Traditional Building Knowledge in Indian Lime and Earthen Plasters

Abstract

India's traditional building systems and knowledge involving natural materials provide fine examples of low-carbon, place-adaptive architectural solutions as well as embodying simplicity and holistic sustainability. They utilize locally available materials prepared and applied so as to build structures and dwellings that are resilient to climate conditions and able to provide comfort and livability. Culturally, this knowledge is transferred orally from generation to generation and continuously recreated. Unfortunately these knowledge systems and practices have become endangered owing to a rupture in their continuity for reasons such as a preference for and incentivization of easier conventional solutions like cement and steel. With a focus on natural plasters used traditionally, this paper highlights some of these diverse plasters along with their natural additives.