On the surface of it all, simply put, Kutcha houses are those that are made using clay, flax, bamboo, grass, mulch, crop residues, and unburnt bricks. As you must have guessed already, these aren’t quite strong in terms of stability and features, therefore no permanent house-like buildings or apartments are constructed as said.
These Kutcha houses are served on the basis of the needs and could be converted into more sustainable/permanent structures. The resources needed for the construction are likely found in forest areas and/or surrounding regions. They are naturally found and make the best temporary shelters for those residing preventing unnecessary loss of the environment. Mostly found in rural regions, the laborers choose these for the purpose of housing.
But what about Pucca houses? Are they also like Kutcha houses?
Let’s find out more in the blog post below:
Kutcha VS Pucca House – The Difference Between the Two!
For better understanding, below is a tabular presentation to know the difference between Kutcha and Pucca house:
| KUTCHA HOUSE | PUCCA HOUSE |
| These are made from readily accessible resources like seeds, clay, wood, and pebbles | These are made using solid construction materials like bricks, metal, iron, and other robust materials |
| The proprietors generally belong to the socially and economically disadvantaged sectors | Proprietors are of the rich and prosperous |
| Severe damage can be caused due to catastrophes and criminal acts | Since these are concrete structures, it’s a little difficult to break into |
| These are frequently constructed for a shorter period of time | These are permanent houses that are considered as an investment |
| They come with few or close to no amenities | The residents/owners acquire access and enjoy facilities as per the income |
| There could be few or no demarcations of the room | Have several demarcations such as the bedrooms, corridors, living areas, bathrooms, and kitchen |
Kutcha Houses – The Advantages
As per the numbers, at present, there are around 65 million Kutcha houses in India, that is, made from using mud. While most might consider this to be a sign of poverty, there are some who prefer mud houses for all good benefits.
For the facts, of course, they aren’t better when compared to Pucca houses- with advantages of the use of steel and cement, but they have their own benefits to take advantage of.
In addition to Kutcha houses not emitting carbon when destroyed, most urban regions are opting to reside in the mud houses in order to save the environment. Let’s know about more interesting advantages of Kutcha houses from the section below:
Kutcha Houses – The Advantages
Here are some additional advantages of a Kutcha house:
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Disaster-proof
If Kutcha houses are stabilized, the mud-brick can be long-lasting for strong floors and walls. These can easily withstand earthquakes and floods for decades, that too without cracks. However, there could be certain challenges during the rainy season, but can be handled through the process of construction by using straws, wheat fibers, gypsum, and agricultural waste.
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Insulation of Thermal
Mud houses generally have mild temperatures as the mud walls are insulating and provide the much-needed thermal comfort in the house. The warmth is rather comforting during chilly winters.
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Recyclable
These shelters are recyclable and reusable once they are demolished and can be returned to nature. Adding on, the materials used can also significantly reduce the construction cost to a larger extent.
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Biodegradable
Materials used to construct these houses are easily biodegradable, environment-friendly, and bio-economy.
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Cost-effective
As also mentioned above, these can be easily obtained at an affordable cost, all thanks to the “plenty” available. Materials like mud are easily accessible, can be obtained in most regions, and also lower the carriage and shipping expenses.
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Carbon Footprint
Cement alone accounts for about 8% of the entire global carbon dioxide emission. On the other hand, mud has a very low carbon footprint since it’s reusable and can be dugged from the ground.
To Conclude:
Kutcha houses are sustainable dwellings that are made from naturally available resources and do not impact the environment adversely. They are best for when aiming to achieve a sustainable way of living.
Hope this blog post has helped you in understanding the difference between the Kutcha and Pucca houses and the advantages of opting for one.
FAQs:
- Are Kutcha houses generally found in Indian cities?
Not really, Kutcha houses are only frequently found in Indian cities. However, they are now getting constructed in the outskirts of big cities.
- Who lives in the Kutcha houses?
Those who belong to the economically weaker sections of the society usually reside in Kutcha houses.
- Why is Kutcha houses not long-lasting?
Kutcha houses are made using straw, seeds, mud, and bamboo that are not very sturdy. This is why Kutcha houses are mostly temporary and not lasting.
