Resilient Habitat: Sustainable Housing Solutions for Landslide-Prone Area, Rangamati, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Project idea

This project addresses the critical need for safe and resilient housing in regions vulnerable to landslides. The proposed design takes into account the unique challenges posed by unstable terrain and aims to provide sustainable, 'Chakma' community-centered housing solutions.
Context and Idea
Natural disasters, such as landslides, often lead to the displacement of vulnerable communities, especially in rural and hilly regions. This project focuses on creating housing clusters that are not only disaster-resilient but also culturally appropriate and economically viable for the affected communities. The design incorporates local materials, traditional building techniques, and modern engineering strategies to minimize environmental impact while ensuring structural stability and functionality.
Goals and Objectives
Safety and Resilience: Develop structures that can withstand the pressures of landslides through stilt-based foundations, appropriate material selection, and land-use planning.
Sustainability: Utilize locally available, Eco-friendly materials like bamboo, wood, and tin while integrating passive cooling and ventilation techniques.
Community-Oriented Design: Foster social interaction and inclusive by creating shared green spaces, communal courts, and spaces for agricultural activities.
Adaptability: Provide housing options tailored to different income groups, such as single-bedroom units for lower-income farmers and two-story homes for middle-income jobholders.
Environmental Integration: Preserve and enhance the natural landscape by dedicating 57.7% of the area to green spaces and utilizing water bodies for sustainable drainage and aesthetic enhancement.
This project represents a holistic approach to disaster-resilient architecture, blending innovation with cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. It underscores the vital role of architecture in enhancing the safety, dignity, and well-being of communities living in fragile ecosystems.

Project description

The project focuses on providing a sustainable and disaster-resilient housing model specifically designed for areas prone to natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones. The solution seeks to integrate architectural innovation with environmental and socioeconomic considerations to create housing that not only protects but also empowers communities.
Key Areas of Focus:
Disaster Resilience: Designing housing structures capable of withstanding natural disasters using robust, flexible, and adaptive construction techniques.
Sustainable Practices: Incorporating Eco-friendly solutions such as rainwater harvesting, renewable energy systems, natural ventilation, and waste management to ensure environmental sustainability.
Affordability & Accessibility: Using locally available materials and cost-effective construction methods to ensure the solution is accessible to low-income populations.
Modularity & Adaptability: Allowing for housing units to be modified or expanded based on family needs and future requirements, promoting long-term usability.
Community Building: Creating shared spaces and fostering a sense of community to encourage collaboration and collective disaster preparedness.
Expected Outcomes:
Reduced loss of life and property during disasters.
Improved living conditions that balance safety, comfort, and sustainability.
Increased community resilience and preparedness for future calamities.
A replicable and scalable model adaptable to various disaster-prone regions.
Through this solution, the project envisions transforming vulnerable areas into resilient habitats where people can live safely and sustainably while fostering social and economic growth.

Technical information

The housing project in disaster-prone areas is designed with an emphasis on resilience, sustainability, and adaptability, utilizing context-specific solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of its inhabitants.
1. Structural System:
Elevated housing units supported by stilt foundations to mitigate the impact of floods and landslides.
Use of locally sourced materials such as bamboo, wood, and steel for lightweight yet robust construction.
Incorporation of reinforced joints to enhance structural stability against seismic forces.
2. Architectural Features:
Modular designs allowing for easy expansion or alteration based on family needs.
Single and double-bedroom units tailored for different income groups.
Sloping roofs for efficient rainwater drainage and protection against harsh weather.
3. Disaster Mitigation Measures:
Elevated common spaces and pathways to reduce vulnerability during floods.
Structures designed to withstand wind speeds up to 120 km/h and moderate seismic activity.
Strategic layout planning to minimize soil erosion and landslide risks.
4. Environmental Sustainability:
Use of solar panels for renewable energy generation.
Rainwater harvesting systems integrated into the design to provide a sustainable water supply.
Passive cooling techniques such as cross-ventilation and natural shading to reduce energy consumption.
Waste management strategies, including composting systems and recycling units.
5. Community-Centered Design:
Central green spaces covering 57.7% of the total area to foster community interaction and encourage local agriculture.
Shared facilities for water collection, storage, and vegetable cultivation to promote self-reliance.
Walkable and pedestrian-friendly clusters to ensure accessibility for all residents.
6. Dimensions and Space Allocation:
Type A (Lower Income): Units of 450 sq. ft., accommodating up to 420 people across 84 units.
Type B (Middle Income): Units of 556 sq. ft., accommodating up to 85 people across 17 units.
7. Compliance:
The design aligns with local building codes and disaster management guidelines.
Addresses long-term resilience by considering materials and maintenance requirements throughout the building lifecycle.
Expected Impact:
This technical approach ensures the project meets the dual goals of disaster resilience and sustainable community development, making it a viable solution for disaster-prone regions.

Documentation

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