Kath Kuni: Restoring these majestic wood and stone buildings of Himachal Pradesh

Kath-Kuni is a popular type of natural building which uses locally available wood and stone as prime materials for construction. These humble looking abodes made of stone, mud and wood were popular in Himachal Pradesh.
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There were several reasons for its popularity: It is environmental friendly, kept the cold out, and can survive earthquakes due to its high tensile strength. 'Kath-Kuni' is made of two words - 'Kath' meaning 'wood' and 'Kuni' meaning 'corner'. While Kangra and Spiti regions abound in houses made of mud and stone, Kathkuni houses are native to this middle Himalayan belt which includes Kullu, Manali, Chamba, Shimla and some parts of Uttarakhand. Kath-Kuni is structurally different from conventional building methods. Instead of vertical columns, it is built on horizontal beams. Through 'criss cross' bracings, an entire wooden structure is constructed. Even the joineries are made of wood. The weight of tightly packed stones provides stability to the structure while the wooden beams provide flexibility. Slate tiles are used to lay the roof, their weight presses the entire structure downwards and adds further to its stability. At the time of an earthquake, a Kathkuni structure might shake, but is less likely to collapse. Rahul Bhushan, a 29 year old Himachali local and alumnus of CEPT is trying to bring back the glory of Kath Kuni structures. He runs an organisation called NORTH in Naggar, A small town in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. NORTH promotes local craftsmanship and preserves the ancient building traditions of the state. Himachalis have almost stopped building Kath kuni houses today. Unavailability of materials, high cost and lack experienced mistiris are the main reasons for its decline. But according to NORTH, The cost and time required for constructing Kath kuni houses can be reduced by replacing wood with other sustainable and cheap materials like bamboo and hempcrete. Kath Kuni architecture should be preserved and revived for an environmentally sustainable Himachal. If kath-kuni architecture and its artisans fade away into history, a deep knowledge of the mountains and how to live in them also disappear.

[@seeker9440]

This was such a delight to watch...I am glad that our coming generation are working on reviving our ingenious ancient technologies which were in consonance with mother earth ....It's high time we'd bring back those old technology which were both efficient n eco friendly... Kudos to the team of NORTH for their marvelous efforts... It will inspire many...

[@uspjehzvijezda4757]

We are the last generation here, dear brother soul. For 15 years in the future this old world will be no more.. Consider yourself to be a body-less soul, a star-like form of light and remember God Shiva in that same form and you will be able to return back home, to Nirvana, the soul world, the land of liberation as a pure soul. God has already come in India in that year 1936. and He will continue to teach us until that year 2036. or until the end Your own stage at the end will continue to repeat every 5000 years which is the duration of this drama cycle. So, this is very important for each and every soul to make full effort by staying in constant remembrance of Our Beloved Spiritual Father.

[@sohamkathalay2690]

What's the location of this place

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Naggar , 20 kms before manali, Himachal pradesh

[@johanspvarghese5376]

I am from Kerala and I did my internship at 'The North'. Ar.Rahul Bhushan is a man having a beautiful vision of making Himachal sustainable and to promote it's indigenous style. More power to you and the team North♥️

[@anitanair9492]

You please do something on the same lines in Kerala. 👍

[@deepblue3682]

@@anitanair9492 ഓലക്കുടിൽ, ഓടിട്ട വീട്, നാല് കെട്ട്, എട്ടു കെട്ട്...

[@madhusoodanprasad2248]

Kerala has a unique way of building houses too You can do this in your State

[@kavyakrishnakumar1599]

@@madhusoodanprasad2248 Yes. It's my dream to build a nalukettu.

[@Raaaadi33]

how to get internship in there

[@vijayalaxmitalewad645]

No school of this era can teach us this kind of knowledge ...thanks to our ancestors who incorporated so much common sense and knowledge in their learnings..so we should make sure current generations learn and pass on this to next .... great effort by this person...keep up this work and also train some more people ...we can show the glory of India to the world....

[@1992chinku]

IIM (Indian Institute of Management) Sirmaur's campus is going to be built completely basis this Kath-Kuni style of architecture. I think that's a commendable action taken to not only preserve the heritage architecting style of HP.

[@rahulbhushan7108]

That's a great news. But it's very important to really build it on environmental values and it's real principles. It can be mixed with modern materials but someone needs to give it a thought and innovative solution. There are a lot of building which don't have values but just the looks , it does no good. If I can be of any help or our centre NORTH we would love to be a part.

[@rahulbhushan7108]

It was a great experience. This surely gives us motivation to work even harder and dedicate to our homeland.

[@amansangar6043]

Wonderful watching it

[@ishitashah5085]

Beautiful and honest narration

[@erhabik]

Rahul, what you're doing is beyond great dude. Keep up the good work!

[@gurjotsingh8934]

We need more of this mindset! I've been working on this in Punjab but unfortunately no one supports and everyone is after the modernization and destroying traditional ecologies and architectures and its depressing. It's good to see this feels like a breath of fresh air.

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Indeed. Always be positive.

[@ss-ib8gm]

there is lot of show off culture now in punjab, look at navjyot singh cricket house with ill wealth

[@akashkumardigal656]

100 of years back they had technology to deal with earthquakes. Greetings from Odisha🙏🏾

[@gunjansharma7146]

Hats off to the young Architect and many congratulations on timely finding your purpose . Preserving heritage is no mean feat , the legacy shud pass on thru generations.

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thanks

[@khushboobansal3894]

Recently came back from Naggar after spending a week there. Hiked to a few villages and it was a delight to see Kathkuni homes. Thanks to NORTH team for working on preserving this knowledge. I hope more and more people in hospitality business adopt this style of building.

[@lisakasprzycki]

Just to be near the revival of sane and beautiful building practices... would be enough for me to feel enthusiasm to visit ... i wish ! I am happy to see this beautiful story. What a blessing. Long live Kath-Kuni ! 🌿🙏🏼✨

[@jessemurphy8871]

Canadian here, those are some beautiful homes.

[@ritaranee4787]

Here in NE India it's not ideal because of heavy rains .... Now it's a concrete jungle

[@rahulbhushan7108]

@@ritaranee4787 bamboo

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Yes indeed beautiful homes

[@chiragsharma5050]

Please make a travel plan for himachal pradesh india beautiful state

[@grace22267]

He is a blessing for not just Himachal, but for India :)

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thank you

[@shefalisharma9422]

What you are doing is genuinely good for the sustainability of the environment which is conducive to earthquakes .. bringing awareness will enable people to take positive steps towards remodelling the habitat in its original form for better and safer living.It has all the eco friendly advantages like for example, how to keep the feet warm whilst walking indoors.. and utilisation of traditional materials as well as innovation of new ones with further research. This will also help architects from all over the world to learn about kath kuni. I am definitely inspired to spread this information specially about the training centre.

[@mohitgarg2814]

Had tears watching this...as a student of sustainable architecture.

[@seemamulla2196]

Beautiful, eco friendly shelters.. Wanna visit Himachal Pradesh... Salute to the architect who took time in reviving the traditional architecture and not running behind some stupid buildings.. Love and prayers from Karnataka...🙏🙏

[@shaelsharma8468]

You only want to visit himachal through google maps only 🤣😂😂

[@seemamulla2196]

@@shaelsharma8468 😂😂

[@rgovinda8031]

Love from Delhi ❤️❤️❤️❤️😊

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thanks.

[@mukundgaikwad]

This is Awesome love the thought behind the Kath-Kuni house.

[@karanchopra8811]

I distinctly remembered the style from the hadimba temple. It’s beautiful

[@SanjayRam-cr2bq]

A down to earth wise man.... Great work... Wishes and Prayers...

[@bhirdassvlogshimachal6382]

Excellent 👌👌👌 very nice sharing 🙏🙏

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thanks. Bhir dass... 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Jigyanshoo]

Thank you all for preserving our rich heritage.

[@bhanuthakur3692]

Wowww such a great initiative👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻💫💫

[@mariamlepcha6130]

So inspiring 👍 As being a northeastern person i personally support this kind of initiative and also its really important in field of architecture that we as a upcoming youths should encourage eachother and revive the vernacular styles 👍 keep working and best wishes. In future if i get a chance to work with you guys i would definately take part 👍

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thanks

[@nainaverma7822]

Amazing... their is still much more to be discovered/encouraged in field of architecture across India. I wish more such architects of our country can do so.❤

[@keshavrao212]

It will happen!

[@shubhsingh9471]

I have been watching and learning the architecture and history of monuments of all around the world for years but this is the best video i have ever seen in my life..... That words of getting the knowledge and philosophy of architecture from the old generation, really got me in some serious thinking for a moment

[@mayankdewli1010]

What a great video! it's sad that we ditched our age old sustainable culture , farming techniques and architecture in favour of toxic construction materials, fertilizers and fast food. Kudos to this man for reviving this architecture of his ancestors. I wish I could do something similar in Uttarakhand and revive the "koti banal" style architecture.

[@moushumigoswami7654]

Wonderful initiative.. so proud of this young man.

[@rev.b.ryngksai]

These houses look very beautiful

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Yes indeed

[@doccy-lucky]

Wow it was such a soothing experience watching this video .....loved the weather the houses the people and their way of talking ❤️❤️❤️

[@dheerajsharma3349]

Mujhe mere ghar ki yaad aa gyi 💓💓💓🌼🌼🌼

[@MrMukulpandey]

Content is great 👌 Speaker is really awesome and great voice👌 Love to see such kind of knowledgeable things related to ur culture.

[@anitathakur9340]

I would like to see cities built with kaathkuni architecture ,just like they are cities built with traditional architecture in Europe

[@rahulbhushan7108]

We ll do it.

[@md.shafiqulislam802]

I am from Bangladesh. Have a plan to go Himachal for my Master course. Because i love this province very much for its vivid hilly landscape and anthropogenic culture.

[@shubhanksharma]

Few people find purpose of their lives early on and their mind body and spirit are aligned with the pursuit . I met Rahul bhai, around 8-10 years back ,and the passion and glitter in his eyes while he painted the picture of his vision and dreams ,was so enchanting and right there . I am so glad and proud that all that has materialised so well . Rahul bhai and ritika and all the people at team north , you're an inspiration for all those who dare to think beyond the set norms of our post educational and professional framework. Best wishes for the years ahead! 🙏

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thank you so much shubhank bhai. Just to add, I am also very inspired by you. Your voice, your music is so so pure. For me it represents himachal. And it must be some connection between us, as if we are on similar paths but in our own passions. Your music, everything about it makes me feel proud. To all the beautiful people at Xanadu , thanks.

[@poonammankotia8409]

Thank you so much for preserving heritage of our State may lord shiva bless you always 🥰🧿🧿❤️❤️💯💯💯🙏💫

[@anishagarwal8271]

Team NORTH is doing a commendable job living remotely. This video makes me miss living up north. Nicely done. Rahul Baba is inbuilt with the knowledge and craftsmanship to build from the land and break away from mainstream society is the pivotal move and have the spirituality as gather all Hoomane again. Kudos to Rahul, Swara, Ritika and makers of this video. I'm vibing ✌🏽

[@sohamkathalay2690]

What's the location of this place

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thanks

[@anishagarwal8271]

@@sohamkathalay2690 it's in naggar near manali

[@navnathgavhane4855]

Nice … preserving and using ancient wisdom is the way to build sustainable future.

[@keshavrao212]

Wow! Nice answer dude! I hope too.

[@samratkadiyam4071]

I bow before you for conserving and taking forward this invaluable traditional architecture.

[@ajaybushahri8991]

You people are doing really very good work. In Himachal Pradesh not only Himachal but also in entire India we are losing our tradition our ancient architecture you people are really doing very good work.

[@nabhejyotsaina9568]

Thanks DNE, bringing forth the rare masterpieces. Positive, healthy weave unifying Indian generations and knowledge... Realization😊 .. Congratulations !!

[@negimathas2932]

You missed one more district of Himachal Pradesh which is kinnaur ❤️. Kinnaur has many extraordinary ancient structures of this.

[@D2E]

Thanks for the info

[@krishnamurthyaiyer3022]

God bless you and the likes of you.. just looking at the picture, I wanted to come and settle in Himachal Pradesh, except that I am too old now.

[@mickey2ashu]

You ppl are ensuring the connect of present times with the enriched one in earlier times. Will be privileged to visit this soon.

[@prshntkumar0000]

This is really heart touching work.

[@keshavsingh1672]

Being a himachali myself, I have appreciated the kath kuni houses found in my area but never understood the exact meaning of it. It was an absolute delight to know the intricate underlying details into the architectural art form. Thanks NORTH!!!

[@tolykozin]

Bhushan you are a true inspiration not just to young Indians but all youth. Your spirit and enthusiasm is contagious and hope more young people take your example in beautifying India and living within our needs and environment

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thank you so much. 🌻☀️

[@varindersaini8346]

Thanks for giving me this GOLDEN OPPURTUNITY to know OUR HERITAGE ......Had never encountered KULLU VALLEY with such knowledge .......

[@vinod99044]

hey ! cool man ! im myself an architect . . absolutely love what u doing . . hats off to u bro ! sexo !!!

[@being_pahadi_07]

I always wanted to do this. But never tried. Here in my home region of Jaunsaar Bawar you will see many houses made of in this architecture. More work is required to study the architectural achievements of this style of architect.

[@ich-bin-dot-one9393]

Excellent Video Rahul, i just forwarded it to an architect friend who will surely be very inspired! Always looking forward to come back one day. You contribute to make earth recover again.

[@keshavrao212]

I hope your friend likes the beauty of the old architectures across the world! I will also in future try to contribute as much my potential can to make Earth more beautiful.

[@AMR_k400]

This reminds of ancient sabaean/axumite architecture

[@sbr6725]

I'm from Anni and I also think the same. You all are doing great job. Kudos!!!

[@sameer93r]

👍

[@manyadwivedi8642]

Thanks for the video DTE ❣️

[@bloomshappily]

Just wow

[@riasharma4711]

You people are doing great.. Keep going.. 💝💝

[@dr.abhishekpanwar4293]

Kath kuni R best

[@keshavrao212]

I hope modernist architecture dies and practical, beautiful and eco friendly architecture comes back. I know because of the over population it is not feesable, but there is no excuse for building those, and in future it will surely happen.

[@OldSoul90s]

Beautiful video!

[@north292]

🌱

[@bhavayog]

Beautiful video

[@josemiguelcruz8158]

Congratulations for having such a good taste and respect and admiration for your home land culture. I'm a lover of India and agree that it is so important to save the traditional knowledge from your ancestors. God bless you

[@keshavrao212]

Thank you for your kind words, you are always welcome to India.

[@Priya-cm3tr]

Indian government should pay attention to this! Some of the places in big cities are ugly soulless concrete boxes that neither suits the culture nor are they innovative from design perspectives. We literally have so many unique Indian housing techniques that are not used or are completely ignored even though they are time tested. We really need to save the ancient indigenous cultural knowledge before it's too late, in documentation and implementation. Integrating local cultural designs, techniques and art with modern tools, software and engineering solutions we can lead in modern architecture and inspire the world instead of just importing/outsourcing or copycatting. Kudos to you and your team. The houses are so beautiful as well perfectly blending with the environment and inspiring in their inherent craft.

[@brthehimalayanbeeman]

Good job 👍 nice video upload ❤️ #himalayanbeeman

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thanks.

[@shashankrpareek5208]

Awesome

[@invincibledreamz]

More power to North foundation

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thank you

[@raider355]

I wonder who are those 12 people who disliked it, its making me deep-think.

[@sateeshum394]

great cause and true purpose.. keep up the good work..

[@Fire-zg7nx]

Please make vedio on traditional kerala architecture. Thanks

[@rajeevchhibber]

Thanks for posting 🙏

[@curious2379]

Amazing...

[@sushhaant_]

Doing great work 🎉

[@hemantgautam6010]

It's really wonderful ❤

[@oneness8648]

This was one of the best videos I have watched in the last few years. Researching and preserving ancient and traditional knowledge systems is truly an expression of pure dedication and selflessness. It's a process of blessing oneself.

[@कश्परैना]

🙏🙏🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@TheSamuiman]

Wonderful!

[@psjain126]

I got goosebumps

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thanks

[@zuritag248]

patlikuhal,naggar, river beas .... germanbakery , crushery ,

[@ss-ib8gm]

we need sustainable living , god is guiding him

[@Samthemancharles]

Very Nice, I spent a lot of time in HP but didn't know of this, thanks for opening my eyes 😀. I am so sad to see so much concrete there and not these types... raising economics is seemingly ruining this style, I wish you well in bringing this back. This was a nice video. I also never saw India joinery without metal, I didn't think this existed in India.

[@anitathakur9340]

Sad, concrete is so cheap that people just building their homes wherever they want , it's just ruining the beauty of Himachal!

[@GauravSharma-sb6sq]

Best of luck, ..

[@Changowarlord]

Traditional Architecture >>> anything modern.

[@chauhanprateek09]

Our district Sirmaur(HP) also have same structures. Due to lack of Devdar wood and skilled labour it is vanishing slowly.

[@genuinelensesindia]

Great content

[@jibhiwanderlust4337]

Totally adorable work 😍😍😍

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thanks

[@gajugajraj7899]

Wat goes around tat comes around.tis should be done in all states

[@IshanAukta]

Congratulations 🙌 & Best wishes for your future endeavours 😊✊

[@nmiks]

Great work 👍

[@rockstaramit3037]

Beautiful 😊❤️

[@agirl1849]

He's doing a great job👏👏

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thank you

[@helansubba1211]

Beautiful architecture

[@PANJABITANGO]

AMAZINGGGG

[@explorewithaaryadi-foodtra9064]

We need more like him.

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Thanks

[@keshavrao212]

There will be more and more like him being successful in reviving our heritage.

[@xplores]

Well done brother ....people go to europe to see these things

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Exactly. We ll create our own himachal. A great place to live and with high standard of living naturally and with balance

[@tilleternity]

Brilliant

[@swagat1dentist]

Such a nice video.. thanks to the team for making such a nice video, for the people of rest of india like me,who didn't know such art n culture..thank you for delivering it to us..

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Great

[@aatmbodhevamparichay3459]

Just Great Ji

[@abhinavnag4376]

please look into the larger picture of using kath kuni at an urban level can u use these techniques for building a large city which states like himchal desperately needs . Illegal timber procurement and stone mining in Himachal and Uttarakhand is a major problem most of the new kath kuni structure use such materials so that's not sustainability. Traditionally timber used in these structure were procure from a fixed area . using these old techniques in modern world could create alot of ecological issues . Modern Technology with traditional ethos is the only way of having a sustainable future .

[@rahulbhushan7108]

Hello Abhinav. This is Rahul Bhushan. I get your concern, and I really want you to understand this. 1. RCC / cement / steel industries are very big players in market , huge factories , huge marketing budgets and a much much much bigger concern towards pollution, I'll health of workers and mining and is non renewable. Once used it's finished. Will not come back the resources will be gone forever. Building industry emits CO2 even more than cars. On the other hand wood as a material, which can be grown. Wood acts as CO2 storage. Living in wooden house is good for our health. What more can we ask. It's said treat wood as GOD. Definately if we use wood we need to think and discover new ways of plantation. Use of wood which is grown quickly. Or upcycled materials which can replace wood. Wood is given a new life when a tree is cut. It lives for hindered of years as a part of the house. 2. So as your point is right, I want to add. That eco friendly and natural materials are and must be used. They will not be against nature or will never create ecological issues, if used wisely and researched well. And yes, it should be used properly, sensibly, well researched but surely it's better than whats happening now and I ll never take side of cement and concrete in himalayas.

[@betenoireindustries]

this is very well put - it does appear that there is great potential for materials reuse when necessary however, due to the standardized modularity of components. edit : typo.

[@lagaming3554]

Oh yes! we not only Himachal if possible every state in India should build Cities with traditional architecture image how beautiful our country would look like🤩🤩😭😭...

[@benhilokent7606]

The architect gives Ranbir Kapoor vibes

[@समय-न8श]

Building these structures at commercial scale isn't feasible in long run. But it is appreciable to preserve such things😍

[@rahulbhushan7108]

It is feasible. When we look at natural building.