The document summarizes a project by Team Architects called the Villa Ecologique in Nkok, Gabon. It restores traditionally used mud as a worthy modern construction material. The project uses cob construction techniques with local materials like sand, clay and straw to build a 140sqm two-bedroom residence. It promotes ecology, community involvement, and sustainability while rejecting notions that mud is not modern or strong enough.
Earth and bamboo are two materials which have been used together for a wide range of traditional construction techniques in Southeast Asia. Both materials are locally abundant and affordable materials with a very low carbon footprint. Both are known to be materials of the people. And both are materials which can be used for crude self-construction or with highly engineered precision. Are earth and bamboo only materials of the past, or are they also materials for the construction of a sustainable future? Please come to discover yourself in this 5-day hands-on workshop at Auroville. The same workshop format will be offered four time in the year 2015.
The term “Vernacular architecture” in general refers to the informal building of structures through traditional building methods without using the services of a professional architect. It is the most widespread form of building .
Vernacular architecture has been growing over time with continuities changes, transformations and adaptations to the different social and economic conditions of each period.
A Presentation by Ar Pramod Chaugule on -Affordable Housing
Due to increasing rates of land and building materials
It becomes necessary to adopt the use of
alternative building materials and
construction technologies to reduce the cost
of the building and to save scarce resources.
This may be done by up gradation of
local technologies , using local resources or
by application of modern materials and techniques.
ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS PRECAST MEMBERS , LIGHT WEIGHT CONCRETE SUCH AS SIPOREX, RMC REDUCE
CONSTRUCTION TIME AND THUS THE COST by 10 to 12 %
Earth and bamboo are two materials which have been used together for a wide range of traditional construction techniques in Southeast Asia. Both materials are locally abundant and affordable materials with a very low carbon footprint. Both are known to be materials of the people. And both are materials which can be used for crude self-construction or with highly engineered precision. Are earth and bamboo only materials of the past, or are they also materials for the construction of a sustainable future? Please come to discover yourself in this 5-day hands-on workshop at Auroville. The same workshop format will be offered four time in the year 2015.
The term “Vernacular architecture” in general refers to the informal building of structures through traditional building methods without using the services of a professional architect. It is the most widespread form of building .
Vernacular architecture has been growing over time with continuities changes, transformations and adaptations to the different social and economic conditions of each period.
A Presentation by Ar Pramod Chaugule on -Affordable Housing
Due to increasing rates of land and building materials
It becomes necessary to adopt the use of
alternative building materials and
construction technologies to reduce the cost
of the building and to save scarce resources.
This may be done by up gradation of
local technologies , using local resources or
by application of modern materials and techniques.
ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS PRECAST MEMBERS , LIGHT WEIGHT CONCRETE SUCH AS SIPOREX, RMC REDUCE
CONSTRUCTION TIME AND THUS THE COST by 10 to 12 %
It is a term used to categorise methods of
construction which use locally available
resources and traditions to address local
needs.
Vernacular architecture tends to evolve over
time to reflect the environmental, cultural
and historical context in which it exists.
It has often been dismissed as crude and
unrefined, but also has proponents who
highlight its importance in current design.
This paper depicts a vast knowledge on vernacular architecture of India. Vernacular architecture refers to the buildings which are constructed by the knowledge of local technology and craftsmanship, using locally available building materials; simultaneously, ensuring climatic comforts to the users. Thus vernacular architecture is related to the climatic issues, cultural and socio-economic conditions of different regions of any country. Hence, India is a country with diversified climate and socio-cultural conditions. Here, each region has its own unique characteristics of building design in the form of climate-responsive vernacular architecture. The aim of this paper is to assemble all those different types of vernacular practices throughout the different climatic regions of India.
This paper is a concise discussion on the classical Indian Architecture. The history of architecture in India
is defined by the strong and deep rooted history, traditions, religion and culture. India, over the years has
seen riches beyond imagination as well as destruction like no other country. India is the only country to
have such a varied picture of annexations by such a diverse list of dynasties ruling and assimilating their
cultures with the traditions of India. A mixture of cultures, dynasties and kingdoms defined the
architecture of India. The western influence of the British raj further contributed to the diversity of the
Classical Architectural style. Moulded and nurtured by time, Indian Architecture ha s evolved into the vast
style of architecture it is today.
What has redefined Indian Architecture in modern times is the use of Indigenous materials and
construction techniques.
We take customized orders for offline sales like portrait paintings, photo to paintings, thematic paintings and corporate gifting.
We supply bulk orders with huge discounts for apartments, interior decorators, architects, hospitals, hotels and restaurants.
For all orders contact:-Tarun Hugar -Sales Manager; 09844840203
It is a term used to categorise methods of
construction which use locally available
resources and traditions to address local
needs.
Vernacular architecture tends to evolve over
time to reflect the environmental, cultural
and historical context in which it exists.
It has often been dismissed as crude and
unrefined, but also has proponents who
highlight its importance in current design.
This paper depicts a vast knowledge on vernacular architecture of India. Vernacular architecture refers to the buildings which are constructed by the knowledge of local technology and craftsmanship, using locally available building materials; simultaneously, ensuring climatic comforts to the users. Thus vernacular architecture is related to the climatic issues, cultural and socio-economic conditions of different regions of any country. Hence, India is a country with diversified climate and socio-cultural conditions. Here, each region has its own unique characteristics of building design in the form of climate-responsive vernacular architecture. The aim of this paper is to assemble all those different types of vernacular practices throughout the different climatic regions of India.
This paper is a concise discussion on the classical Indian Architecture. The history of architecture in India
is defined by the strong and deep rooted history, traditions, religion and culture. India, over the years has
seen riches beyond imagination as well as destruction like no other country. India is the only country to
have such a varied picture of annexations by such a diverse list of dynasties ruling and assimilating their
cultures with the traditions of India. A mixture of cultures, dynasties and kingdoms defined the
architecture of India. The western influence of the British raj further contributed to the diversity of the
Classical Architectural style. Moulded and nurtured by time, Indian Architecture ha s evolved into the vast
style of architecture it is today.
What has redefined Indian Architecture in modern times is the use of Indigenous materials and
construction techniques.
We take customized orders for offline sales like portrait paintings, photo to paintings, thematic paintings and corporate gifting.
We supply bulk orders with huge discounts for apartments, interior decorators, architects, hospitals, hotels and restaurants.
For all orders contact:-Tarun Hugar -Sales Manager; 09844840203
This is the Work Compiled by the Student of B.Sc.-Interior Design of Dezyne E'cole College.The Presentation of Residential Design is Developed by the Student …
Garima Sharma
B.Sc. Interior Design
Uttam Chand was born in 1934 in Melwara, Rajasthan. He completed his schooling at jodhpur Rajasthan. He graduated in architecture with I class honors in 1958 at Indian institute of technology, Kharagpur where he was a merit scholar throughout.
For more information on UC Jain and other legendary architects, visit us at www.archistudent.net
Interior design in India has come a long way. It has gained autonomy from Architecture and is no longer reduced to just decoration and furnishings. It sees space as a living environment, and is a holistic resolution of the socio-cultural, emotional and resource conditions of the context it represents.
In this report, we have explored interior design trends in the context of modernization and Indian and global influences. Trends in India are many, given the diversity factor. Add to India’s rich and varied cultural heritage, the new wave of progressive development in both urban and rural areas, and diversity only deepens. In the past, each region had its own distinct characteristic elements. Although even today, places have their own design language, the ‘genius loci’ or the spirit of the place has undergone minor to massive changes. While some old features continue to exist, some others have reinvented themselves, while still others have merged with influences from other quarters, with the world becoming a much smaller place. Developments in technology have accelerated the change and recession has seen the birth of new trends in certain sectors. And in an era of green living, almost everything revolves around eco-friendliness.
Given the current day scenario, it is indeed difficult to fit all the trends signifying India into a few pages. In realizing that, we chose a path, where we scanned the most prominent trends in a few sectors namely, housing, retail, hospitality and corporate. These trends are more depictive of the Indian urban lifestyle, and of course, are not free from influences of rural elements. What we have done in compiling these trends is to give a bird’s eye view of interior design in the urban scenarios, some of which have a deep, yet new cultural significance and others that are highly relevant to fast-paced global India.
This trend study looks at 12 interior design trends across 4 sectors, Residential, Retail, Hospitality and Corporate, depicts them through 18 examples, peeps into the future and offers directional pointers as well.
Useful for designers, architects, developers, consultants, professionals in various sectors and ideators who are interested in this creative line of thinking.
Manit Rastogi is an architect based in India. He is one of the co-founders of the architectural firm Morphogenesis, which is known for its innovative and sustainable designs. The firm focuses on creating architecture that integrates environmental and social principles with cutting-edge design concepts.
Please note that there might have been developments or changes since my last update, so I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information on Manit Rastogi and his work.
a ppt presenting abt two different types of housing. these housing are completely contrast in their charaters when compared to its environmental characteristics and requirements.
[Asian Architecture] Vernacular as an Essence in Contemporary Design : A Stud...Patricia Kong
A report comparing the style of a vernacular architecture and modern architecture and how it is integrated in Ar. Choo Gim Wah's The Deck House to achieve the suitable thermal comfort.
2. A collaboration of five fresh graduates, Team Architects is a New Delhi-based design practice
that realises the importance of eco-friendly architecture in the world, and stresses on the
need of using natural materials for building.
TEAM ARCHITECTS, NEW DELHI
Indian Architect & Builder - Feb 2013 Indian Architect & Builder - Feb 2013
120
Why is it that the first thing that comes to mind when
thinking of mud construction is prejudice? Why is mud, as a
construction material, not considered modern? Is it really true that
mud is not as strong as concrete and steel? Are concrete and steel
perceived to be superior simply because they are results of modern
scientific and technological processes? Is this a problem with the
material itself or is this merely a problem of the modern mind?
The ‘Villa Ecologique’ in Nkok, Gabon by Team Architects restores
the traditionally used material, to its rightful status as a worthy
construction material that can be used to fashion durable
dwellings in the modern context. It is designed as a proposal to
construct residential projects for the Palm plantations and the SEZ
of Olam International in Gabon. The teachers of technique are the
traditional craftsmen and masons and the science is an unbroken
tradition in architecture, one that stretches over 4,000 years.
An Unbroken
Tradition
A perceptive realisation of a sustainable thought process, an intelligent
interaction between two continents and a homogeneous outcome of cross-cultural
ideas, the ‘Villa Ecologique’ in Nkok, Gabon by Team Architects propagates the
inherent way of life in the equatorial context with a wave of modern, comfortable
yet seemingly natural maturity.
Gabon, a small country on the west coast of Africa, is an
experience that transports one back to a time when Mother
Earth, and not humans, ruled the land. With an airstrip of
lethargic goats and dodging forest elephants, endless white-sand
beaches, primate-filled tropical rainforests, rolling savannahs
and meandering estuaries, its unpretentiousness resonates the
impression of an alternate world. Proud of their country’s vast
natural resources, the natives, have traditionally, carved their lives
from the forests; fishing, hunting, and farming to live in harmony
with its constituents.
Today, Gabon stands as an adolescent in its path towards
development. Though cities are somewhat rife and government
buildings constructed with cement, the architecture of its villages
expresses an ingenuous story. The lifestyle, here, is rather
impermanent and so are the structures.
interventions 121
Text: Shalmali Wagle | Images & Drawings: courtesy Digvijay Singh, Abhishek Behera
“We believe that mud construction could be the winning solution
for the success of this nation. It would be a revolutionary
developmental plan that would attract immense tourism
besides setting benchmarks. We think this is an opportunity of
development which can impact the city and thus the world.”
- Team Architects
The ‘Villa Ecologique’ propagates the inherent
way of life in the equatorial context.
The beauty and simplicity of an evolved and
sophisticated building technology.
3. 122 123
The Module
Mud - as in clay, gravel, sand, silt, soil, loam, dirt - is ubiquitous.
Civilisations, through time, have used it to create stable, warm
and comfortable structures. Observations made during the initial
site visits discovered the mud available on site, as an excellent
material in earth construction. The design employs the technique
of cob-construction to a 140sqm two-bedroom residence that
symbolises the nation’s pride in its abundant natural assets. Duly
respecting the surrounding setting, a humble entrance porch
looking towards the surrounding highlands, creates a transitory
zone between the inside and the outside, connecting the individual
module with the street. Owing to the local community-centred
culture, the dining area, where interactions occur over meals,
is planned as the nucleus of the house with the other spaces
surrounding it. Since circular cob walls are self-stabilised and
earthquake resistant, the individual spaces of the residence take
circular forms within the envelope. Bedrooms are located with
views towards the neighbouring pool which was initially created
as the mixing area for the cob-mixture. The earth walls act as
thermal mass and maintain a comfortable internal environment
regardless of the harsh direct equatorial sun. While an internal
bamboo partition wall between the dining area and the kitchen
crafts an interesting play of visibility and shadows, the use of
coloured glass bottles as ventilators allow stunning light effects
inside the house.
If there are two things precious to a Gabonese native, they
are ecology and community. Though Africa is considered as a
repository of natural resources in the present day, owing to the
current scenario of global energy crisis, it shoulders a significant
responsibility of protecting and conserving its resources
judiciously. The ‘Villa Ecologique’ combines the ideas of ecology
and community, inherent in the culture, developing a strategy
that is not only environment-friendly and cost-effective, but also
utilises local materials, techniques and skill of the community.
Developed as a prototype applicable to different situations, more
than a self-standing project itself, the mud-residence module
is envisioned to cater to the growing housing needs of Gabon,
initiating improvements in the standard of living and enhancing
the prospects of tourism.
Indian Architect & Builder - Feb 2013 Indian Architect & Builder - Feb 2013
Jali wall
for kitchen
Kitchen
8.9sqm.
LIVING
12.5sqm
Dining
15.2sqm
TOI.
4.1sqm
Shaft
TOILET
5.5sqm
BEDROOM
18.1sqm
BEDROOM
16.2sqm
ENTRANCE
PORCH
PLINTH AREA = 152.1sqm
FLOOR AREA = 87.2sqm (excluding entrance porch)
The internal bamboo partition wall between the
dining area and the kitchen.
The use of coloured glass bottles as ventilators.Plan of the Villa
A humble and unpretentious realisation of a
sustainable thought.
It restores mud to its rightful status as a
worthy construction material.
4. 124 125
The Construction
The cob-construction technique employed uses sand, clay and
straw. Mixed well, mud is applied to the foundation in continuing
layers; each layer adequately dry to support the next and the wall
tapered as it is built. The roof is built directly on to the walls, as
the walls themselves act as load bearing support structures. This
technique requires minimal investment or labour, and very little
environmental destruction while allowing for creative and organic
designs which blend into the surroundings. The resultant structure
is incredibly durable and unaffected by heavy rain. The Gabonese
culture is very community-centric and the construction embraces
the tactile involvement of the community members encouraging
the local people and their expertise about the material and
techniques; starting with intricate details of the mix, to laying and
finally, to building up the walls and the roof.
While the vast legacy of traditional and vernacular mud
construction has been commonly discussed, little attention has
been paid to the contemporary tradition of earth architecture.
Building with earth in the modern era, focusing particularly on
its advantages with respect to context, the project addresses
the misconceptions associated with mud construction. It rejects
the often assumed notions of its status as a component used in
poor rural construction or a fragile and ephemeral material, and
pervades both architecture and popular thought by embracing its
ecological and physical benefits. It questions the unnecessary
politics of building with earth, particularly in developing nations
where mud buildings are often thought of as pre-modern or
backward. The intervention in thought is humble and unpretentious,
showcasing the beauty and simplicity of need, of solution and
of one of mankind’s most evolved and sophisticated building
technologies.
FACT FILE:
Project : Villa Ecologique
Location : Nkok, Gabon
Architect : Team Architects
Design Team : Akshya Singhvi, Digvijay Singh,
Abhishek Behera, Shinjita Roy, Swati Sharma
Client : Olam International
Contractor : Gabon Locals (B.W.COM.BTP, SISSE)
Project Initiation : August 2012
Indian Architect & Builder - Feb 2013 Indian Architect & Builder - Feb 2013
The walls.
The openings.
The roof structure.
The roof.
The construction embraces the involvement of the
community encouraging their expertise about the
material and techniques.
The layout.
