The Comparative Study on Vernacular Dwellings in Bhutan

Bhutan is a small developing nation sandwiched between China to the north and India in the south. Traditional construction techniques range from rammed earth to bulky stone masonry which is in some degree similar to the neighbouring countries such as Tibet, Nepal and northern India. However, Bhutanese vernacular structures are unique and it significantly contributes to the already rich cultural heritage. Epitome of traditional construction in Bhutan can be dated back to the 17th century during which many of the dzongs (Bhutanese administrative buildings) and Lhakhang (temples) were constructed. The traditional construction typology of Bhutan can be classified under rammed earth, stone rubble masonry, adobe block, ekra (wattle and daub), timber houses and bamboo houses. Many of these structures were constructed without pre-prepared drawings. The construction would proceed on site under the vision of a head carpenter/mason. The paper presents the different types of un-engineered houses/dwellings in Bhutan, its construction methods and their structural integrity and configuration.