Bricks get hot and have silica and aluminium in the clay used.

The major components of brick are Silica, Alumina, Lime, Iron oxide and Magnesia. If you observe the composition, all 4 materials are capable of quickly getting hot under the sun and air.

Did you know that the clay brick bricks used today were made to trap heat and become hot?

Yes, the clay brick used in today's times in India is a European creation that was meant to protect the citizens from the harsh cold outside by trapping heat and retaining it inside the house, it was also created for rapid development as the nations of Europe were warring and they required a material to promote rapid development. 

In contrast, India has a totally different climate than Europe and can't use bricks designed for European climate. The initial use of clay brick in India began when India attained Independance. Since we lost all roots to our tradition, the prime minister at that time, Jawaharlal Nehru, introduced the architect Le Corbusier (a French national) to design the "modern" independent India. He designed a city "Chandigarh" close to the Indian capital in contemporary Western planning principles along with using European methods of construction. Hence, the first generation of independent Indian architects learned this technique and followed it blindly.

So, what is the correct material for Bricks in India you ask?

If you observe, India lies on the tropic of cancer. All states near the tropic of cancer are cooler (Northern India). The conventional clay bricks can be used here. Meanwhile, all the southern states and central states have a hot and dry and hot and humid climate. This climate is similar to the climate found in southern Egypt, Southern Saudi Arabia and Northern Brazil. 

If we may, we must consider the building techniques and construction material used in these parts of the world as they are more similar to us. Since these countries have preserved examples of their architectural practices, we must support and take inspiration from the materials and techniques used there. 

The answer to the problem is Mud. Yes, it has always been the answer to all architectural problems around the world. Even the Eskimos turned to snow to construct their houses.

SO, NO MATTER WHICH AREA YOU BELONG TO, YOU MUST USE THE LOCAL MUD OF YOUR SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION.

For example, I belong to Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The most common soil found here is Red Sandy soil along with Black clay soil in some areas. So, if my site has Black clay soil, I must use black clay soil for construction.

So, this is it for this week.  Please contact me at hiteshmummareddy@gmail.com or give me a call at +91-9618999244 if you are looking for an architect or Interior designer.