UNIQUE CONSTRUCTION OF KASHMIR HOUSES

INTRODUCTION
Kashmir is the most coldest place lies at an higher altitude has a
different landscape and topography. Unpredictable natural disasters
like earthquake, flood, snowfall etc. brings an isolated kind of house
form and settlement in Kashmir.

The style of design and method of construction of the houses in

Kashmir are built on the condition of climate and environment.
Besides, It is based on the works of Kashmiri art, engineering design
and techniques. A particular way of life and building developed from
this isolation maximizes the use of local resources.

The study here is for the better understanding of unique architecture

of Kashmir, and for better understanding of traditional structures
and construction techniques to the resistance of natural disasters.
simultaneously a study on traditional rural houses (gujjar or
bakerwals houses) of Kashmir with reference to the natural
resources available.
CHAPTER 2- GENERAL BACKGROUND OF ARCHITECTURE

2.1. NARRATIVES OF PLACES

The most notable places in Kashmir are Srinagar, Pahalgam,

Gulmurg, Sonmarg etc. It is the northernmost geographical region
and popularly known as ”Paradise on Earth” and is famous for its
hillsides, excellent water bodies, rich culture, Mughal gardens,
Shikaras, House boats, Handloom Industry. Kashmir valley is
bounded on the southwest by the Pir Panjal range and on the
northeast by the Himalayas range. There are mainly four seasons in
Kashmir; autumn, winter, spring and summer.

2.2. WEATHER CONDITION

Kashmir is one of the few states of the country whose climate can be
distinctively categorized into four main seasons of Winter(Dec-feb),
autumn(sep-nov), summer(may-aug) and spring(mar-apr).

When compared with other parts of India, Kashmir valley enjoys a

moderate climate but whether conditions are unpredictable. The
recorded higher temperature is 33 °c and lower -18 °c.
2.3. VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF KASHMIR
Vernacular architecture is a category based on local needs,
availability of construction materials and reflecting local traditions.
There are some factors which influence vernacular architecture.

 Climate
 Effect of culture on architecture
 Materials used

2.3.1. Climate
Season: the material will remain cold in summer and hot in
winter.

Rainfall: slanting roof and construction dwelling on slits in areas

with high level of rainfall.

Winds: orientation of building such that they have minimal area

to the direction of prevailing wind.

2.3.2. Effect of culture on architecture

Effect of culture on vernacular architecture is related to various
factors like size of the family, the way which people interact,
local customs and beliefs. And also using of traditional building
materials to resist from severe cold and natural disaster.

2.3.3. Materials
Material used will depend upon the physical condition of that
area. The area prone to earthquake would have different
architecture than the one with floods. Vernacular architecture is
sustainable and doesn’t exhaust local resources. Availability of
forest implies high preference to wood for construction
purposes. And mud or stone otherwise.
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE IN KASHMIR
Vernacular architecture in general refers to the informal
building structures made by local builders through traditional
building methods without using the service of a professional
architect. Winter cold is the most common natural factor
governing architecture in Kashmir. The vernacular Kashmir
houses survived several earthquakes, that have damaged
many newer buildings that have been designed using modern
construction methods. There are mainly two traditional
construction systems in Kashmir. Which are ‘Taq’ and the
‘Dajji Dewar’. In both cases the houses are multi storeyed.
There also exists a single storeyed, which is less refined in its
making, the ‘Gujjar house’.
Winter cold is the most common natural factor governing
architecture in Kashmir. Thick walls of stone and brick with
mud plaster and thick mud-timber roof gives good protection
against extreme cold. The thinner, slope roof made of wood
and CGI sheets in addition with attic floor provides livable
condition inside the house in summer and winter. The steep
pitch of the light roof permits snow accumulation and