CONSTRUCTIONAL ANALYSIS

There are many ancient temples and buildings in the region which were constructed over a period of time under the influence of the local culture, topography, materials available, geo-climatic conditions, and seismic activity. The Garhwal and the Kumaon regions have different local languages, culture and traditions. The building styles have also evolved independently in both the regions due to such differences.

Uttarakhand is known for its heavenly nature that typifies the embodiment of spiritual travel in its very sense. From temples of mythological significance to historical worth, the state has its all. Uttarakhand is famously known as Dev Bhumi (Lands of Gods).

The basic factors which guide the local architecture of this zone are:

• Climate

• Materials available for construction and their techniques used

• easy access to building quality stone

• limited availability of good quality top soil,

• varying availability of timber and of water,

• extreme cold and snow in winter

Some of the construction elements that we noticed are as follows:

• The houses in this region are placed after careful site selection usually enroute to the pilgrim centers, near sources of water and in the areas which provide protection from the cold winds in winter.

• The traditional houses are built along the contours of the hills and are generally of two or three floors, having a rectangular plan

• Settlements are built in long linear pattern to allow maximum sun.

• They use vibrant colours so that even in the dark, visitors can see the residences.

• The beams and columns made of timber are intricately carved to improve the aesthetics.

• Approach to the living areas on the first floor is through the staircase on the side of the house.

• In Garhwal region, the overall settlement and the builtforms incorporate multi-utilization of the stepped slopes cut through the hills, and is governed by the close relationship between the man and nature.

• Clay and dung are abundantly used because of their insulation properties thereby the rooms keep warm in winters and cool during the summer season. For plastering of walls (both outer and inner surfaces), mud paste is used

• Sloping roofs of the houses naturally drain the rain water

• Walls are typically made of stone while timber is used for structural purposes and slates are used for roofing. At some places, hand-made sun-dried bricks called Cob are used as load bearing walls.

• The living and cooking areas have low height and are provided above the cattle space, fuel and fodder space to provide warmth in winters.

• A wooden structural frame is made and locally available stone is infilled for making the walls.

• Floors and ceiling of the building are also made from the wooden planks.

• The balcony mostly 75cm in width in front of the house forms an integral part of the building.

• Likhai carvings on windows. There are swans, lotuses, creepers, and geometrical patterns. The suva, or parrot, is an auspicious symbol that appears often in folk songs and stories in Kumaon

• Chajja over windows for shading and protecting against rain.