Abstract:

Self-built housing is of critical importance in India as it is the principal source of housing supply in both urban and rural areas. Yet, this sub-sector of housing is often ignored and overlooked. Traditionally, this sector primarily utilizes construction techniques that have evolved over the course of hundreds of years in response to the local climatic conditions and availability of materials. This has resulted in techniques, material compositions and forms that are most resilient, adaptable and easily repairable within the local context. However, this local knowledge is now ignored in favour of more mass-produced industry-based construction technologies. That needs to change in this climate challenged world. CSE has taken this initiative to create this compendium solely focused on traditional construction material, technologies and skills in different climatic zones. This initiative spreads across 11 states including a deep dive assessment of technologies available in Odisha and West Bengal—the states which are most vulnerable to extreme weather events.