page_title: Kath kuni architecture
section_title: Advantages
hierarchical_section_title: Kath kuni architecture / Advantages
caption_attribution_description: English: Bijat Maharaj Temple-Sarain-Chaupal-Himachal Pradesh-India
context_page_description: Kath-Kuni is an indigenous construction technique prevalent in the isolated hills of northern India, especially in the region of Himachal Pradesh. In Uttarakhand, a similar architectural style is known as Koti Banal. It is a traditional technique that uses alternating layers of long thick wooden logs and stone masonry, held in place usually without using mortar. It has been transmitted orally and empirically from one generation to the next, through apprenticeships spanning a number of years. The technique was devised keeping the seismic activity, topography, environment, climate, native materials and cultural landscape in perspective. Most of the oldest temples, in the region, are built using this ancient system. This unique construction technique has led to the formation of a vernacular architectural prototype known as Kath-Kuni architecture.
context_section_description: Sustainable
  Materials locally available
  Suitable for seismic zones
  Insulates during extreme weather conditions
  Energy efficient
  Helps sustain the livelihood of people who are mostly farmers or craftsmen
  Employs local crafts and keeps the tradition alive
  Employs unskilled labour
caption: Himachal Pradesh, Temples
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