Traditional architecture has evolved over generations in response to the local climate, topography, culture and context. It employs locally available natural materials and indigenous construction techniques. Hence, it is sustainable, cost-effective and has a strong aesthetic character. Here are some ways in which we can build more eco-friendly and sustainable homes, and also impart them with a distinct cultural identity:

1. Local and natural materials: Stone, bricks, mud, wood, lime and thatch were the most widely used materials depending upon their availability in a particular region. They are easily available, economical and climatically more suitable. Also, they have a very low carbon footprint due to negligible transportation cost. Such materials also harmonise well with the natural environment of the location. 
2. Courtyard: Internal courtyard was an integral part of a traditional Indian home layout. It provided ample natural light and ventilation to the home interiors. Known as the aangan in Hindi, vehra in Punjabi or nadumuttom in Malayalam. The courtyard plays an important role in maintaining thermal comfort and natural ventilation in the interiors. It functions as a convective thermostat protecting the home from extremes of temperature. Dust storms can pass over the residence with little impact. It also helps to create a pleasant environment by bringing nature into the home.
3. Arches: Arches are beautiful design features that are rarely used in today’s homes. Arches lend a lovely charm due to their soft curves that provide a welcome change from the straight lines and right angles. Arches also offer the advantage of being structurally stable due to their form. This means that arches can be constructed without the lintel that is used over all door and window openings. They can be made in bricks or stone thereby saving on the amount of concrete used in the lintels. Arches look really appealing in corridors and verandahs.
4. Sloping roofs: Today, the ubiquitous flat concrete slabs are quickly replacing these sloping roofs in our cities and villages. In the Southern states, sloping roofs were built to drain the heavy monsoon rain. They were usually covered with terracotta tiles, the elegant Mangalore tiles being the most famous. In the mountains of Northern India, sloping roofs were made of stone tiles like slate. These natural tiles and the sloping roofs added to the aesthetic appeal of the home. The sloping roof had an elaborate supporting structure with trusses, rafters and purlins. At times, interesting skylights or dormer windows were also introduced to get some light into the interiors.