User:Nagajyotsna/Kath Kuni Architecture

Introduction
Kath-Kuni is an indigenous construction technique prevalent in the isolated hills of northern India, especially in the region of Himachal Pradesh. It is a traditional technique which has been orally transcended from one generation to another. The construction originated keeping the seismic activity, topography, environment, climate and native materials in perspective. Most of the oldest temples in the region are built using this construction technique. This kind of a unique construction technique has led in the formation of a vernacular architectural prototype known an Kath-Kuni (cator and cribbage) Architecture.

Materials
The primary building materials employed in the construction are stone (igneous), wood and slate (metamorphic). Stone, usually granite, which is good in compression is used for foundational purposes. The walls comprise of stone and wood which are alternatively stacked up one another. Wood which is good in compression and tension are interlocked in the corners with other wood members. Deodar wood which is commonly available is used as wall, flooring and roofing members. Slate, is used as a water proofing roofing material to protect the building from heavy snow and rainfall. All the materials are locally available and are easily sourced.

Construction Technique
The construction typically involves laying courses whose outer layer comprises of random rubble masonry and wood, laid out alternatively. The walls are almost two feet thick in dimension and act a like a cavity wall. After one course of random rubble you then have a course of wood, which is interlocked in the corners with other wood members, followed by random rubble again. The courses alternate between each other until it reaches the ceiling. The cavity wall of every course is filled with smaller

Applications
Kath-Kuni Architecture has widely been employed in the construction of residences. Here the farmers would rear their cattle in the lower most floor such that the heat generated would heat up the upper layers of the house. The next level of the dwelling unit is used as a granary where food is stocked for the winters. The last few floors are designed as dwelling units which are cantilevered from the main walls of the house to take advantage of sunlight, during the day. The roofs are gable roofs with dormer windows in some instances. Good examples of Kath-Kuni Architecture could be seen in existing temples where the craftmanship exhibited in the form of ornamentation and detailing in design, can be seen on the wooden members in walls, flooring, windows, doors and roofs.

Advantages

 * Sustainable
 * Materials locally available
 * Suitable for seismic zones
 * Insulates during extreme weather conditions
 * Helps sustain the livelihood of people who are mostly farmers or craftsmen
 * Employs local crafts and keeps the tradition alive

Decline
With urbanization and newer construction materials available in the market that deliver buildings much faster, the traditional techniques started losing its relevance over time. Also, with rising demand for natural materials, the rapid loss of forest covers resulted in the enforcement of Environment Forest Act that banned the use of anymore wood from the forests.