In the Indian context, the culture, art, and local lifestyle have shaped the architectural heritage for centuries with an understanding of regional climate and materials. Vernacular houses are the center of Indian heritage, an architectural design style that embodies the ingenuity and sustainability of traditional Indian houses. Vernacular houses are built with local materials, traditional techniques, and local labour that reflect the cultural ethos of their region and offer modern solutions to climate change and resource conservation.
Vernacular architecture refers to the structures that are designed functionally with local materials and techniques for a specific region. This design approach has led ot the development of architectural strategies specifically designed to cater local surroundings, environment, and culture. Unlike modern designs that often rely on industrial materials and techniques, vernacular homes are deeply rooted in the natural world, utilizing resources that are abundant and sustainable.
Rajasthan: In the arid regions of Rajasthan, the havelies are the prominent architectural structure constructed from locally sourced sandstone, featuring intricately with jharokhas, overhangs, and courtyards that foster connection and provide natural ventilation. The layout of small spaces, thick walls, and design considering climate helps to maintain a cool interior despite the desert’s heat.
Gujarat: The famous circular mud houses called ‘Bhunga’ found in Kutch withstand the region’s extreme weather conditions. It is handcrafted with mud, bamboo, and cow dung with conical thatch roofs and small ventilation openings. The circular design ensures structural stability during earthquakes and cyclones, showcasing an intuitive understanding of natural forces.
Kerala: The Nalukettu is a traditional home described by a central courtyard surrounded by four wings. Built using timber and terracotta tiles, these houses are designed to maintain cross-ventilation and thermal comfort. Moreover, the sloping roofs are perfect for the heavy monsoon rains, allowing water to drain off efficiently.
Nagaland: Bamboo is a local and sustainable material easily available in the northeastern regions of India. The bamboo being lightweight and strong, the houses are designed on stilts to protect against flooding and pests. The flexibility of bamboo allows these homes to sway with seismic activity while providing resistance to earthquakes.
Vernacular houses are built to serve the local climate, materials, culture, and lifestyles. Their objective is to provide climate-adaptive, affordable, and sustainable protection using locally available resources. They reflect the practices and social values of a neighbourhood, support daily living requirements, and are effortless to build and maintain using definitive knowledge. Moreover, these homes encourage environmental balance and help strengthen community connections.
Designed to merge with the local context, the historic surroundings of Akkalkot in Maharashtra set the backdrop for an 825 sq. ft residence (25×33 ft plot) inspired by traditional courtyard houses. The house is an attempt to revive childhood memories of clients creating the essence of open-air living experienced in their ancestral home. Rooted in vernacular style, the house is built with exposed black basalt stone, brick, and refurbished teak, and a central courtyard brings in natural light and ventilation despite the compact plot and dense surroundings. Perforated brick screens, landscape blending inside and outside spaces, and liveable facades beat the region’s harsh 45–47°C summers. The material palette stays minimal – mirror-finished Kota stone floors, uncovered concrete ceilings, and teak details- specifying a tactile dialogue between memory, sustainability, as well as modern needs.
Rooted in vernacular traditions and inspired by Alain de Botton’s Architecture of Happiness, the design integrates cultural memory, emotional well-being, and climate-conscious construction to foster influential spatial experiences. Designed to align with the vastu principles, the studio opens into a central courtyard around the trees, growing the space into a transcendence. The architecture follows an L-shaped plan including three interconnected blocks—studio, residence, and multipurpose hall, all stitched together through a minimal, locally material palette of stone, brick, terracotta tiles, and repurposed components. Colored glass, recycled jaalis, and salvaged grinders (chakki) reimagined as steps echo creativity and deep respect for heritage. This inward-looking strategy blurs edges between interior and exterior, emphasizing passive cooling, screened sunlight, and more miniature, functional openings that enrich sustainability.
Nestled in Ahmedabad, this home, inspired by vernacular architecture, brings the rooted charm of Kerala’s traditional homes into modern design. The vintage aesthetics and modern spatial sensitivity reflect warmth, serenity, as well as cultural significance. Furthermore, crafted for a family, each bungalow in the society faces a shared central garden. It nurtures a community engagement while preserving individuality through distinct architectural details. A restful veranda-style patio, featuring a solid wood swing and Bharat tile flooring – a transitional space, complemented by cane hanging lights, sets a welcoming tone. Earthy tones dominate, with Yellow Jaisalmer stone, Bharat tiles, and handcrafted wooden furniture shaping a minimalist yet character-rich palette.
A thoughtfully framed single-story dwelling in Kochi incorporates traditional architectural values with modern aesthetics. It draws inspiration from the natural motion of water, reflecting it in both layout and material expression. The home integrates water channels around and through the structure, enhancing both the visual and sensory experience, especially during monsoons. The design reinterprets Kerala’s vernacular elements, like the padippura, verandahs, and courtyards while aligning them with vastu principles. Long corridors, rhythmic brick voids, and transitional spaces like the “thinnai”, now changed into a deck, bring out a modern character while staying rooted in heritage.
Rooted in the client’s lifestyle, the design catches the spirit of Kerala’s vernacular architecture while incorporating modern design sensibilities. The approach is modest, focusing on functionality, natural sunlight, and minimalism rather than ornamental decor. It’s an epitome of slow living, contextual architecture, and material honesty -crafted for comfort, culture, and connection.
Rapid urbanisation and a busy lifestyle have transformed the traditional building methods. The practice of vernacular architecture faces challenges in the modern era. This is due to the easy availability of industrial materials, a lack of skills and knowledge among the young generations. To sustain and nurture vernacular architecture, it is important to integrate traditional building methods into modern architectural practice. Documentation of standard designs, materials, and techniques can act as a practical resource for future eras. Moreover, Government initiatives can facilitate the adoption of vernacular principles in modern affordable housing projects.
Vernacular houses in India are more than just shelters. They are expressions of a culture’s history, values, and close-knit relationship with the environment. By embracing the principles of vernacular houses, we can build living spaces that are not only sustainable and energy-efficient but also profoundly connected to our cultural roots. As we face the challenges of climate change and resource shortage, looking to the past may provide the answers for a more sustainable and green future.
Content Writing and Research: Priyanshi Shah
Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, […]
The design of Habitat 0 begins with the central concept of a vacation home community organized around a circular form. This layout places individual spaces radially around a central circular courtyard, creating an environment where every space has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a deep […]
Nestled in the tranquil village of Thenipalam, Malappuram, Aman is a 2,800 sq. ft. residence, manifesting its Urdu namesake, meaning peace, sanctuary, and security. Designed by Vaktra Architects, this traditional Kerala home is a testament to simplicity, blending Kerala’s tropical ethos with contemporary elegance. This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance […]
Pranjali – The Doctor’s Bungalow is a peaceful and practical modern bungalow design located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The name Pranjali, meaning “a graceful offering” or “a gesture of respect,” reflects the spirit of this residence—a calm, humble, and thoughtful space created for a doctor couple seeking balance in their busy lives. The design goal […]
The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a […]
Screenwriter and director Megha Ramaswamy approached Fractal Chaos to design an organic home as a weekend retreat in Pasli Gaon, Velhe—a village about 150 km from Pune. The site is located between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, which gives it a unique ecology with 4 seasons. Drawn to the land by a bordering […]
Situated in the bustling residential neighbourhood of Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Dr. Lakshmi’s residence stands as a refined architectural response to a narrow 15.53 cent plot. The 4214.07 sq ft home is a seamless blend of modern traditional kerala house, with an Indonesian inspired grey white exterior that exudes sophistication. The design strategically employs linear planning, integrating […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]