Climate Responsive Earthen Architecture of Chigule

Abstract

Vernacular Architecture of many settlements in India uses locally developed mud-based construction techniques for their housing needs which apart from being sustainable are climate responsive. The unique local earthen construction techniques of village Chigule have evolved over a period of time. The planning, earthen construction techniques, spatial organisation, use of local economic and sustainable materials for houses exhibit an eco-sensitive, well-evolved response to climatic and social concerns. This study attempts to document and understand this settlement for its age-old techniques of climate responsive earthen architecture, which unless preserved and conserved may be lost forever.