Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India has estimated a shortage of houses to the tune of 47.3 million in rural areas during 2007-12. Out of which 90% are for BPL families, which leaves a challenging task to provide shelter to all in most economical way. Varying geo-climatic conditions, hazard scenario, availability / non-availability of different building materials in the region, living habits of people in different parts of the country influence the typology of buildings in rural areas. Any planning / design of dwelling units, therefore, need study of local typology, materials availability and living pattern of the people.