A framework for an owner’s guide to conservation of traditional timber structures in Dharmaj

With the transnational migration from India to East Africa especially between the year

of 1900-1930’s(Vibha .C,1997,pg 163) , community of Patidars had invariably invest-

ed in resources back to their home village and continues to be. The traditional timber

structures of Dharmaj represents the time where the community invested their resourc-

es from their engagement in the cultivation of cash crop and followed by the migration

for further investment of livelihood. Moreover , they represent the religious and cultural

influences they bring in as part of their journey in shaping the home village.Currently

these structures are facing major threat of abandonment and stand in an extreme di-

lapidated condition for which in turn they are being demolished due to various degree

of challenges for maintenance.The village is seen to have long history on transnational

migration followed by various ownership of wooden houses. Thereby the condition

changes as per the individuals who resides. Henceforth, with the purpose of finding

ways for the continuity of traditional timber structures , a framework for owner’s guide

is formulated for the owners of the heritage property as they play key role in safeguard-

ing their asset. The guide further extends to help the tenants,caretaker and heritage

professionals as well. It represents on how a non expert can take the initiative on tak-

ing care of their traditional timber structure in an appropriate manner.

Thereby , the research explores the study of wooden architecture in Gujarat in relation

to the context of Dharmaj followed by its present conditions. It also examine timber

as a building material,its decay,root causes and restoration techniques. To establish

the principles and techniques for the conservation approach , sample from site study

is taken with various degree of deterioration for which detail condition assessment ,

assessing the structural integrity are documented.It will be user friendly guide with

the illustrated methods of approach for easier understanding along with the directory

of local resources to take better informed decisions. The information can be further

published in websites for the owners for easier accessibility.The given methodology

establishes a framework in working towards a contextualised owner’s guide which can

be further taken up for various historical building materials as well