INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH VOLUME 8, ISSUE 09, SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSN 2277-8616

Traditional Construction Techniques In Himachal

Pradesh
Ar. Sandeep Singh, Er. Yogita Sharma

Abstract:The paper tell us about the traditional construction techniques used in Himachal Pradesh is the outcome of its typical climate and availability of
materials and other natural resources. The traditional construction method will provide thermally comfortable shelter to the occupant by giving due
consideration to local climate conditions. And main advantages of that constructions are resources are reuse and design efficiency, low maintenance.
Eco friendly and rational utilization of natural resources at a cold climate or in the hilly areas. The total traditional architecture style is based on its
tradition or the available natural resources which help us to occupant comfort design or design efficiency.

Index Terms:Rammed earth construction, Traditional Architecture, Vernacular, Insulation, Thermal Comfort
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1NTRODUCTION
THE Himachal Pradesh state is prosperous in traditional
architecture. And to use indigenous materials eg stone, wood,
and mud as per the region's climate provides comfort to
humans. Himachal is hilly state with elevation ranging from
350 meters to 6000 meters above sea level, so the typology
used for construction varies with respect to elevation.
Traditional construction techniques vary from region to region
depending on weather, material efficiency, and seismic zone
just like Kath-Kunni, Dhajji –Diwari construction, Dry stone
construction, Mud construction, and wood construction. The
possible construction materials had their own thermal
resistance requirements..The Himalayas constitute the world’s
highest mountain system. Due to variation in height 450-6500
meters. Average Temperature Max-31to 36 degree Celsius,
Min—3 to 4 degree Celsius, Rain fall - 111mm, Humidity -79%

2 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
2.1 Kath- Kunni Construction
This type of construction technique is a combination of wood
and stone. Walls are made with alternate courses of timber
logs with stone without any mortar. This type of architecture is
found in central Himachal Pradesh as Kullu, Mandi districts,
and part of Shimla and Solan districts. A pair of wooden
beams runs along the entire length of wall, and another pair of
wooden beam in alternate direction placed perpendicular to Figure .1 Kath-Kunni Construction view
each other. The space between the wooden beams is then
filled with dry stones. Absence of vertical members in Long and well-dressed flat stones are used in construction.
construction is main considerable part of this type of The thickness of walls ranges from 400 mm to 1000 mm in
construction. some cases, which provides insulation from the cold and
hotness.

2.3 DHAJJI- DIWARI CONSTRUCTION

It is a combination of wood, stone, mud. This type of
construction can be seen in hills of Shimla, Kangra and
Kashmir. Braced timber framing is the main feature filled with
brick or stone layers with mud or lime mortar. The vertical and
horizontal members with diagonal bracing are joined with the
help of steel bolts and iron hook. Then triangular spaces filled
____________________________- with stone or bricks with the help of binding material and
plastered from both sides to make the whole wall to act as a
 Sandeep Singh Assistant Professor, School of one large piece. Thickness of wooden members varies from
Architecture, SBSSTC, Ferozepur, PH-9888778800. E- 450mm to 600mm which has a time lag of 8 – 9 hours which
mail: ar.sandeepsingh@yahoo.com
keeps the house warm in winters and cool in summers. The
 Yogita Sharma Assistant Professor, Deptt. of Mechanical
Engg., SBSSTC, basic principal of diagonal bracing is same but pattern can be
 Ferozepur. E-mail: yogita.sharma20691@gmail.com different from place to place.

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 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH VOLUME 8, ISSUE 09, SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSN 2277-8616

stones is used in construction and at regular interval through

stone is also used to give strength and stability to structure. No
mortar, wood is used in this technique. This is similar to kath –
kunni construction technique with the absence of wooden
beams. Stone walls have 600mm thickness inner and outer
walls must be of same thickness.

4 CONCLUSION
It is conclude that the traditional construction techniques of
Himachal Pradesh is the outcome of its typical climate
conditions, landscapes, availability of raw materials and other
natural resources. Any changes in these designs should aim
for human comfort and aesthetically need and these traditional
designs help to save heritage at the lowest possible ecological
cost. The traditional construction method will provide thermally
comfortable shelter to the occupant by giving due
consideration to local climate conditions. And main advantages
Figure .2 Dhajji Diwari Construction view
of that constructions are resources are reuse and design
efficiency, low maintenance.
2.4 Mud Construction
There are two types of mud construction can be found,
rammed earth construction and sun dried brick construction. REFERENCES
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Yogendra Singh, Dominik H. Lang

3 DRY STONE CONSTRUCTION

This type of construction is common in Kangra and Kinnaur.
Kangra region have slate in abundance, so in nearby quarry
areas this construction techniques is common. Different size of

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