Wood as an understructure is very common in India since centuries. Especially in Kutch it is very well adapted with the sloping roof technique with traditional designs. Mr Sarwan Bishnoi, a descendent of a carpentry family, associated with Hunnarshala in its post-earthquake rehabilitation activities. During this period Hunnarshala researched the possibilities of contemporary practices in these types of understructures through different projects. The artisans were mentored by hunnarshala to master these types of understructure techniques and later were encouraged to start practicing the same on their own.

Role of Hunnarshala

Hunnarshala has been involved as the mentor for this team. Hunnarshala is a not-for- profit organization which works with 

• To understand the traditional knowledge and validate them through research initiatives and link it with the contemporary application through the local artisans and education initiatives
• To promote eco-friendly, cost effective and low energy building designs, materials and techniques, which have glimpses of local culture and aesthetics
• To work towards environmentally sustainable towns and villages, which promote local management and control, empowerment of the local community and ensure dignified living for citizens by providing basic housing and services.
• To responds immediately and appropriately to disasters by providing guidance to the affected communities through owner driven construction approaches.

• Case Study