# Low-Cost Building Materials and Techniques

- Institution: IIT (BHU) Varanasi
- Department: Architecture
- Teacher: Prof. Vishal Chettry
- Level: Undergraduate
- Language: English
- Subjects: Art, architecture and design
- Source: [NPTEL](https://nptel.ac.in/courses/124106001)
- Licence: [CC BY-NC-SA](https://nptel.ac.in/faq) (Non-commercial use only.)
- Syllabus: [at the source](https://nptel.ac.in/courses/124106001)
- Who can watch: Tweens profiles and older (sources give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the source's own words)

The course “Low-Cost Building Materials and Techniques” offers an in-depth understanding of affordable, sustainable construction practices using locally available and alternative materials. It covers traditional earthen techniques, bamboo construction, ferrocement, filler slabs, and modern innovations like waste-based and prefabricated systems. The course also highlights passive design strategies suited to India’s diverse climates. Ideal for students, architects, engineers, and planners, it promotes resource-efficient and cost-effective building solutions.

Intended audience: Students enrolled in B.Arch/M.Arch/allied disciplines

## Lectures

1. [Introduction to Low Cost Building Material & Techniques - Demand, Energy, Ratings & Green Buil](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/a4a1ea81b13a) (YouTube)
2. [Building Cost Components & Influencing Factors](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/1a9c8839ba55) (YouTube)
3. [Need & Policy Framework of Low Cost Construction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/eb4f2cb16219) (YouTube)
4. [Principles & Practices of Low Cost Construction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/c60694398e9c) (YouTube)
5. [Key challenges in Low Cost Construction & Cost Control Techniques](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/69a671f41747) (YouTube)
6. [Building Techniques for Low Cost Construction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/0f99adf36e75) (YouTube)
7. [Alternative Building Materials & Systems](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/41433b4644f4) (YouTube)
8. [Construction Techniques for Cost Reduction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/0bd80a3fc7c8) (YouTube)
9. [Vernacular Architecture Cold & Moderate Climates](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/758986963538) (YouTube)
10. [Vernacular Architecture Hot & Humid Climates](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/1f3741376bd7) (YouTube)
11. [Earth as a Building Material - Global Applications & Typologies](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/7bc6f24cf8c4) (YouTube)
12. [Components, Properties & Soil Testing for Mud Construction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/01df1ffa7e63) (YouTube)
13. [Stabilizers & Their Uses in Mud Construction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/de5f5bd3841b) (YouTube)
14. [Contemporary Innovations & Sustainability Aspects in Earth Construction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/ba16c0f975dd) (YouTube)
15. [Advantages, Limitations, Performance Issues & Case Studies](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/22196885a1a9) (YouTube)
16. [Cob Wall - Material Composition & Preparation, Construction Process](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/b22e43bc021a) (YouTube)
17. [Cob Wall - Construction Details, Advantages & Disadvantages, Case Study](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/b086d763bee6) (YouTube)
18. [Rammed Earth Wall - Material Composition, Preparation & Construction Process](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/15e2f1b99a9d) (YouTube)
19. [Rammed Earth Wall - Construction Details, Advantages & Disadvantages, Case Study](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/e9d0b7c27bc6) (YouTube)
20. [Comparative Performance, Innovation & Adaptive Use or Innovations in Cob & Rammed Earth Walls](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/a390b21c0c9f) (YouTube)
21. [Adobe Blocks Material Composition & Preparation, Construction Process](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/1353349e2e29) (YouTube)
22. [Adobe Blocks - Construction Details, Advantages & Disadvantages, Case Study](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/f5baa04975c1) (YouTube)
23. [Stabilized Mud Blocks ( SMB ) - Material Composition & Preparation, Construction Process](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/2e793afe8d94) (YouTube)
24. [SMB - Construction Details, Advangates & Disadvantages, Case Study](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/ac7c41a99f41) (YouTube)
25. [Comparative Assessment & Innovations in Adobe & Stabilized Mud Blocks](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/3d318d8b760c) (YouTube)
26. [Compressed Stabilized Mud Blocks CSMB Material Composition, Preparation & Construction Process](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/f023af9f20cd) (YouTube)
27. [CSMB Construction Techniques, Advantages & Disadvantages, Case Study](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/267cf882df2f) (YouTube)
28. [Wattle & Daub Construction - Material Composition, Preparation & Construction Process](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/120db739a363) (YouTube)
29. [Wattle & Daub Wall Construction Details, Advantages & Disadvantages, Case Study](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/c9a40764f74c) (YouTube)
30. [Comparative Assessment & Innovations in Compressed Stabilized Mud Blocks CSMB & Wattlee & Daub](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/0fa75fd43311) (YouTube)
31. [Bamboo as a Building Material, Properties, Types & Granding of Bamboo](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/1499ab5aa45c) (YouTube)
32. [Bamboo Preservation & Treatment Methods, Advantages & Disadvantages of Bamboo Construction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/98b390c904e4) (YouTube)
33. [Techniques of Cutting, Splicing & Joinery in Bamboo, Bamboo Joinery for Beams & Lashing Techniques](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/48a4aef0bcab) (YouTube)
34. [Bamboo for Foundation, Floors, Roofs, Doors & Windows](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/b8473842c800) (YouTube)
35. [Traditional Knowledge Systems, Contemporary Innovations & Clobal Case Studies in Bamboo Architecture](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/5291e0b5647b) (YouTube)
36. [Introduction & Need for Ferro cement Construction, Properties & Constituents of Ferro cement](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/6a2b206495f6) (YouTube)
37. [Process & Detailing of Ferro-cement Construction - Advantages & Disadvantages](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/6d6f33ffff3b) (YouTube)
38. [Case Study, Emerging Trends, Research Innovations in the Application of Ferro-cement](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/520ff08496eb) (YouTube)
39. [Introduction, Need & Properties of Filler Slab Technology, Comparison wit RCC Slabs & Material](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/0cb699da063c) (YouTube)
40. [Process & Detailing of Filler Slab Construction, Advantages, Disadvantages Case Study, Emerging Trends, Research Innovations](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/6b576ac87749) (YouTube)
41. [Introduction & Properties of Fly Ash Bricks; Comparison with Conventional Bricks](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/fea2765fe0d2) (YouTube)
42. [Process & Detailing of Fly Ash Bricks Construction' Advangages, Disadvantages & Case Study](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/aa9f9b63b097) (YouTube)
43. [Introduction & Need for Recycled & Waste Based Materials, Properties & Types of Recycled Con](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/aa6e703ecca4) (YouTube)
44. [Process & Detailing of Recycled Material Construction, Advantages, Disadvantages & Case Study](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/7983639e622e) (YouTube)
45. [Environmental Impact, Standerds & Trends in Fly Ash & Recycled Material Use](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/4b7dc8b3db36) (YouTube)
46. [Modular Construction, Principles of Modular Coordination, Dimensional Standardization & Grids](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/401471b3ea23) (YouTube)
47. [Modular Planning for Housing Layouts, Material Saving Through Modular Design, Advantages & Di](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/3c173c29a8fd) (YouTube)
48. [Introduction to Prefabrication Concepts, Types, Advangages & Disadvangages of Prefabricated C](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/6262acd3b5b9) (YouTube)
49. [Total Prefabrication Systems, Partial Prefabrication & Hybrid Systems, Transportation & Assem](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/2c69365587a2) (YouTube)
50. [Case Study, Emerging Tends, Research Innovations in the Application of Moduler Construction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/6c4e7728514b) (YouTube)
51. [Architect Laurie Baker Design Philosophy, Low Cost Construction Projects](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/ada02ffc07a5) (YouTube)
52. [Architact B V Doshi Design Philosophy, Low Cost Construction Projects](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/0c3409ed590e) (YouTube)
53. [Shigeru Ban, Anna Heringer, Alejandro Aravena, Diebedo Grancis Kere Design Philosophy, Low](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/cabb1e6bc2a5) (YouTube)
54. [Centre of Science for Villages Gramopayogi Vigyan Kendra & Sevagram Asharam at Wardha, Aurovi](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/8d18386e9356) (YouTube)
55. [About Building Materials & Tchnology Promotion Council BMTPC](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/d404d6b84bd8) (YouTube)
56. [Policies & Schemes in Context of 5 Year Plans](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/69695985df74) (YouTube)
57. [Affordable Housing Schemes PMAY, JNNURM, IAY, RAY](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/a04ee97af10d) (YouTube)
58. [Emerging Trends & Innovations in Low Cost Construction in India, Case Studies of Affordeble H](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/435edb90fc72) (YouTube)
59. [Low Cost Sanitation Techniques, Waste Water Disposal System, Low Cost Sanitation for Rural](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/ed0db7a5d106) (YouTube)
60. [Conclusion & Future Directions in Low Cost Construction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/nptel/124106001/5fe4902adeb7) (YouTube)