Taq
Taq
Taq construction, a traditional method prevalent in the Western Himalayas, particularly in the Kashmir Valley near Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, is characterized by its timber-laced masonry technique.
Also known as "Bhatar" in Pashto literature, Taq specifically refers to timber-laced stone masonry structures. Dating back to the 12th century, Taq construction is deeply ingrained in the region's architectural heritage.
The term "Taq" itself refers to the spacing between the piers within a bay of the building. These structures are favored by individuals belonging to the low-to-middle socio-economic strata. Walls in Taq buildings typically comprise a blend of brick, rubble stone, or sun-dried bricks, joined with thick mud mortar, incorporating load-bearing piers at regular intervals. While hard-fired bricks form the exterior face of the walls, sun-dried bricks are used for the interior face.
Deodar or Kail timber is integral to Taq construction, employed in crafting timber lacings for floors and roofs. A distinctive aspect of Taq architecture is the presence of horizontal timber lacings resembling ladders, strategically placed within floors. These lacings play a crucial role in consolidating the masonry walls and anchoring them to the floors.
Taq buildings are organized into smaller communities known as "Mohallas." This clustering reflects not only the architectural landscape but also the social fabric of the areas where Taq construction is prevalent.
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Taq buildings typically comprise a blend of brick, rubble stone, or sun-dried bricks, joined with thick mud mortar
