Bamboo at work. In the the village of Harsar, where bamboo has been used for ages, this demonstration does indeed come as a revelation. The word “truss” is entering the local vocabularly, and indeed the local sceptics of bamboo are thinking twice. The local carpenters are lining up to learn the new techniques.

courtesy: Egr. Pratik Lohani

Here is an example of a thatched roof from Japan. Thatched roof tradition is a somewhat in danger of getting lost because it requires very intricate skills to install. However, properly put thatched roof can last for more then 30 years. The advantages of thatched roof include very good insulation, available local resources, natural beauty and cost effectiveness. The disadvantages include high skills. If not properly installed it can invite mice and bird problems and require high maintenance.

 A rice field in Harsar, Laos. The elevated bamboo houses are very common in this part of the world. The advantages of elevated houses are protection against flood, snakes, rats. The space in the bottom are also used for storage space.

We are doing a series on the Sukumbasis (Internally Displaced People), who are living on a below poverty level along Monohara River, the river which divides Kathmandu from Bhaktapur. In this shelter lives a young mom, who is in her thirties with her 4 year old son. She makes her living by collecting sand from the Monohara river for the construction companies, 

These traditional bamboo beams have overcome the test of time. They have been there for ever. In the traditional houses, people still use wood or dried cow dung for cooking. These traditional stoves produce lots of smoke, which then accumulate on the bamboo beams. These unintended accumulation of smoke on the beams act as a protection against termite and give them a beautiful texture as well.