through the generations rather than
calculated on knowledge of geometry and physics. The Figure.1 Natural resources used for construction purpose in
Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World defines different regions
vernacular architecture as:
II Methodology
“...comprising the dwellings and all other buildings of the
people. Related to their environmental contexts and available
resources they are customarily owned- or community built,
utilizing traditional technologies. All forms of vernacular
architecture are built to meet specific needs, accommodating
the values, economies and ways of life of the cultures that
produce them…
People have different forms of shelter appropriate to different
seasons and geographical locations. The development of
different solutions in similar circumstances because of cultural
influences is typical feature of vernacular architecture. Thus
the case study chosen from Gondia district which comes in
high rainfall zone as per Agro Climatic data of Vidarbha
clearly reflect its distinct vernacular features. Study and
analysis of these features in detail right from the geographical
location till the natural resources available for construction
and its technology would be the focus of this paper. Agro Figure 2 Methodology adopted for the study

DOI : 10.5958/2319-6890.2018.00040.5 NCETA@2018 Page 138

 International Journal of Engineering Research ISSN:2319-6890 (online),2347-5013(print)
Volume No.7, Issue Special 2, pp : 138-141 11-12 Jan. 2018

The methodology adopted for the study is well explained

through the flow chart given below. (Fig 2) The study started
with understanding the concepts of vernacular architecture
and its relationship with the sustainability aspects in general.
Agro climatic data of Vidarbha is referred to understand the
rainfall of that region and the crops cultivated there, as the
agricultural waste is being used as a binder along with other
construction material. Soil map of India was further referred
to study the soil type available at that region as different soil
contains a different mineral which again reacts differently
with binders or other component of the mix. The village was
identified from specific taluka of the district Gondia.The
criteria for choosing the village was maximum where 90% to
95% of houses were built out of mud and other natural
resources. The case study was then analyzed based on the
parameters like soil type, agricultural waste used, agro
climatic data and natural construction material and its
techniques. Finally the paper aims to analyze the relationship
of vernacular architecture of the region with the aspects of
sustainable architecture.

III Agro climatic zones of Vidarbha (Fig 3)

Vidarbha covers 11 districts and it is divided into four Agro
Climatic zones based on the rain it receives annually as below.
Figure 6 plan and section of the house
a) High rainfall zone - 1250mm to 1750mm
b) Moderately high rainfall zone - 1076mm to 1460mm
To understand the soil type available in the region the soil
map of India was referred which showed the presence of the
red and yellow soil in the chosen high rainfall zone. (Fig.4)As
this zone receives high rainfall, rice is the major crop
cultivated in the soil. July to October is the span when farmers
sow the seed and in month of November they get the fully
c) grown rice. The waste comes out of it is rice straw and rice
Moderate rainfall zone - 900mm to 1200mm bran which they used for the cattle and for
Figure 4 Soil map of Maharashtra
d) Assured rainfall zone - 650mm to 700mm the construction purpose. Through the case study it is
The districts like Gondia, Bhandara, Gadchiroli and part of observed that the construction technique adopted, contained
Chandrapur majorly Tadoba forest area of Vidharbha region rice straw majorly which acts as a binder and provides
lies in high rainfall zone reinforcement to the walls.

IV Case study (High rainfall zone)

Murkudandhari, Salekasa Taluka,District Gondia
Figure5 The residential unit and map of Gondia

The sample selected for the study was the representative

residential module. Almost 95% of the houses were made out
of mud. The place itself was carrying an interesting vernacular
fabric. Typical sloping roof to cope up with heavy rainfall
covered with red colored country tiles. Wall finished with
mud plaster having colorful facades. The interior were so
neatly maintain giving you the pleasant feeling. The spaces
were crafted to fulfill their daily routine. Module basically
Figure 3 Agro climatic zones of Vidarbha
consisted of Awar(front yard),chapri (drawing hall) ,sayapak
ghar (kitchen),sleeping area, special store room for storing the
grains and back yard acting as a kichen garden . The
mezzanine floor created above the central space

provides the additional storage space for dried grains and

vegetables (Fig.6). Each and every element was carved out so
efficiently responding to the climate, environment and their
social needs. Individual elements from foundation to roof are
discussed further.

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 International Journal of Engineering Research ISSN:2319-6890 (online),2347-5013(print)
Volume No.7, Issue Special 2, pp : 138-141 11-12 Jan. 2018

Foundation - Foundation started from two to two and a half

feet below ground level. The width at the bottom was more
(500 to 600 mm) and goes on reducing towards the upper
floor that’s why it was seen tapering towards top. Random
rubble stone masonry was used up to one to one and two feet
above ground level. Raised plinth was preferred to safeguard
the bottom from rain water.

Walling techniques - Cob Wall technique was used for

erecting the structure. Cob is the huge balls of mud with other Figure 8 Mezzanine floor, timber truss with country tiles and
additives elongated in shape to suit the measurement. The
staircase made out of mud
gaps within the cob were filled in the finishing layer and in
plastering.
Mud Flooring- The area to be floored is first filled with soil
Composition- Cow dung, rice husk and local red soil (mud) in
and murom taken out of trenches. Good quality Murom is
the ratio of 1:1:4 .The soil types available in this region are
available in Gondia which could be found after 1.2 m to 1.5m.
rich in iron ore and magnesium that’s why available in red and
It acts as a stabilizing agent for the soil. Finally layer of soil is
yellow color. First layer of 0.30m. to 0.45m in width starts
then pressed and finished with layer of cow dung and mud
from first end finishing the outline of the house. The next
slurry.
layer was laid after the first get dried of. The width of the
For mezzanine floors firstly the huge logs of trees especially
wall was maintained as it reaches the heights. The wall was
teak wood from the forest was laid on walls which acts like a
plastered with the mixture of cow dung and mud.
principal beam which takes the load. On top of that, layer of
Final layer of white soil and yellow soil available near by the
timber studs were provided which creates the cushion for the
village was put on the finished surface which acts like paint
floor which was then filled with cow dung and mud mixture.
but allow the walls to breath.
Final coating of the slurry provides finished floors which were
used for the storage purpose.Mezanine floors receives the
Plastering- is done in single layer, a mixture of cow dung and
sunlight from the small windows and the gaps left between
mud in the ratio 1:2 in a 20 mm. thick layer was put on the
sloping roof.
mud wall which acts as a filler within the gaps of cob which
was finally finished with white and yellow soil which gives Roof- Pitched roof is very common in response to the
the appearance of paints. climatic conditions. It is supported by timber truss and
covered with the country tiles manufactured locally. The
extended eves adds beauty to the vernacular character which
protects the wall surface and plinth area from rain (Fig 8).
Lintel door and window
Openings are made out of timber. They are of a lower width
and height so as to balance the load of the roof. Lintels are
constructed out of locally available good

quality timber. Timber lintels swells when comes in contact

with water results in damaging the structure so small width of
window solve the problem up to certain extent providing
minimal light inside. The door and window frame is fixed
within the mud walls and then the shutters were hinged to the
Figure 7 Thick wall, finished floor,wooden lintel and raised frames.
plinth of the house The wooden elements used within the structure must be well
seasoned. Many a time’s local treatment was also given to it
which protects it from insects and termites.
The soil used as paint creates the glossy and soft surface
V Observations from the study.
which allows walling material to breathe and also protect the
surface with the splash of water coming during rainy season. The study was conducted to understand the vernacular
architecture of the region. Residential unit chosen was
representative module of the village as ninety five percent
houses were identical in plans and architectural details. The
observations are listed below,
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 International Journal of Engineering Research ISSN:2319-6890 (online),2347-5013(print)
Volume No.7, Issue Special 2, pp : 138-141 11-12 Jan. 2018

1. Climate plays an important role as far as structural Reference

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VI Conclusions
iv. Rapoport A(1969),House Form and Culture.
Vernacular architecture is the architecture native to the place,
Engelwood Cliff; Prentice Hall
build by the local craftsman’s, and with local materials in
response to the climate, topography and social set up of the Websites
community. The study was undertaken to comprehend the
sustainability aspect of vernacular architecture and the study i. http://www.twitsnaps.com/full_photo.php?img_id=8
concluded as follows 3656
ii. http://www.pdkv.ac.in/?page_id=4665#sthash.I43tP
i. The resources used for construction like soil, wood
UJV.dpbs
local stones, rice husk are naturally available and reusable, it
iii. http://www.twitsnaps.com/full_photo.php?img_id=8
can go back to the nature without harming the environment.
ii. The local soil, cow dung and agricultural waste are 3656
being used for foundation to wall. The cow dung and mud iv. http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/maharashtra/mah
arashtraagriculture.htm
slurry is used for plastering the wall surfaces as well as floors.
v. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_India#/
iii. The natural timber available nearby is used for
media/File:Major_crop_areas_India.png
constructing trusses which act as a framework for roofing
vi. http://www.ijoer.in
covered with local tiles.
iv. Natural and local availability of the materials makes
it economical for the user but require skilled labor and
craftsmanship.
v. The structure is totally climate responsive as the
width of wall and the presence of cow dung and rice husk
improves the insulation properties which results in better
environmental comfort.
vi. The small windows though have the limitations of
size provides less light but safeguard from the hot winds of
summer.
vii. The extended eves protects the wall surface from rain
water which reduces the mud erosion substantially. Raised
plinth also helped the structure to resist the water absorption
or percolation through foundation.
The vernacular construction techniques developed were time
tested and proven best for the particular climate. There are
certain loop wholes as the locally available soil is used as
basic material .It has certain limitations but that can be
overcome. Thus the above case study has given us the direct
connect of all the aspects of sustainable architecture which
was fulfilled by the vernacular architecture of high rainfall
zone.

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