Vernacular Architecture of Himachal Pradesh

Low Cost Building

Himachal Pradesh Kath-khuni architecture is made of two local materials: Himalayan slate, a
dark grey-layered stone that absorbs heat and is impermeable to moisture and deodar timber,
a species of mountain cedar, able to withstand exposure to moisture and adjust to climatic
and seismic changes. The wood comprises a floating frame for the building. Wood is milled
into beams. A distinctive feature of Himachal Pradesh wooden buildings is elaborate narrative
carving of the wood. Slate stone is the infill for the wooden frame. The slate is rough cut and
placed in layers without any mortar.

Image: Laying of wooden sleepers

Image: An example of kath khuni architecture

Kath-khuni house forms comprise four primary components: a stone plinth, which creates the
base of the house, wood-and-stone structural walls forming the core of the house with floors
as an insert, cantilevered wooden balconies acting as the second skin to the house and an
overhanging slate tile roof fixed to the wooden framework, which caps the entire structure.
Kath-khuni houses have been made for generations by the cooperative effort of local people.
When necessary the locals employ specialist traditional builders, craftsmen and masons. The
complexity of each house, the decoration and the delineation of space reflect the size of the
family, their wealth, and their connection to local beliefs and their adaptation to the changes
in the society.

Image: Bhimalkali Temple

Image: Bhimakali Temple

Image: Axonometry

These houses can be mostly found in the Sutlej Valley of Himchal Pradesh, particularly in the
Kinnaur district. Some other exaples can be seen in Mandi and Kullu districts of the area, but
these are not that well known. The most common example of this particular style would be
the Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan area of Shimla district.

Kath-khuni construction is efficient in this mountainous terrain because stone is close

at hand and rubble provides an easy alternative to slow setting mortar. Until recently
wood was readily available locally and small water powered mills could process the
raw materials. Construction takes place in stages, whenever materials and labour are
available. The local raw materials are not adversely by seasonal changes so you can
work year round. Thin walls can be made for interior spaces thus achieving maximum
height with minimum material. Raw materials are not wasted. Buildings are energy
efficient. These buildings leave a lasting, small footprint.

Image: Bhimakali Temple

Sarahan is one of the most beautiful village in Chopal. Sarahan is located at 31.52N
77.80E. It has an average elevation of 2,313 metres above from sea level on the Sarahan
road. Sarahan is located 26 km from Chopal and 136 km from Shimla.

The temple complex has two parallel buildings, built around a large square courtyard which
is open to sky . In order to ensure strength and stability to the structure, the plinth protection
has been made of solid stone with massive deodar beams laid horizontally at wide intervals.
The uuper part consist of alternating layers of stones and timber.

This historical temple is a multi-storeyed structured building, a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist
architecture. The tall tower like structure and unusual roof of the temple dominate the
complex. The centuries old temple is now locked and in the newly built temple, the goddess
Bhimakali is portrayed as a maiden and as a woman. This temple complex includes other
temples such as Narsingh shrine of Bhairon and Lord Raghunath.

Image: Structural Analysis

The base starts with alternating layers of cedar sleepers and cut stone over it, for every one
layer of wood, there are two layers of stone. After the first floor, the structure changes and
the size of the floor increases to include a walkway on all sides. This structure is completely
made from wood, and many openings are given along the walkways. These balconies are
merely galleries from which one can approach the worshipping area inside, where the idol is
kept. On the top of both the temple complexes there is a slate roof which comprises of slates
nailed over wooden planks.

Doors and the windows are small allowing only one person or one cow to enter at a time. The
interior surface of the structural walls in the living space is finished with wooden planks or
mud. Small openings of doors and windows prevent heat loss. These details keep interiors
cool in summer and warm in winter. Balconies act as a second skin for the main structure
assisting in maintaining the interior temperature).

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