Traditional Construction Process
Soil Testing
In traditional construction the soil plays a crucial role. Each type of land has unique soil characteristics, so understanding the soil's nature is essential. Soil testing helps determine the appropriate foundation design, plaster mixtures, and water absorption rates, ensuring that the construction is stable, durable, and suited to the specific site conditions. the design are material sourcing are other construction process should be done only after the soil testing.
Architecture Design
After analyzing the nature of the soil according to the land type the architecture process may undergo. here the planning and designs which include type of house, material sourcing for the construction according to the land type, design pattern for the construction which include rate of windows, area for courtyard, ventilation process, sewage collection, waste water harvesting , and etc..
Sourcing Materials
After the designs completes material sourcing is the most challenging process in the traditional construction. every part of the construction is made with traditional materials therefore finding the materials in this modern era is a huge task. Some may easily available some materials need to be outsource if needed. (E.g. rocks, solid Lime, Woods and etc..)
Foundation
In the construction process, the foundation is made with stone (which is in the above picture), a natural rock that provides tremendous strength. Stone skirting can help prevent moisture from entering the foundation, which can help avoid mold, rotting wood, or structural damage. In ancient times, temples were built with marble, granite, sandstone, limestone, conglomerate rocks, and stones.
To know more about how temples were built in the ancient periods Visit Here.
Wall Raise Up
The walls are constructed using red bricks, available in various sizes and shapes. These walls are built with a thickness of 1.5 feet, designed to bear the load of the building without additional beams or pillars. This thickness not only provides structural support but also acts as an effective thermal insulator, helping regulate the temperature within the building.The reason why the walls are thickness because the buildings are not having concrete pillars with cement and steel thats what the walls of the building carry the load of the entire building which makes the wall thickness.
Roof Construction
Madras Tiles Roof: Achieving a Flat Roof Without Concrete and Steel
To achieve a flat roof without concrete and steel, the Madras tiles roof method is the only proven traditional technique. The process begins by placing wooden beams across the top of the structure, spaced about 45 cm to 1 feet based on the building's dimensions.
The first layer of the roof is constructed by bricks called Achikal, which is 1”x3”x6" thin in size are used. these bricks that are placed by lying the bricks on one another with the help of lime plasters, on top of the wood starts from diagonally across the room width. From on the next day, for a 100-square-foot area, the soaked 60 grams of hog plum (Kadukkai) and 200 grams of palm jaggery in 40 liters of water for 48 hours is taken for spraying on the top of roof to enhances waterproofing and curing. this spraying continues for 10 to 15 days.
The Next layer is lime concrete which is the ratio of 1:2.5 where the mixture of lime and small broken bricks (Jolly) is placed on the top of the roof for upto 10 cm height. again the same curing process is undergo for utpo 20 to 25 days. after this then top layer is finished with lime plasters and teracotta tiles for the smooth terrace surface.
Plastering
Plastering is a technique involving the application of a thin layer of plaster to walls, ceilings, or partitions to enhance appearance and durability. In traditional construction, plastering is done using lime plastering, which consists of lime, sand, and water. For indoor plastering, elements like hog plum (kadukkai), palm jaggery, lime, egg whites, curd and water are used, while outdoor plastering involves lime mixing with sand.
Lime Plastering
Lime plastering involves two types of lime: hydraulic lime and shell lime.
Types of Lime
- Hydraulic Lime: Derived from underground limestone and can set in water.
- Shell Lime: Obtained from pearl oysters ("sirppi" in Tamil), rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
Image by
Jan Mallander
from
Pixabay
The Lime Processing
The Process of converting an inactive material into active material and placed where it fits and by placing the active material is again converting into inactive material. let us see how it exactly works.
The shell lime is not obtained in the form of ready to use it is in the form of strong solid material which is (CaCO3). this calcium carbonate undergoes heating process where (CO2) is get discharged. after the heating process we got Calcium Oxide (CaO) which is Quick Lime . this Quick Lime (CaO) mixed with water (H2O) is results in slaked lime [Ca(OH)2]. This slaked lime is the final material which is applied in the process of lime plastering.
This Slaked lime Ca(OH)2 has the nature of absorption of CO2 from the environment and gradually transforming back into calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This process strengthens the plaster over time, making it durable and contributing to a healthier indoor environment by absorbing CO2. this was the reason that in ancient periods our ancestors used this lime powder in the place of crowded areas like temples, mosque etc..and thus the buildings are known for breathable buildings. In ancient period the Ancestors of tamil people has said this science in simple ("Kaarai Muthunaa Pari").
You can Visit Here to know the detailed process by how the lime process.
Plastering Process with Slaked Lime
- Base Coat (Hard Layer): Slaked lime mixed with a solution of Terminalia chebula (Hog plum) (Kadukkai) and palm jaggery is applied as a base coat, about 6mm thick.
- Nice Coat (Second Layer): A second layer of finely ground slaked lime, approximately 2mm thick, creates a smooth surface and adds strength.
- Lime Milk Spraying (Third Layer): Lime milk, derived from the fermentation of slaked lime mixed with jaggery and Terminalia chebula, is sprayed to further harden and seal the surface.
- Repetition for Additional Layers: The second and third layers are repeated for a fourth and fifth layer, ensuring a strong surface.
- Egg Lime Coating (Final Layer): The final layer involves egg white in the ratio of 10sqft area:1 egg mixed with water filtered from curd and the paste of slaked lime,the purpose of adding the egg whites is to enhance strength and adding a natural shine.
- This egg lime coating is not only used in traditional construction,even modern construction also adding this dairy products to blend the paint with the casein and to enhance the Adhesiveness.
Windows and Courtyard
In modern construction, windows are typically square or rectangular and enclosed with steel and glass. Traditional construction features arch-shaped windows, enhancing airflow and natural ventilation. Windows, entry Doors, wherever the open area comes are built in the form of an arch this is due to carry the load from the upper wall, which will spread across evenly without the help of any steel or concrete beams.
courtyards in traditional homes serve multiple purposes, allowing natural light to brighten the home during the day and providing natural ventilation. This design improves comfort and reduces reliance on modern energy-consuming resources.
Rain Water Management
In traditional construction, Rainwater is collected in a separate well built during construction. These well are the examples later how the dams are made by our ancestors. When you drink well water, you avoid the harmful chemicals present in regular water and the fact that the water tastes great. well waters can also helps you in Aids in maintaining a healthy heart,Enhances brain function,Promotes healthy looking skin,Reduces muscle and joint inflammation. The collection of Rainwater can help reduce erosion in gardens and around downspouts.
For more information about wastewater management, visit here.
Waste Water Management
Modern construction often mixes all wastewater with sea or river water. In traditional construction, wastewater is collected in a separate tank built during construction. This wastewater undergoes aerobic reaction with bacteria, producing clear water for garden use and solid waste for fertilizers.
For more information about wastewater management, visit here.
Conclusion: Embracing Tradition in Modern Construction
In an era where modern construction often prioritizes speed and cost-efficiency, the time-honored methods of traditional construction remind us of the importance of sustainability, durability, and cultural heritage. Traditional homes not only enhance quality of life but can improve lifespan thanks to healthier environments. Unlike modern buildings that may last only 50 years, traditional structures with regular maintenance can endure for over 200 years, as seen in Karaikudi and Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu. Visit Here for more images.
By utilizing natural materials and techniques perfected over centuries, traditional construction offers superior thermal insulation, a healthier living environment, and a deep connection with the local environment and community. As environmental challenges increase, revisiting these ancient practices is becoming more relevant.
Integrating traditional methods with modern innovations can create buildings that are more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and rich in character. Revitalizing traditional construction practices is about building a sustainable future that honors our ancestors' wisdom while meeting contemporary needs.
