Training to build Nubian Vaults, Co-op Forest, Nekkundhi

A day and a half training with the working families at Co-op Forest. It took them very little time to understand and grasp the nuances of Vaulting. Over a day and a half of training, about 2′ of vaulting was complete.

A complicated intersection of two geometries was figured out and understood, 1.  vertical cylinder of masonry, that followed the foundations to rescue a coconut tree and 2. The Nubian Vault itself.

While building with fired bricks and mud, I understood that little variation in clay content of the mortar had a immense effect on the adhesive properties of mortar as well as the ability of a brick to hold up. The bricks being heavier in weight, do require sufficient clay content in the mortar for initial adhesion. Thin set mortars ensure minimum deformation and cracking.

Waterproofing the vault, plasters and finishes were also looked into.

 



8 Comments

  1. Sabi ashok wrote:

    it is very interesting, I want to learn this type of architectural
    Construction and want to build in my place. May I get help.

    • vtarchitect wrote:

      Dear Ashok,
      Thats a great choice. Do join our workshops to learn how to build. Ownerbuilt projects are always exciting, happy to help.
      Do call on 96110 96108,
      Regards,
      Varun Thautam

  2. Lebba wrote:

    Dear..
    Varun.. excited to read …
    As of now I am working abroad..But I also strongly believe that man also should make their dwellings like other creatures in the world.

  3. R4PG wrote:

    you have a good sense of humor.

  4. Janakan wrote:

    Hi varun

    Hatsoff to u .i am very much interested in learning this ..i am quiting & coming out of company by this month end … Yesterday i saw the vault which u constructed at coop forest …can u help me in this…

    My no is 7598043334

    • vtarchitect wrote:

      Yes why not? You are free to volunteer at any of our construction sites.. minimum 3 full days commitment. You pay for the food, stay and travel.
      There are a few projects going on as of now.

  5. Vani wrote:

    Hi varun,
    Wonderful buildings.So excited to learn about these kind of buildings and at the right time too.i am thinking of building a small school in our area near salem,tamilnadu. I came to know of cuckoo forest school in thiruvannamalai few days back. If the work hasnt been completed can i volunteer for the workshop??