Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Located in the midst of the rural setting the construction of this particular house involves locally available materials, earth and bamboo. Traditional means of construction were adapted though improved with modern knowledge thus setting an example of how local skills can be used and therefore showing a promising future for the rural region. Being part of the extension project of the Agha-khan awarded, Meti-school, Rudropur, Bangladesh this too was hand-built. The German-Austrian-Bangladeshi team includes local laborers, students from BRAC University and University of LINZ, Germany and Architect Anna Heringer as the principle architect. The intention was to create an inter-cultural exchange. The ground floor is made of earth using technique similar to cob-walling. Each of the rooms has its own openings along with ventilators, made from hand-made terracotta with respect to the climate. A bamboo supported staircase has its steps made from wood, mud while a nice sitting place adorns the landing of the first floor. Protruding out from the upper living room is a verandah embellished with beautiful bamboo and wooden work by our local craftsmen. The involvement of the owner during the design, construction process and in all other aspects is an example of how architecture can provide a lasting contribution of local communities in developing areas. This project has given me the opportunity to learn a lot, for example- “although local materials are being used but by taking account of the visual perception of materials, its texture, way of using this material, use of alternative energy, it is also possible to design a building that captures the local, traditional essence, which is appropriate for our context, while giving a new language with the improved technique to our traditional architecture in terms of environmental sustainability”. use of locally available materials and techniques contrasts strongly with the prevailing trend of using more expensive and energy-intensive construction methods e.g. concrete and masonry which is evident in the region as it is in many parts of the world. Cows were used to mix the earth, water and rice-straw mixture but apart from that all other works were done by hands without the use of any technical machinery.