Assam Type House Design: A Traditional Approach

A house that looks like from another century surrounded with lush greenery. Its sloping roof shedding the monsoon rain, while its traditional bamboo and wood walls have their own stories to tell. This is the charm of the Assam type house design, a timeless architectural style that has stood strong for decades in the face of Assam’s unpredictable climate. The Assam type house design serves as a beautiful reminder of the wisdom deeply rooted in traditional Indian architecture while being functional and aesthetic.

What makes these homes special? Is it their resilience to face earthquakes and floods due to the concrete building material? Or the way they are so naturally built with nature? Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating elements of Assam type house design, exploring how these traditional marvels offer lessons in sustainability, practicality, and elegance – all while preserving the soul of Assamese heritage.

What Makes Assam Houses So Special?

Imagine a house that stays cool in summer and warm in winter, all by itself! We know it sounds unbelievable but that’s exactly what these houses do. They are just one story tall and sit slightly above the ground on a strong wooden or concrete base. It’s like they’re standing on stilts. This smart design keeps the house safe from floods and helps air flow freely underneath, making the whole house experience fresh and breezy winds.

The Magic of Natural Materials

The best part about these houses is they’re built using just natural materials like wood shuttering and bamboo. The walls are made from bamboo or wood panels, carefully woven together like a giant basket. These walls are then covered with a special mix of mud, cow dung, and rice husk – materials that work amazingly well together. This natural coating helps keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter.

A Roof That Makes Sense

One of the coolest things about Assam type house design is its sloping roof. The roof isn’t just for show – it’s designed to handle Assam’s heavy rains. Made with corrugated iron sheets or traditional materials like thatch, these sloping roofs make sure rainwater flows right off instead of being stuck on the top.

Well Arranged Rooms

Inside an Assam type house, you’ll find rooms arranged in a way that makes perfect sense. The verandah (like a covered porch) runs all around the house, protecting the inner walls from sun and rain. It’s also a perfect place to sit and enjoy a cup of tea while watching the rain. The rooms are connected to each other and the space is efficiently utilised, making it easy to move around in the home. The windows are placed just right in the measurement with the house to let in lots of fresh air and natural light.

Smart Features for Everyday Life

These houses are built with smart features that make life easier. The kitchen usually has special ventilation to let out cooking smoke. The floors are raised to keep out dampness. Wide verandahs offer perfect spaces for drying clothes during rainy seasons. Every element of Assamese houses just makes sense.

Also read:  15 Assam Type House Designs for Eco-friendly Living

Why Are These Houses Still Popular?

Even though we now have modern buildings with AC, heaters and some fancy materials, people in Assam still prefer the traditional Assam type house design. Why? Because these houses are:

• Perfect for the local weather
• Easy to repair and maintain
• Built using affordable materials
• Earthquake-resistant due to their flexible structure
• Naturally cooling and comfortable
• Environment-friendly

Looking out for a property in Assam? Explore a wide range of options on OLX and grab the best deal.

Modern Touches to Traditional Design

Today’s builders are giving these traditional houses some modern updates while keeping their core features. They’re using stronger materials for the posts, better quality wood for walls, and more durable roofing materials. Some houses now include modern bathrooms and kitchens but still hold the traditional layout that works so well.

If you’re interested in modern house designs, check out our insights on home renovation mistakes to avoid.

Key takeaway 

As we think more about saving energy and living within nature, Assam type house design teaches us important lessons. These houses show us how to build homes that don’t need air conditioning to stay comfortable, to use local materials wisely, and to respect the environment without compromising our needs.You can also check out OLX to find materials and furnishings for your Assam type house. 

The next time you visit Assam, take a good look at these wonderful houses. They’re not just buildings – they’re a perfect example of how our ancestors created comfortable homes without harming the environment. Maybe we can learn from these smart designs to build better homes for our future!

Remember, while modern buildings might look fancy, the traditional Assam type house design proves that sometimes the old ways are the best ways. These houses have kept people comfortable for generations, and they continue to inspire architects who want to create homes that work with nature instead of against it. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the main characteristics that define an Assam Type House?

Assam type houses are characterized by their earthquake-resistant design. They have a light wooden frame structure with walls made of bamboo or reed mesh plastered with mud or cement. They typically have high ceilings, sloping roofs with large overhangs, and raised platforms to protect against flooding. 

Why are Assam Type Houses particularly suitable for the region’s climate?

These houses are specifically designed to handle the region’s heavy rainfall, high humidity, and frequent seismic activity. The sloping roofs help with quick water drainage during monsoons, while the raised platform prevents water logging. The design also ensures good ventilation and natural cooling in a humid climate.

How long do Assam Type Houses typically last?

With proper maintenance, these houses can last for several decades. The traditional ikra (bamboo and reed) walls may need replastering every few years, while the wooden framework can last much longer. Modern adaptations using cement plaster and treated wood can extend the lifespan significantly.

What materials are traditionally used in constructing an Assam Type House?

These houses mostly use locally available materials including timber (usually teak or sal wood) for the main framework, bamboo for wall panels, ikra reeds for walls, galvanized iron sheets for roofing, and mud or cement plaster for wall finishing. The foundation is mostly built with brick or stone.

How cost-effective is building an Assam Type House compared to modern construction?

Traditional Assam Type Houses are more cost effective to build than conventional buildings, mostly because they use locally available materials and require less heavy machinery. However, maintenance costs might be higher due to consistent need for repairs and replastering of walls.