Laurie Baker was a British-Indian architect known for his pioneering low-cost and sustainable housing designs using locally available materials. Some of his notable projects include his home in Trivandrum called The Hamlet, built in 1969 avoiding cutting trees and reusing materials. He also designed the Centre for Development Studies in Trivandrum in 1971 with structures responding to the sloping terrain and preserving trees. His designs prioritized cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and vernacular styles.

1. LAURIE BAKER
BY: PRATEEK MALAKAR

2. ABOUT
• 2nd March 1917- 1st April 2007
• Laurence Wilfred baker (Laurie
baker), renowned British-born
Indian architect and
humanitarian.
• Arrived in India in 1945.
• In 1990, awarded with the Padma
Shri.
• Pioneering work into earthquake
and tsunami proof housing.
• Anti-façade-ism.
• He plays with spaces, light and
shadows, creating comfortable
spaces.

3. PHILOSOPHY
• Cost-effectiveness
• Use of locally available materials
• Respect for nature
• Avoidance of energy-intensive
materials
• Wastage minimization to create
low-cost, beautiful, high quality
buildings
• Eco-friendliness and sustainable
architecture
• Local indigenous method.

4. “I suppose it took many years before I really understood and
wholeheartedly believed that wherever I went I saw, in the local
indigenous style of architecture, the results of thousands of years of
research on how to use only immediately-available, local materials to
make structurally stable buildings that could cope with the local climatic
conditions, with the local geography and topography, with all the hazards
of nature (whether mineral, vegetable, insect, bird or animal), with the
possible hostility of neighbours, and that could accommodate all the
requirements of local religious, social and cultural patterns of living”.

5. PRINCIPLES
• Only accept a reasonable brief and one which you think you are
capable of carrying through.
• Discourage extravagance & snobbery and don’t take on a job which is
either.
• Always study your site-re soil, topography, water climate & neighbours
(noisy temples, smelly factories, etc.)
• See potential services – water, drainage, access, power, fuel, phone,
etc. If not possible or available, what will you do?
• You, yourself, get accurate details of the site, with in-situ facts such as
trees, rocks, a well, wind & rain directions.
• Every building should be unique. No two people, or families etc. are
alike, so why should their homes all be the same?

6. PRINCIPLES
• Study & know local materials – their availability, performance, costs,
techniques & workmen who know how to use them.
• Study & know energy used in the manufacture & transport of
materials, avoiding using energy intensive materials where possible.
• Building codes are advisory & not mandatory! Read the first chapters
of our National Building Code!
• Don’t rob national resources & do not use them extravagantly or
unnecessarily
• Be honest & truthful in design & material usage, construction, costs, &
about your own mistakes!
• Avoid opulence & ‘showing off’, & don’t use currently fashionable
gimmicks
• Get your conscience out of deep freeze & use it. Let all you do be
honest & truthful – not only yr buildings.

7. PRINCIPLES
• Look closely at your own prejudices. Question them and see if they are
still justifiable.
• Have faith in your own convictions & have courage to stick to them –
but respect those of other people.
• Make cost-efficiency your way of life – not merely “Low Cost for the
Poor”. Practice what you preach.
• Keep your information & knowledge ‘up-to-date’, but make sure the
latest ‘fashions’ are better than established ways before changing.
• Don’t do that which is not necessary. Explain this to your clients when
you think their demands etc. are NOT necessary
• Above all use common sense (I think you had better not ask me what
‘common sense’ is!) & HAVE FUN in designing.
• TRIM your drawings, staff, equipment, travel & transport, paper &
expenses

8. THE HAMLET
TRIVANDRUM
1969
• https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6088/6029922341_8156ee89bd_b.jpg

9. • Baker’s home in
Trivandrum.
• Built on the slope of a
rocky hill
• Never cut trees instead
adapted his design
accordingly.
• Used material from
other demolished
structures.
• Wood planks from an old
boat jetty.
http://el.doccentre.info/eldoc1/setdev/Laurie-Baker-Hamlet-15.JPG

10. http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/6029918853_b484bed2c9.jpg
• Steps directly cut in rock
• Louvered window typical of
baker’s type
• Stained glass effect
• Water tank for storing rain
harvested water

11. • Use of
natural
light.
• Built-in
furniture
(used as
seats, beds
and tables)
https://nayeemasif.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/the-hamlet-13.jpg

12. • Murals made out of stone,
waste ceramics or bottles.
• A calling bell for visitors.
http://el.doccentre.info/eldoc1/setdev/Laurie-Baker-Hamlet-26.JPG http://el.doccentre.info/eldoc1/setdev/Laurie-Baker-Hamlet-22.JPG

13. https://nayeemasif.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/the-hamlet-12.jpg
• Arches
• Pitched roof
made of
Mangalore
tiles

14. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6SBviae1JUo/R31BRTBKDvI/AAAAAAAABCc/nUruOfBSkgA/s400/13.jpg
• Inner courtyard
• Courtyard has many gardens
and ponds
• Simple yet beautiful cost
effective windows
• Grill made of bits and pieces
http://el.doccentre.info/eldoc1/setdev/Laurie-Baker-Hamlet-13.JPG

15. http://el.doccentre.info/eldoc1/setdev/Laurie-Baker-Hamlet-2.JPG
• Gables for
proper air
circulation
and
ventilation

16. CENTRE FOR
DEVELOPME
NT STUDIES
TRIVANDRUM
1971
https://thiruvananthapuramupdates.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/10tvep_laurie_baker_804664f.jpg?w=640

17. • Design responding to
the sloping contoured
site.
• Trees are not disturbed.
• Baker often gave
freedom to the masons
and the workers to
experiment and play
and bring out their
creativity.
https://www.google.co.in/maps/@8.5292253,76.9194743,109m/data=!3m1!1e3

18. • The structures are
more circular and
curvy than flat and
straight.
https://nayeemasif.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/womens-hostel-2.jpghttps://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlBhIZnHaBs/TdH1GtfPmFI/AAAAAAAAAbc/wD31QON84LI/s400/DSCI0040.JPG

19. • Exposed brick
walls in beautiful
patterns and
bonds.
• Exposed
concrete sloping
roofs with filler
slabs of
Mangalore tiles

20. • The main
administrative
building is the
focus of the
campus.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZAF6VSK8XI/TdHzWQsXZaI/AAAAAAAAAak/N_AAxmTDdso/s640/DSC00432.JPG

21. https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-epCIB3YSNtU/TdHzZFHOZmI/AAAAAAAAAao/OHvFdqyMNkE/s640/DSC00433.JPG
• The main entrance
is majestic.

22. https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DC5x1_miR4w/TdHzq7RYu9I/AAAAAAAAAa0/QxGb4JO4Osg/s640/DSC00501.JPG
• Circular 6 story library tower.
• External jaali wall allows plenty
of diffused natural light inside.
• Circular staircase in the centre.

23. https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s81jg3nTn4A/TdH0ejxieYI/AAAAAAAAAbM/6W2EvBRcQ6E/s400/DSC00468.JPG
• Circular shaft at centre
from bottom till top to
provide forced
ventilation inside the
spaces.
• Small openings in this
shaft at each floor level.

24. • External pavements are of concrete,
inset with granite aggregates in the
shape of flowers and leafs.
• Little courtyards in between buildings.
• Water pools
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90abFtVYayA/TdH0UasuV8I/AAAAAAAAAa8/ZX3LuO5ePR0/s400/DSC00181.jpg

25. • Roofs has openings
at certain location.
• Interpretation of the
gables which were
tilted into the wind
direction funnelling it
into the space.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VTEmZlZpBI/TdH1CQM1OnI/AAAAAAAAAbY/c0wdwdKnEXk/s400/DSCI0034.JPG

26. • False
external
jaali screen
wall is used
To keep the
computer
building
cool.
• Climatically
efficient,
even fans
are not
required.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ce/e7/5a/cee75ab8f7824ec9634ac80232145c6f.jpg

27. http://www.bloncampus.com/multimedia/dynamic/02458/CDS-1_2458184g.jpg
• Plinths are of exposed
random rubble granite.
• Lime mortar for walls.
• Conversation places like
amphitheatre, where
cultural events are
occasionally held, and
the shamiana, a venue
for special lunches,
dinners and high teas.

28. https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgCx3766JUc/TdHzk-WGhmI/AAAAAAAAAas/fmmmP-20GMo/s640/DSC00171.jpg
• Flooring is of red
oxide imparting a
cool comfortable
base while
complementing
the earthy
materials of the
walls and the
roof.

29. LOYOLA
CHAPEL &
AUDITORI
UM
TRIVANDRUM,1
971
https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6139/6030558002_7273413992_b.jpg

30. • Greatest challenge-required a
seating capacity of one thousand.
• Need to increase the lateral
strength of the high brick wall,
without the introduction of any
steel or concrete
• Baker devised a wide cavity
double-wall with cross-
bracing brick.
https://zeenathshakir.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/lch-1.jpg?w=372&h=493

31. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/14/dc/7f/14dc7f4ecf7685fac17e958d3a2cdbf2.jpg
• Exposed brick
masonry with
jalis, steel trusses
and roofing
sheets.
• The auditorium
space is lit from
both the sides
with unique brick-
jalis.

32. • Interesting section
that combines
chapel on one side
and auditorium on
the other side.
• The chapel space
is lit with indirect
light from above
giving it an almost
a spiritual
existence.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/43/35/f8/4335f806ce3303e38c25d64fee6c742c.jpg

33. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ba/01/79/ba01797f9d2bee51072c86e277e73b32.jpghttps://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6197/6030014177_7354546e33_b.jpg

34. FISHERMAN’S
VILLAGE
POONTHURA 1974

35. CHALLENGES
• Severity of environment in which the tribe's live.
• Limitation of resources
• Conventional architects stayed away from these projects
• Dealing with large insular groups, with set ideas and traditions.
• Dealing with cyclones

36. https://thearchiblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/slide625.jpg
• Exposed brickwork and
structure
• Sloped concrete roof
• Openness in design
and individual units
offset each other
• Continuous latticework

37. Dealing With
Cyclones:
• Low sloped
roofs and
courts serve as
wind catchers
• Open walls
function to
dispel it
• Fronting courts
catch the
breeze and also
get view of sea
• Long row of
housing
replaced by
https://thearchiblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/slide625.jpg

38. • Little private
rectangle of
land in
between
houses for
drying nets ,
kids play.
• sleeping lofts
within and
adequate
space outside
for mending
nets and
cleaning and
drying fish
https://thearchiblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/slide6110.jpg

39. INDIA COFFEE
HOUSE
TRIVANDRUM
1974

40. • Small plot in core of the busy
urban area.
• The curved brick walls,
encloses more area for the
same amount of building
material than straight walls.
• The kitchen is placed on the
ground floor and has a
separate service entrance.

41. • Signature-
perforated screen
for natural light
and air ventilation
• ergonomically
designed simple
and comfortable
furniture
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgL0o2rfHSQ/TwbMGUemq_I/AAAAAAAAA-8/XO5G53OB3Is/s1600/5.JPG

42. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4r6vEYNgsd4/TwbMmImZnAI/AAAAAAAAA_U/Lfu1OeWL30Q/s1600/8.JPG
• Built in table and
seats/ benches
arranged on
continuous horizontal
platforms.
• Incrementally rising in
height along with the
slope of the spiral.
• Provides maximum
seating space in
proportion to small
plot area.

43. https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6134/6015323920_82b7f1513a_b.jpg
• Circular service core in the
centre, which consists of 2
concentric circles.
• The inner smaller circular core
is a narrow vertical shaft open
on the top, with openings at
different levels for ventilation.
• Around this circular core are the
service areas, especially the
toilets & hand wash

44. COST REDUCING TECHNIQUES

45. • Reducing the
unnecessary cost of a
window with a shutter.
• Using ‘jali’ in walls for
proper cross
ventilation, enough sun
light etc.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7tB79IR_qrQ/R9IULln0cTI/AAAAAAAADGU/_rIOynYxYbM/s400/Picture23.jpg

46. • Corbelling instead of a
lintel above the frame,
this reduces the cost of
the R.C.C lintel.
• http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7tB79IR_qrQ/R9IT_1n0cQI/AAAAAAAADF8/ryi5RKDUy_8/s400/Picture20.jpg

47. • less number of bricks to
make a wall of same
thickness and providing
cavities in between
• Lime is very much cheaper
than cement
• when combined with sand
and surkhi a plaster and
mortar made is every bit
as satisfactory as cement
mortar http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7tB79IR_qrQ/R9IULln0cSI/AAAAAAAADGM/dNaBcxcaxTI/s400/Picture22.jpg

48. • http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAj7AXnxiRY/Tny-xN1sYBI/AAAAAAAAAss/LlnsmG6y6B4/s1600/terracotta_pots.jpg
http://www.istudioarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC01505-1.jpg
https://sathyaconsultants.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/aug6.jpg
• Filler slab saves around 30% of material.

49. For more cost reducing techniques refer to:
A MANUAL OF COST CUTS FOR STRONG ACCEPTABLE
HOUSING
By Laurie Baker

50. REFERNCES
• Deshmukh, O. (2008, March 7). Ar. Laurie Baker[web log post]. Retrieved from
http://concept-architecture.blogspot.in/2008/03/ar-laurie-baker.html
• Kulkarni, S. (2008, October). Hamlet, Residence of the legendary architect, Laurie
Baker. Retrieved from Centre For Education and Documentation webpage:
http://el.doccentre.info/eldoc1/setdev/081001zzz6B.html
• Laurie Baker’s unique masterpieces at Thiruvananthapuram[web log post]. (2012,
January 9). Retrieved from
https://thiruvananthapuramupdates.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/laurie-bakers-
unique-masterpieces-at- thiruvananthapuram/
• Shakir, Z. (2015, January 6). Loyola chapel & auditorium[web log post]. Retrieved from
https://zeenathshakir.wordpress.com/2015/01/06/loyola-chapel-auditorium/
• Sreekanth, P. S. (2011,January 9). Laurie Baker – The hamlet[web log post]. Retrieved
from https://thearchiblog.wordpress.com/2011/01/09/laurie-baker-the-
hamlet/
• Sreekanth, P. S. (2011, January 9). Laurie Baker – Fishermen’s village[web log post].
Retrieved from https://thearchiblog.wordpress.com/2011/01/09/laurie-baker-
fishermen%E2%80%99s-village/

51. REFERNCES
• Sujith, G. S. (2011, May 17). Laurie Baker's centre for development studies (cds),
Trivandrum[web log post]. Retrieved from
http://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2011/05/laurie-bakers-centre-for-
development.html
• The indian coffee house, Kerala. (2016,March). Retrieved from
http://www.spaenvis.nic.in/index2.aspx?slid=2272&sublinkid=1363&langid=1&
mid=6