6 TAKEAWAY POINTS FOR THE VISITOR, TO INSPIRE THEM TO BUILD BACK BETTER

1 . UPCYCLED TARMAC SHEETS

The circular shingles on the roof are actually the top and bottom cicular plane surfaces of old metal drums. Once dented and damaged, the drums are sold off as scrap metal. As roof shingles, the metal pieces gain new life and protect the houses.

2. PASSIVE SOLAR ENERGY

The roof design maximizes the south- facing sunlight gain, allowing the distribution of solar energy in the form of heat through the windows. The roof area is reduced towards the south to allow for maximum sunlight entry into the house.

3. LIGHT UPPER FLOOR WITH CROSS- BRACING

The light timber upper structure on the top floor does not extra weight which would, in the event of an earthquake, exert great force on the structure and cause the house to collapse. Diagonal bracing also ensures structural sideways resistance.

4. HEAVY STONE WALL WITH TIMBER TIES

The lower stone walls are designed to be strong enough to bear heavy loads. The reinforcement with timber tie beams prevents the stone walls from collapsing.

5. STEEL I BEAM

A 5.5 metre long steel I beam innovates the large tree trunk, in vernacular architecture, would have been handpicked from the forest to support the structure. Since the demand of housing has gone up drastically, steel has become a better, more sustainable choice.

6. RING BEAM

A reinforced plinth beam improves the model house’s horizontal bending resistance, reducing the effects of earthquake shocks on the house. It separates the aboveground structure of the building from the tectonic movements underground.