Adaptive Transformation of Traditional Residences into Sustainable Contemporary Residences - A Case Study in Karnataka, India

Abstract

Shelter is a fundamental need of the human race. Throughout the history of human settlements, shelter has undergone various adaptive transformations as a part of amalgamation. Architecture is evolving with respect to time, people, and place. Trends in the built environment and the transformation of residential typology topics are significant today. Addressing the sociocultural, economic, and environmental aspects of traditional residences while transforming them into modern residences with a sustainable design approach is a challenge for architects. This paper discusses the adaptive transformation of traditional residences into contemporary residences with sustainable approaches in the Indian state of Karnataka. The methodology contains various case studies and literature studies from the relevant research database. Through a comparative analysis of case studies, this research uncovers successful transformation strategies, emphasizing challenges faced, innovative design solutions, and achieved outcomes. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding the preservation and rejuvenation of architectural residential typology in contemporary living, offering valuable insights for architects, preservationists, and policymakers seeking to balance tradition and innovation in the built environment with a sustainable approach

Introduction

This research explores how traditional typology houses, rich in cultural and architectural heritage, can be adaptively reused to meet modern living requirements while preserving historical identity. Amid rapid urbanization and changing societal needs, the challenge lies in rejuvenating these historic structures sustainably and functionally, balancing heritage preservation with contemporary demands.

Key Points

• Traditional houses reflect regional designs, cultural practices, and historical craftsmanship but are increasingly obsolete due to urbanization and neglect.

• The study investigates how such houses can be transformed sustainably, integrating energy efficiency and modern amenities without erasing cultural significance.

• It emphasizes the social and cultural implications of adaptive reuse, exploring how transformations affect communities and individual identities.

• The research includes a comparative case study methodology, examining diverse examples based on historical importance, geographic variety, and sustainability efforts.

• Literature highlights the role of traditional elements like courtyards for natural light and ventilation, their cultural significance, and how they enhance thermal comfort.

• Homes are more than structures; they are social and emotional spaces that evolve with lifestyles, values, and environmental contexts.

• Adaptive reuse is positioned as a sustainable alternative to demolition, preserving heritage while contributing to urban regeneration and reducing environmental impact.

• The study reviews examples from various regions, discussing how heritage conservation supports urban identity and sustainability goals.

Primary Case Study Highlights (Ulsoor and Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore)

• Historic houses (some over 150 years old) show varying degrees of transformation, from interior renovations to modern commercial conversions.

• Examples include:

  • A traditional house converted into a contemporary office with modern materials like wood veneer and glass, blending old and new.

  • Residential homes adapted with ACP cladding facades and aluminum sliding windows.

  • Well-maintained mud brick houses with traditional roofing and teak wood doors, preserving craftsmanship yet open to future redevelopment.

  • A 150-year-old stone masonry house retaining original features while integrating practical changes like courtyard conversion and updated flooring.

  • Courtyard houses maintaining central open spaces for light and ventilation, with subtle modern additions like staircases and RCC roofing.

  • Homes balancing preservation and functional upgrades, showing owner commitment to heritage alongside willingness to adapt.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research illuminates the intricate interplay between tradition and innovation in the adaptive transformation of traditional typology houses into sustainable contemporary homes. Through a comprehensive exploration of architectural adaptations, sustainable practices, cultural preservation, and societal implications, our findings emphasize that these houses, while evolving to meet modern needs, retain the essential spirit of their heritage. The case studies in Ulsoor and Shivaji Nagar demonstrate that architectural heritage can gracefully adapt to change, striking a harmonious balance between historical preservation and the imperative of creating sustainable, functional spaces. The successful integration of sustainable elements not only bridges the gap between the past and present but also paves the way for a more environmentally conscious future. Our research underscores the significance of recognizing and respecting the embedded heritage in traditional houses, showcasing the dynamic interplay between history and modernity in preserving the essence of the past while embracing the needs of the present and future. In essence, the adaptive transformation of traditional typology houses emerges not merely as a physical process but as a profound cultural dialogue that shapes the narrative of architectural heritage in our rapidly changing world.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Divyashree S, Saranya Divakaran PC. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.