Vernacular architecture refers to the traditional and local style of building construction that is indigenous to a particular place, culture, and climate. It is a type of architecture that is typically designed and built by the people who will occupy the buildings, rather than by professional architects.
Vernacular architecture is often characterized by using local materials, simple construction techniques, and emphasizing functionality over form. The design of vernacular buildings is often based on the local climate, available materials, and cultural practices, resulting in buildings that are well-suited to their environment and context.
Examples of vernacular architecture include traditional houses, barns, and other agricultural buildings, as well as urban dwellings and commercial buildings. Vernacular architecture can be found worldwide, from the mud-brick houses of Africa to the wooden homes of Scandinavia, and from the adobe buildings of the Southwest United States to the stilt houses of Southeast Asia.
Vernacular architecture in India is a rich and diverse field, shaped by the country’s diverse climate, topography, and cultural traditions. India has a long history of traditional building practices that have evolved over time, with each region having its unique style of vernacular architecture.
One of the most well-known examples of Indian vernacular architecture is the archetypal courtyard houses, which are found in many parts of the country. These houses are typically built around a central courtyard, with rooms arranged around it. They are designed to provide protection from the harsh sun, wind, and rain, while also promoting social interaction and privacy.
Another example of Indian vernacular architecture is the chhatri, a small pavilion or canopy often used as a resting place or shelter from the sun. These structures are typically built on pillars or columns, with a domed or pyramidal roof, and are found in many parts of the country, particularly in Rajasthan.
The stepwell, also known as baori or vav, is another type of vernacular architecture found in India. These elaborate structures were designed to provide access to water in regions where water is scarce or the groundwater is deep. They feature a series of steps leading down to a well, with intricate carvings and ornamentation on the walls.
Other examples of Indian vernacular architecture include the traditional wooden houses of Kerala, the havelis of Rajasthan, and the stilt houses of the Northeastern states. These structures are all unique to their respective regions and reflect the rich cultural heritage of India.
The following are the most iconic contemporary Vernacular architectural building examples in India:
One of the most talked about projects of recent years has been the Rajkumari Rajnavati Girl’s School in Jaisalmer for its brilliant use of local materials. Designed by US-based firm, Diana Kellog Architects, the school has become an architectural marvel regarding space for economically challenged, geographically remote, and marginalized communities worldwide.
The building is in an oval form with a courtyard in the center and the classes in the periphery. The entire structure is made of locally sourced sandstone and used monolithically.
Designed by Ahmedabad-based studio d6thD, the Aranya Farmstay Resort at Sasan Gir explores its vernacular contexts. d6thD specializes in vernacular architectural practice and has created this hospitality setting in the rural area of Sasan Gir.
An NRI couple who was really proud of their culture wanted to design a contemporary house, keeping traditional values and architecture intact. The Affinity house is situated in Kerala in a private enclave, showcasing contemporary styling along with traditional architectural elements and materials.
Kondan Retreat Resort is situated near Pune’s hillsides where the context was vital for the building design. Interestingly, much of the building materials were sourced from the site itself. From a vernacular perspective, the design resonated with its local usage of materials and style of heritage architecture.
The Muziris Pavilion is one of the most amazing examples of Vernacular architecture and its modern interpretation in India. The pavilion is a performance space that is semi-covered with bamboo and wooden structure. Bamboo has been an important material for this terrain as it is durable, sturdy, and sustainable.
The apple farm stay is a 100-year-old heritage site refurbished into a unique Airbnb. Interestingly, the home is revived in a way that retains its vernacular Kath Kuni architecture. Situated in the Northern part of India, this house is a popular place for a staycation in that particular region.
Forest Essentials is an Indian modern skincare company that basis on Ayurveda. The Lodsi community project, designed by Morphogenesis explores the vernacular architecture of the Himalayan foothills. The local design style influenced Morphogenesis to implement ancient construction techniques to build this contemporary production facility.
Due to difficulty in resources, the firm decided to achieve net-zero and energy-efficient building design.
Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa is one of the most luxurious vernacular architecture examples in India. The designers consciously studied the context and implemented vernacular elements in the making of it. The entire layout follows the hilly site in the form of a darbargadh; a combination of fortress, palace, and temple.
Situated in the state of Odisha, Krushi Bhavan is a government facility for Odisha’s agriculture and farmers’ empowerment. The state is the third largest contributor to India’s grain supply, hence the facility needed to reflect that through its architecture. The designers adapted the vernacular architectural elements that beautifully showcase the traditional facade design of the building.
India has a varied series of architectural styles from North to South and East to West. Which one did you like the best in terms of the vernacular style adaptation in a contemporary way?
This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]
An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]
The design of the house prioritises connectivity to nature by incorporating green elements like vertical gardens or landscaped courtyards. This is achieved through various means, such as large windows framing scenic views, outdoor living spaces seamlessly merging with the surrounding landscape. The emphasis on connectivity to nature creates a serene and harmonious environment, fostering a […]
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. Editor’s Note: “Viraam is not just a house, it’s a pause. A place to […]
The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]
This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]