vernacular

1. 1. Courtyards for interior spaces
Indian houses in different parts of the
country have adopted courtyards as
a way to respond to the climate of
the region. In Gujarat’s Pol houses,
Maharashtra’s Wadas and
Kerala’s Nalukettu houses, this
traditional element works wonders to
escape the summer heat: convection
draws warm air out of the rooms
around the courtyard, and they are
sheltered from the hot summer wind
called loo.
2. In winter they are places to bask in
the winter sun, sheltered from cold
winds.
semi-open courtyard as a soothing buffer space within the
house.
They are also great spaces to socialise,
bring the family together and to connect
with nature.

2. 2. Pitched roofs with verandahs
Pitched (slanted) roofs covered with
Mangalore tiles of red baked clay are a
common sight in Indian towns and
villages.
The reasons for their popularity are
simple: the tiles are easily available,
they are an appropriate response to the
climate and their design uses traditional
techniques of execution so they are
easy to make.
As seen here in this house by such
roofs are not only suitable for heavy
rains but provide a good height to the
interior spaces as an added advantage.

3. This kind of roof, coupled with a verandah, is a physical
expression of the traditional warm and welcoming culture of
India.
A verandah is an intermediate space that opens the home to
the outside world.
This idea aligns with the Hindu code of conduct of being
hospitable to guests.
this verandah in a Delhi
farm house is integrated
with a cooling water body.

4. 3. Pictorial motif references
In India, we often tweak historical references to bring them into
our contemporary homes and complement their largely modern
ambience.
a representation of a horse, in a style usually seen in Mughal
paintings, has been adapted to a present-day application.