Clay Pots as Thermal Insulators since Ages: A Case Study to Ascertain the Technique of Utilizing Clay Pots as a Roof Construction Material in Sylhet, Bangladesh

Abstract

A clay pot is the output of pottery art and refers to any object composed of clay that has been baked or fired at a high temperature in a kiln. They are generally used as household items and ornamented showpieces. Interestingly, this soil-based household item was found in the architecture of different periods as thermal and sound insulation material for roofing. Research has revealed that clay pots were once used as building materials in the Mughal and Ottoman periods. The usage of clay pots in Bengal can be considered an essential component of traditional material culture and a substantial improvement in built environment design against climatic problems. Due to technological advancement and urbanization, this traditional technique for thermal insulation is rarely implanted in current practice. Thus, some locally developed, indigenous building methods that are more sustainable and resilient to local climates slowly disappeared. The study attempts to document the use of clay pots in architecture in various periods to disclose the techniques of using clay pots as the roof finish material in contemporary architecture which will encourage energy efficiency and has a positive impact on the pottery makers' businesses and their economic advancement.