Timber in Vernacular Architecture

Timber has long been the backbone of residences in Tulunadu, a picturesque region nestled in the coastal part of Karnataka, India. Known for its lush greenery and rich cultural heritage, Tulunadu has a longstanding tradition of utilizing locally sourced timber for construction. This practice reflects the region's abundant natural resources and its unique architectural style.

Why timber, you ask? Timber is not only easy to work with and plentiful, but it’s also safe to handle and boasts excellent thermal properties. It offers high strength and durability, making it an ideal choice for constructing homes that stand the test of time. The traditional homes of Tulunadu, often referred to as "guttu houses" or "nalukettu," prominently feature wooden elements that provide both structural support and aesthetic appeal. In these houses, timber is commonly used for major structural elements like staircases, columns, beams, ceilings, and roofing units such as rafters and reapers.

To truly appreciate the significance of timber in Tulunadu architecture, let's delve into some numbers and compare the timber requirements of two distinct heritage homes: a traditional Malnad house in Mallipatna, Arkalgud, Hassan District, and a guthu house of the Bunt community in Karkala, Udupi District.

Even though the houses belong to different regions with varying climatic conditions, the basic requirements of the household more or less remain the same. This comparison gives us an idea of the distribution of timber quantities in both houses. Both these houses extensively used timber for doors, windows, columns, intermediate floors (locally known as "attas"), staircases, and roofing elements. Here’s a breakdown of how timber volume stacks up in each case:

Source: Guthu House; Architect, INTACH Mangaluru Chapter; Mallipatna House; Architecture Dept, Malnad College of Engineering

What is interesting to see is the way the change in the quantity of timber in both the Houses. In Mallipatna house the maximum quantity of wood has been used for the Attas. This is because the houses in the Malnad region require a lot more dry and dark storage spaces and they tend to utilise these large attic spaces for the same. While the maximum quantity of Timber is used for the roofs in the Guthu House. This due to the very elaborate planning of the house requiring a combination of hip roofs and gable roofs, which add to the number of rafters and reapers.

In both the Malnad house and the Guthu house, timber serves as the lifeblood of the structure, embodying the rich cultural legacy and enduring beauty of their regions. The types of trees used to extract these timber section vary from region to region. As our focus lies more on the Residences of South Kanara region, let’s dive into the types of timber used in this region.

In the lush green landscapes of South Kanara, the rich variety of trees has long played a crucial role in the construction of traditional houses. Each tree species, with its unique properties, is carefully chosen for specific structural elements, ensuring that these heritage homes are both beautiful and enduring. Let's explore some of the most commonly used trees in this region and how they contribute to the architectural tapestry of Tulunadu.

The Common Commercial Timbers of India by H. Trotter is an informative book to explore more on the types of construction timbers and their usages.

KariMatti (Terminalia elliptica)

KariMatti, also known as Terminalia elliptica, boasts heartwood that is often extremely handsome and finely figured. Sourced from South India and Burma, this wood is renowned for its strength, making it ideal for house construction and other utility work. Its aesthetic appeal and robustness make it a favourite for various structural elements in traditional homes.

NirMatti (Terminalia arjuna)

Standing tall at 20–25 meters, the NirMatti tree, or Terminalia arjuna, features a buttressed trunk and a wide canopy with downward-dropping branches. Its hard wood is perfect for building boats and houses. Additionally, this versatile timber is used for agricultural implements and weapons, highlighting its strength and durability.

Jambe (Xylia xylocarpa)

Jambe timber, weighing in at 52 lbs. per cubic foot (air-dry), is a South Indian specialty. Though challenging to season and work with, it is exceptionally strong and durable. This makes Jambe an excellent choice for constructional work and sleepers, ensuring that the structures built with it stand the test of time.

Nandi (Lagerstroemia reginae Roxb.)

With sapwood that is greyish-white and heartwood that turns from light reddish brown to darker shades upon exposure, Nandi wood is highly prized. It is popular on the West Coast for boat-building, particularly for Arab dhows, and is extensively used in house-building, furniture making, carriage-building, and general carpentry. Proper seasoning of this wood unlocks its full utility potential.

Myrole (Vitex altissima L.f.)

The Myrole tree can reach heights of 60-80 feet. Its close-grained, hard, yellowish-brown wood is perfect for furniture, boats, and house construction. The Vitex species, with its quadrangular stems and branches, provides durable and attractive timber, making it a staple in traditional woodworking.

Sampige (Magnolia champaca)

Magnolia champaca, or Sampige, offers wood that is lighter and weaker than teak but still highly valuable. About 25 percent lighter and 20-25 percent weaker than teak, this timber is excellent for light furniture and household fitments. The versatility of Magnolia wood makes it a go-to choice for many carpentry needs.

Dhupa (Vateria indica L.)

Dhupa wood, with its greyish-brown hue, is highly sought after in the plywood and veneer industry. It is also used for tea chests, trunks, ammunition boxes, flooring, and other interior fittings. The heartwood is ideal for shuttering, centering, and scaffolding, as well as for making oars and masts. Beyond its wood, the Dhupa tree offers resin used in varnishes and incense, and fat used in candles and soaps, showcasing its multifaceted utility.

Timber is not just a building material in Tulunadu; it is an integral part of the region’s cultural and architectural identity. The heritage residences of Tulunadu, with their extensive use of wood, stand as enduring symbols of the region's sustainable building practices and rich artistic traditions. Through continued preservation and thoughtful restoration, the legacy of timber in Tulunadu’s architecture remains a vibrant and living tradition.

By understanding and celebrating the diverse timber species that have shaped these architectural marvels, we honor the craftsmanship and sustainable practices of the past. Let us continue to cherish and protect this legacy, ensuring that the stories carved into each wooden beam and pillar remain vibrant and alive, echoing the rich history of Tulunadu for generations to come.