Heritage Makes a Comeback

A new generation is seeking to embrace traditional architecture in search of identity, sustainability, and soul

- KUSHAGRA SHARMA

If walls could speak, a Rajasthani haveli or a Chettinad house would read like a palimpsest, layer upon layer of memories accumulated over many generations. Today, even as modern high-rises and cookie-cutter villas reshape our social and urban fabric, heritage homes, whether period structures or new builds inspired by traditional typologies, continue to captivate architects and homeowners drawn by the allure of a slower, simpler, and more meaningful way of life. From the Kath-Khuni style of building in the western Himalayas to the evocative Indo-Portuguese influences that inform the design of Goan houses, we shine a spotlight on the enduring legacy of heritage residential architecture across the country.

Not a Blank Slate

The Kath-Khuni building, popular in the north Indian hills, is a response to the region's climate and seismic activity. Deep stone plinths provide a solid base, projecting wooden balconies invite you to soak in panoramic views, and slate tile-covered roofs offer protection against heavy rains. “Kath-Khuni architecture is not just an engineering style. It’s a heartfelt expression of harmony between human ingenuity and the natural world,” notes Jay Thakkar, a senior associate professor at the Faculty of Design and co-founder of Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre at CEPT University, Ahmedabad. “Originating from Himachal Pradesh, it has a sustainable approach and deep-rooted cultural significance,” he shares. Thakkar calls them “living entities” that adapt to the rhythms of life and nature around them.

A Coastal Surprise