Layers

Project name:
Relocation of banni pancham
Client name:
Kutch mahila Vikas Sangathan
Location:
Bhuj
Architect:
HSF studio
Team:
Hemant Dudhaiya
Project duration:
2 years

This project helped 1456 nomadic and Meghwal families build their homes. The traditional Bhungas (circular rooms) on extended plinths was adapted to incorporate stabilized earth blocks and rammed earth walls and tiled roofs with the involvement of master artisans of their community. The design evolved after discussions with the master masons of the region who explained why very few Bhungas were destroyed by the earthquake. The circular form develops an arch action when the earth shakes sideways. Some claim that this form was introduced by the pastoralists after the 1819 earthquake. The Meghwal master artisans worked with Hunnarshala to adapt the conical thatch roof to the octagonal tiled roof. Hunnarshala worked with Dr Arya (dynamic engineering expert) to develop the earth walling guidelines and structural stability of the Bhunga. Hunnarshala also developed the cyclone hooks for tiles with BGS Germany. The Meghwal women worked with Hunnarshala to develop stabilized earth paints for decorating the Bhungas.

The rammed earth walls were developed as a response to the lack of sufficient masons after the earthquake. The architects helped each family place the Bhungas on their plinths in relation with the rest of the structures. Hunnarshala helped develop the management plan and train the young boys and women of the women’s collectives to implement the project. They also provided the quality control audit for the program. The project has been nominated and short listed for site visit for the prestigious Aga Khan Award. The project helped revive the earthquake resistant ‘Bhunga’ and a sense of pride in the community in their unique architecture.

Current Projects

This residential project was designed by Mr Dhaval Mistry and Vishal Mehta. Their awareness about the benefits of the rammed earth wall construction inspired them to use the same in their construction. The artisans...

Case Study

Setu is an NGO which works with community empowerment. The NGO’s main office building was designed and constructed by Hunnarshala. Being a promoter for alternative construction techniques the office was constructed with a combination of CSEB & rammed earth walls by Hunnarshala with the help of trained artisans.

The Hunnarshala campus building was completely an evolving structure itself. It was designed with a sole reason to demonstrate all the alternative ...

Khamir is an NGO which works to strengthen and promote the rich artisanal traditions of Kutch district. They envision to create a democratic and empowering space – a common roof under which a range of stakeholders ....

FES is an organization committed to strengthening, reviving or restoring, where necessary, the process of ecological succession and the conservation ...

In 2013, Chief Minister of Gujarat planned to celebrate the Gujarat day in Navsari in southern part of Gujarat. The place is best known for the salt march ...

Karigar shala is a training facility center developed under the guidance of Hunnarshala in Bhuj where they educate, promote...

M.B.Farm house is a residential project in Ahmedabad. The project was designed by Mr. Sanjay Punjabi. Different sizes & thickness of rammed earth ...

This residential project was designed by Mr Dhaval Mistry and Vishal Mehta. Their awareness about the benefits of the rammed earth wall ...

Sardar Nagar is a relocation site developed for the earthquake affected poor families of Bhuj city. Hunnarshala developed the master plan for the 21 acre site and ...

Our Associations

HUNNARSHALA is engaged in developing
technical guidelines for traditional
more>>

Span is a proprietor firm which
designs and constructs space frame systems
more>>

“Woodgrain- a hand joinery unit”
is a proprietor firm based in Bhuj-Kutch.
more>>

Mathachhaj is a partnership firm
which produces and installs thatch roofs
more>>

Please wait