REPORT

ON
VERNACULAR

ARCHITECTURE

SUBMITTED BY:

ANJALI GURUNG (200701)

JESON MAHARJAN (200713)

PRITHA SHRESTHA (200721)

SHUVEKSHYA PURI (200736)

YUSHA POKHREL (200743)

BASHU ARYAL (200747)

SUBMITTED TO:

Ar. SURYA GYAWALI

Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.........................................................................................................1

ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................................2

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................3

I. BACKGROUND OF STUDY....................................................................................3

II. VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE.......................................................................3

CHAPTER 2 STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY.............................................4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.............................................................................................4

CHAPTER 3 CASE STUDY..................................................................................................5

STUDY AREA (Ramkot, Tanahun).......................................................................................5

I. Magar Settlement Pattern............................................................................................6

II. Magar House Form..................................................................................................6

III. BUILDING STYLES..............................................................................................7

HOUSE OF SANTA BAHADUR MAGAR..........................................................................8

I. PLANNING AND LAYOUT......................................................................................8

II. CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIALS......................................9

III. ELEMENTS...........................................................................................................11

CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................13
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Ramkot.........................................................................................................................5
Figure 2 Ramkot Village............................................................................................................5
Figure 3 Settlememt pattern.......................................................................................................6
Figure 4 Building form...............................................................................................................6
Figure 5 Building Types.............................................................................................................7
Figure 6 Plan..............................................................................................................................8
Figure 7 Section.........................................................................................................................8
Figure 8 Wall............................................................................................................................10
Figure 9 Post and Lintel (elements).........................................................................................10
Figure 10 Roof details..............................................................................................................10
Figure 11Verandah....................................................................................................................11
Figure 12 Outdoor cooking area...............................................................................................11
Figure 13 Wash area, Argha.....................................................................................................12
Figure 14 Toilet, Outdoor store space......................................................................................12

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It has been a great experience working on this project. Though the project has been solely
prepared by us to fulfill the requirements of the course, there are many who guided us define,
shape, and finalize the project.

First, I thank Cosmos College of Management and Technology and Department of

Architecture for providing such an opportunity for the students to broaden their frame of
skills. Our sincere gratitude also goes to our teachers Ar. Surya Gyawali, Ar. Deepa Shrestha
and Ar. Suman Dhakal for their constant guidance and support for the execution and
completion of this report.

We are immensely grateful to all involved in this project as without their inspiration and
valuable suggestion it would not have been possible to develop the project within the
prescribed time.

Finally, we must acknowledge our colleagues from Department of Architecture Batch 2020
for their help and suggestion in completing this report.

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 ABSTRACT
Vernacular architecture and settlements are considered culturally meaningful, socially
acceptable, locally harmonized, and ecologically sustainable. The traditional buildings seem
to be more connected to the local places, environment, culture, indigenous technology, and
people. However, with the development of new technologies along with increase in
population, replacement of these vernacular buildings and settlements has become a regular
phenomenon in many of the nations including Nepal. In this regard, considering the case of
vernacular buildings and settlements of Magar village from Ramkot, Tanahun. This paper
aims to examine the characteristics of settlement pattern, house form, construction
technology, materials, and spaces in Magar settlements.

The paper applies a qualitative approach through explanatory qualitative analysis for
exploring the transformation in architectural style, settlement patterns, house forms,
construction techniques, use of spaces, and community livelihoods in the Magar settlements.
Field observations, key informant’s interviews, and informal discussion with locals were
carried out. This research contributes to understanding the factors causing changes in
traditional Magar buildings and settlement, and highlights on significance of vernacular
architecture and settlements.

Keywords: Vernacular Architecture, Settlements, Magar, Ramkot, Nepal

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 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

I. BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Nepal has diverse climatic zones resulting to the opportunity for diversity in architecture
throughout the country. Vernacular architecture is the result of hundreds of years of
optimization to provide a comfortable shelter in a local climate using available materials and
known construction technologies (Bodach, Lang & Hamhaber, 2014). It is a type of local or
regional architecture which uses traditional local materials and resources for its construction.
It is closely connected to its context and is aware of the specific geographic and climatic
features as well as cultural aspects of its surroundings and is also influenced largely by them.
Vernacular architecture is unique to each community and locations and bear unique identity
and authenticity. It is built to meet specific needs, accommodate the values, economy, and
lifestyles of a specific culture (Oliver, 2006). Vernacular architecture also respects local
conditions, highlighting its great sensitivity to the geographical context of the surroundings,
including climate, vegetation, and topography.

II. VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

Vernacular architecture represents the cultural identity of a certain ethnic group and becomes
a tool for strengthening bond between the communities and its geographic location, fostering
a sense of belonging to the space in which they live (Hall, 2006). The strongest point of
vernacular architecture is the harmony between environment and buildings. Today, vernacular
architecture is considered a model for sustainable architecture, and the strategies that are now
the basis of sustainable construction are derived from aspects and characteristics of this type
of architecture. Moreover, traditional buildings met the social, environmental, and functional
needs of their residents.

Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual nation. Pluralism and

diversity are its unique and notable features. The traditional art, architecture and culture have
direct response upon the daily lifestyle of the people, climatic and geographic condition, and
strong religious beliefs and socio-economic condition. The art, architecture and culture are
different for different ethnic communities in Nepal. The Magars are one of the oldest of
Nepal’s 59 indigenous groups, originally migrating from Mongolia. The magar settlements
are found mostly in western and southern flanks of the country. The magars differ from rest
ethnic groups in terms of house forms, dress, ornaments, language, and dialect, belief system.

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In this context, considering the case of magar architecture and settlements from one of the
magar village Ramkot, Tanahun, this study aims to examine the settlement pattern, house
form, construction technology, materials, and spaces in Magar settlements.

CHAPTER 2 STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

This study is conducted in the settlements of Magar from Ramkot, Tanahaun districts. It has
adopted qualitative approach using multiple techniques of data collection such as field study,
participant observation, discussion with the residents and archival research. The field visit
was conducted in January 2024 in the Magar settlements of Ramkot Village of Tanahun,
District.

A preliminary survey of the settlements was conducted first with support of the local people
specifically to understand the characteristics of the architecture, settlements, and community.
A detailed survey was conducted by selecting typical buildings, public spaces, and
community leaders. We stayed in the village for a day and experiences the lifestyle of Magars
to understand local context, values, architecture, building materials, cultural activities and
meaning of each element of Rana Settlements. Measurement of specific buildings was carried
out with support of residents and sketches showing plans, elevations, sections, and details of
the buildings were prepared. Simialrly, archival research was conducted by reviewing various
books, papers and reports about Magar architecture and culture.The leaders of each
community along with residents were interviewed purposively to investigate the
methods of construction of buildings and understand the cultural meanings and values.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Magars present themselves with their own identity. Social relation among Magars is based on
community solidarity. They have their unique socio-cultural beliefs and practices; their
kinship always strives to unite the people. They exhibit their own cultural identity, lifestyle,
belief system, house form, architecture, and settlements.

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 CHAPTER 3 CASE STUDY
STUDY AREA (Ramkot, Tanahun)
Ramkot is rural village which is
inhabited by native magar
community located in the Tanahun
district of Nepal. It is one of the
popular hiking destinations which
can be reached by two hours hike
from Bandipur. Here, visitors can
experience the originality of rural
areas, explore the typical unique
magar community culture, tradition
and their daily lifestyle together with Figure 1 Ramkot Village

the history of their existence of hilly region. This village is known for its scenic beauty,
greenery and agricultural activities. The strong bond within community which is reflected in
the way they welcome their guests make us feel like home during our visit. This village
represents the simplicity of rural life of Nepal, with its culture and lifestyle.

The architecture of Ramkot is still

untouched by modern development
which offers an opportunity to
experience the typical lifestyle of rural
Nepal and also gave us a chance to study
about vernacular Magar architecture.
The life of Ramkot makes us to realize
how the life used to be in early time.
According to the villagers, Ramkot is
the village established during the Sen Figure 2 Ramkot

dynasty. It used to be the place where the soldiers came to have wonderful time. The name
Ramkot was derived from ‘Marangakot’ which means ‘place to have wonderful time’ in
Magar language. Eventually the word ‘Marangakot’ was replaced with the word ‘Rangakot’
by local peoples, which is now called Ramkot.

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 I. Magar Settlement Pattern
Some houses of Magar village are in row
housing system, and some are scattered and
some often located at 5-10 meter from one
another. In a traditional settlement, a narrow
and unmetalled road runs through the village,
on both side of the road the houses are
arranged to form linear pattern. There is a
common chowk, mostly at a nodal point,
characterized by one or two shops, hand
pump for drinking water and a sitting space Figure 3 Settlememt pattern
which acts as a marketplace for Magars. In a village community, life presents a unique
picture; a person is related to others by more than one kinship ties resulting from the blood
and marriage relationship. This multiple relationship has not only wedded the villages
together in social and ceremonial life, but it has also stabilized the village society. A Magar
village therefore represents a closely knit society, the units of which have developed a bond
of fellowship and corporate life through mutual obligations and co-partnership.

II. Magar House Form

Each Magar house with its field and an animal shade is a detached residence with a narrow or
broad alley separating it from the adjacent houses. The size of the house depends on the size
of the family. The larger the family, the
bigger the house with the greater
number of partitions. Every house must
consist of two partitions. The Magar
house represents the ultimate example
of successful adaptation to the local
environment and climate. The Magar
house is a one stored building with a
mezzanine floor, where the living and
sleeping quarters are on the ground
Figure 4 Building form
floor and rice and other grains are stored on the mezzanine. As the family expands, additional
houses are built to form a courtyard. Animal shelters and storage sheds complete the

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enclosure on the third side, while the fourth is left open to the finely designed and built
village streets. The sides of the house which face the courtyard are wide open verandahs,
often occupying more than half of the plan area.

III.BUILDING STYLES
The different types of building styles that has emerged over time play a crucial role in
shaping the architectural landscape of village. Such building reflect the cultural, historical,
and environmental influences that shape the design and construction of buildings. From the
earlier period till now, diverse building styles have emerged, each with its unique
characteristics and aesthetic expressions. The major types of building existing in Ramkot
village can be categorized on the basis of storey and type of roofs.

 ONE STOREY (Ek pakhe (Lean to roof), Dui pakhe (Two way slope)
 TWO STOREY (Conical roof, Gable roof, Dutch Gable, Ek pakhe, Dui pakhe)
 THREE STOREY

Figure 5 Building Types

HOUSE OF SANTA BAHADUR MAGAR

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 I. PLANNING AND LAYOUT

KITCHEN:

The most important space inside the magar house is the kitchen space. After crossing the
front porch called mahira, the cooking place is accessible. The fireplace is placed in the
corner, everyone sit at the fire place and eats their food. Elderly and male eat first whereas
children and woman eat later. The kitchen space is just not used for cooking, but all the
family gets together and discusses their family matter. Most of the important family
discussions take place here. During the festival, all the preparation like cooking and
preparation are done here.

VERANDAH:

Most of the outdoor works like preparing garlands, cutting vegetables, preparing leaf plates,
is prepared in verandah and aangan. In mahira dhiki, jaato are kept for grinding the wheat
flour, corn flour or rice flour.

AANGAN:

Aangan are mostly used during the harvesting of

crops. After collection of crops from fields, they are
cleaned and managed in aangan. Different crops are
dried and collected in aangan. Aangan is the
semipublic space; it is a transition between house and
street.

STREETS:
Figure 7 Section
Streets are the public spaces. Streets are used for movement and public activities. During
festivals, streets are used as cultural routes. Before any festival, all the cultural routes are
cleaned and prepared for festival activities. All the people of community get together for this
purpose. During the festival, there is only one open space which is used for multiple activities
is used for dance practice and final dance.

ROOMS AND MEZZANINE:

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The rooms are used for storage and sleeping purposes only. Mezzanine is used for storage of
grains and other household goods. Rooms and mezzanine serve as private space for Magars
In house, the kitchen has outlet for smoke to escape. There is a lack of a proper toilet system.
However, they have now started to construct toilets near the houses. The window size in
traditional buildings is relatively very small. Regular repairs and maintenance of the houses
after every rainy season is done.

II. CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIALS

The Magars generally construct their houses in the month of April and May before the rains
set in. The construction of a new house is a community affair with many neighbours and
relatives participating in its construction. The house is constructed around a central pillar
which must be fixed at a depth of three feet in the ground and is 15 to 20 ft in the height
above ground. In the same line three or four pillars of equal height are also fixed at an equal
distance of 8 to 13 ft. All these pillars determine the length of the house, and their numbers
depends upon how many partitions are required in the house for a particular family. Two such
pillars can make only one partition. For the breadth, similarly the walls were made at the
equal distance from the central line of the pillars.

The dwelling we studied was primarily made of stone, mud, and wood. Stone is typically
used in the following three places:

1. Floor
2. Wall
3. Roof
The building used wood as a structurally supportive member, the main tham (post) and naal
(beam), which carries a cultural meaning for the people of Ramkot. Besides that, wood is
widely used in openings, balcony railing, partition wall, struts, chukul, rafter etc. Similarly,
use of mud is also found in pidi and inside rooms as plaster and mortar for the stone masonry.
Concrete is a newly introduced material in Ramkot. Concrete blocks are used in toilets,
concrete plastering over pidi and dharais also done. In addition, iron grills have been
employed in openings.

FLOOR

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There are two types of stone floorings in Ramkot, one which features stones having different
sizes and shapes and the other with more regularly shaped rectangular stones.

WALLS
The stone masonry walls of Ramkot are arranged
in two different ways: Larger regular stones are
placed firstly to create a levelled outer face of the
building. Secondly, stones of different sizes are
used to build the walls in which the amount of
Figure 8 Wall
mortar is comparatively more and is clearly visible
in some cases. The corner stones are more regular
ones, with sharp edges. Besides this, through stones
are provided in certain intervals to strengthen the
masonry. Except for these larger stones are also used
in lintel and sill portions of the openings, and on the
top of the boundary walls.

Figure 9 Post and Lintel (elements)

ROOF
Two types of roof ek pakhe and dui pakhe.
The roof used in this house was Dui pakhe
(two way sloped) ‘Dui Pakhe’ roofs are dutch
gable, mainly slate roofs. This roof structure
consists of primary rafters which run through
the wall and ends and supports the ridge
beam. It is connected to the tham with half
lap joint. The ridge beam further supports the
Figure 10 Roof details
secondary rafters over which battens are run
to hook slate. The slates are laid covering two-third of the slate below such that it overlaps
two layers of slate. The slope of slate roof usually of 25°.

BALCONY

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Figure 11Verandah
Wooden posts of the balcony and pidi relate to extended mortise and tenon joints combined
with half lap joints.

STAIRS
The stairs in houses of Ramkot are of two different types: Lisnu is the oldest type of stairs in
which a single log is carved to give steps extending from ground floor to first floor over the
beam placed diagonally. Another type includes wooden ladder which is found resting on a
stone base in most houses. The stringer is made up of wooden planks and wooden steps are
fixed to the stringer and some are locked using wooden chukul to strengthen the stairs.The
stairs used in this house was the first type the Lisnu.

III.ELEMENTS
OUTDOOR COOKING AREA

The outdoor kitchens are typically

constructed using stones and
fueled by wood, allowing for meal
preparation in a spacious and open
area with natural light and fresh
air. These kitchens can prepare a
large amount of food, which is
necessary when hosting a large
gathering. Mostly used to prepare
alcohol (jaad).
Figure 12 Outdoor cooking area

TOILETS

Toilets were a relatively recent addition to the aarbha in Ramkot. They are typically
constructed using cement concrete blocks and have a corrugated roof sheet. On the one hand,
the concrete block construction and corrugated roof sheet of the toilets can be disrupting

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against the traditional aesthetic. On the other hand, it brings positive changes for the
community's health and well-being.

WASH AREA

A wet area or wash area is a

space where dishes, laundry,
and personal hygiene are done.
The area might have a water
source, such as a water tank
with a tap, or a bucket filled
with water sourced from a
nearby dhara.
Figure 13 Wash area, Argha

Figure 14 Toilet, Outdoor store space

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 CONCLUSION
The Magar society and their culture, religion, identity and very existence are intimately
linked to the art and architecture they hold. Unfortunately, Magar of Western Nepal are losing
their indigenous art and architecture. Their cultural and architectural identity has been
threatened in many ways. There has been a transformation in the settlement pattern, house
form, construction materials and architectural detailing. They have started to build new
houses, copied from western culture. It seems that they are neglecting their indigenous
building materials, construction technology, housing pattern, clothing, and food culture
gradually. As most of the material used in the vernacular architecture is locally available, the
transportation cost and energy are saved. The material is from nature, and it goes to nature
after the end of its life, there is no energy used or any unnecessary pollutants created harming
nature. The design principles of vernacular architecture clearly reflect the key elements of
sustainability. Considering the significance of vernacular architecture in achieving
sustainability, it is crucial to focus on the use of indigenous material and architecture in the
new construction. Local people need to be aware of their cultural and architectural identity
and the concerned stakeholders including local government should focus on the study of
vernacular architecture, its importance and suitability in the hot and humid climate and
encourage Magar to improve and use indigenous technology and materials to preserve and
promote their local identity of vernacular architecture, art and culture.

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