VERNACULAR DESIGN

REPORT ON GUTHU HOUSES; KARNATAKA

SHAYON NAYAK, ANNU

B. ARCH, B.I.D
SEM - 4
ARCHITECTURAL REPORT: VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF GUTHU HOUSE, KARNATAKA

1. Introduction

Guthu Houses (Guthu Mane) are prestigious ancestral homes traditionally owned by the Bunt
community in Karnataka, specifically in the Dakshina Kannada region. These homes reflect socio-
cultural prestige, sustainable vernacular construction, and climate-responsive architecture. The term
Guthu symbolizes a centre of power, leadership, and wealth, and these homes were built at the
centre of vast landholdings with surrounding paddy fields and forests.

2. Location and Topography

 Region: Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka

 Elevation: 22 m above sea level

 Seismic Zone: Zone III (moderately earthquake-prone)

 Water Bodies: Flanked by Netravati and Gurupura rivers

3. Socio-Economic and Cultural Background

 Community: Bunt, also referred to as Nayaka, Shetray, and Nādava

 Economy: Land-based, with extensive paddy, coconut, and areca plantations

 Cultural setting: Residences mirrored feudalistic social hierarchies, functioning both as family
homes and community centers

4. Climate

 Type: Tropical monsoon

 Average Temp: ~25.9°C

 Rainfall: Peak in July (~691 mm), minimum in January (~3 mm)

 Humidity: High (~83%), peaking during monsoons

5. Architectural Features of Guthu House

Design Principles

 Orientation & Layout: Central courtyard plan with surrounding rooms, often double-
storeyed

 Entry Sequence: Begins at Tudame (bamboo gate), leads to Jaal (shaded open verandah),
then into Chavadi (grand hall)
  Courtyard: Acts as a passive cooling device, a light well, and a sacred gathering space

Materials & Construction Techniques

 Walls: Laterite and clay

 Flooring: Red oxide, terracotta tiles, laterite stone

 Roof: Sloped and tiled with Mangalore tiles for monsoon runoff

 Woodwork: Rich use of hardwoods like teak and rosewood for pillars, beams (Jantis),
ceilings, and furniture

Cultural Integration

 Vastu Compliant: Design follows traditional Indian principles of spatial harmony

 Sacred Elements: Tulsi in courtyard, mini temple at entrance

 Furniture: Swings, chests, desks, and traditional vakil benches

Sustainability Aspects

 Use of local materials, traditional cooling, rainwater management

 Artisanal construction by skilled local craftsmen

 High thermal performance through mass walls and ventilated roofs

DESIGN PROPOSAL: MODERN BUILDING INSPIRED BY GUTHU MANE

Concept Title: "TULUNADU RESIDENCE — A MODERN GUTHU"

Design Philosophy

To reinterpret the Guthu House using contemporary materials and construction techniques while
preserving its cultural essence, spatial hierarchy, and environmental responsiveness.

1. Site Planning

 Location: Semi-urban/coastal Karnataka

 Orientation: Vastu based traditional values with central courtyard for natural lighting

 Zoning:

o Public zone: Entry pavilion (modern Tudame) and Chavadi

o Semi-private zone: Dining, family lounge around courtyard

o Private zone: Bedrooms with verandahs facing gardens

2. Architectural Elements

Traditional Element Modern Adaptation

Tudame (Sliding bamboo gate) Laser-cut corten steel gate with traditional motifs

Jaal (Shaded entry verandah) Pergola-covered entry with solar screens and green roof

Central Courtyard Skylit atrium with indoor garden, passive ventilation shafts

Wood Pillars Engineered wood/glulam with CNC-carved motifs

Red oxide flooring Polished oxide with radiant cooling system

Mangalore tiled roof Solar-tile roofing with clay-tile aesthetics

Sacred Tulsi space Indoor sacred niche with vertical herb garden

Natural cooling Cross-ventilation, insulated cavity walls, courtyard effect

3. Materials and Technology

 Walls: Compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB), lime plaster finish

 Roofing: Hybrid Mangalore tile with integrated solar panels

 Structure: RCC frame with exposed stone and wood cladding

 Finishes: Terracotta tiles, oxide flooring, handcrafted wood panels

 Sustainability: Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, solar passive design

4. Key Spaces

 Drawing Room (Chavadi): Vaulted ceiling with timber truss and contemporary chandelier

 Courtyard: Living green wall, ambient lighting, floor seating

 Verandah: Cantilevered wood deck, with modern foyer look

 Kitchen: Open kitchen with traditional brass elements

 Temple Room: Sandstone floor, backlit carved panel

5. Landscape Integration

 Peripheral native plantation (areca, coconut)

 Central water body inspired by temple tanks

 Pathways mimicking paddy bunds

 Natural stone paving and shaded seating niches

6. Visual Representation

The plan in the figure is designed with traditional values, spaces, orientation, architectural features
of typical Guthu house with adequate modern features required in a residential building in today’s
date.
MODEL VIEWS (EXTERIOR)
VIEWS (INTERIOR)