Why Houses in Assam are Built on Stilts. Among the various types of houses, stilt houses are commonly found in areas that are prone to flooding. The majority of people in towns and cities are unaware of the concept of a stilt house, and only a few have seen pictures of stilt houses.
Stilt houses are houses built on flood-prone terrain in India. People typically construct houses based on terrain and location. There are various house types, such as bungalows, huts, apartments, and condos.
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What is a Stilts House?
In India, stilt houses are typically built in areas prone to heavy rainfall and flooding. Stilt houses are raised on well-built stilts and are much higher in elevation than a regular house. Regular homes are built on level ground, whereas stilt houses are built on high stilts or a slightly elevated area to avoid the risks of water-logging and flooding of a home, as well as pest infestation.
Stilt houses are typically found on the coast, but houses built along rivers are especially vulnerable to flooding and can greatly benefit from the height provided by a stilt house.
How Stilt house are made?
Stone, wood, cement, bamboo, and other materials are used to construct a good and long-lasting stilt house. In some areas, even mud is required to construct a stilt house. Stilt houses can be found in several locations throughout the countryside, but modern-day and commercial variations of these houses are extremely popular.
When it comes to traditional stilt houses, the verandah that is extended around those homes varies greatly but never completely surrounds a home. After the verandahs were modernized, the stilt houses were absorbed to build the bedrooms and use more and more space to build the living area.
Traditional stilt house forms in India are combined with modern architectural features to make the stilt houses adaptable and suitable for modern and contemporary lifestyles.
Bamboo Stilt houses’ Distinctive features
Bamboo stilt houses are the best-suited stilt houses for flood-prone areas. Bamboo stilt houses are common in flood-prone areas throughout Assam.
Stilt house plans are common in Golaghat, Assam, India. Assam has an abundance of bamboo, and the bamboo is usually of very high quality. These bamboo are used by the people of Assam to build bamboo stilt houses.
Why are houses in Assam built on stilts?
In Assam, stilt houses are considered a necessity for most of the areas where flooding occurs at least three times a year. With the advancement of technology, people have combined local and traditional knowledge to build better and more robust bamboo stilt houses that are appropriate for that region.
Stilt House Advantage
- Ample ventilation and airflow inside the house keep the atmosphere pleasant and cool.
- The dry area beneath the house during the rainy season can be used for a variety of purposes such as hanging items, storing goods, and housing pets and animals.
- These houses are also useful for military personnel and hunters because they provide a clever and elevated view of the surrounding area.
- These can even be built on hillsides.
- Residents are protected from flooding, waterlogging, and insects.
Houses in Assam are Built on Stilts – FAQs
Bamboo is even more durable than wood. As a result, bamboo stilt houses are being built in areas prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding. As a result, a bamboo stilt house is completely safe.
Yes, stilt houses are very common in flood-prone areas such as Assam. The elevated height above ground level allows water to flow beneath the house without damaging the structure.
In India, a stilt house costs around Rs. 10 lakh.
Stilts are posts, poles, or pillars that enable a structure or person to stand at a specific height above the ground.
The stilt houses are raised on piles above ground level. The main reason for using stilts is to protect the houses from flooding and water logging.
