Depending upon the location and climatic conditions, various types of houses, such as bungalows, apartments, condos, huts, etc. Most in urban areas, apartments and bungalows are seen, and huts and other low-lying houses are seen in rural areas. People build houses based on location and terrain. Among all these types of houses, there is a unique type of house built on flood-prone terrain called a stilt house. Most people are unaware of the concept of stilt houses, so in this article, we will know what stilt houses are, where they are found and how they are constructed.
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What Do You Mean by a Stilt House?
In India, stilt houses are mainly built in areas with high rainfall and are prone to flooding. However, we can also find these houses in the coastal regions. So now the question arises: what is a stilt house? The stilt houses are very different from the regular ones, constructed on well-built stilts at a higher level. A regular house is built on ground level, but a stilt house is built on an elevated level. This prevents the risk of flooding the home. It also prevents pests and vermin from entering the home. A stilt house is mostly found in coastal regions, but the houses built along the riverside and in areas prone to flooding can also take advantage of the height of the stilt house.
Why Are Stilt Houses Built Above Ground Level?
There are various designs of stilt houses in India, and it is not just built in one location. These kinds of houses are used for many purposes by people. For example, in Arctic regions, stilt houses are built to protect people from permafrost, as using stilts to build a house is the most effective way to keep the permafrost stable. Also, stilt houses in Assam are built around the river Brahmaputra where there is heavy rainfall and frequent flooding.
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Therefore, in the Arctic region, if the house were built on the ground level, the heat radiating from the house would melt the ice below and cause trouble for the people living there. Similarly, in Assam, if the house is built on ground level, then the water would fill in the house during floods. Therefore, stilt houses are built above ground level to avoid such problems.
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What Materials Are Being Used for Building a Good Stilt House?
The answer to stilt houses is found in which state has been answered – In Assam! Now we move towards understanding the different stilt house materials used commonly. The stilt houses are made using bamboo, stone, wood, cement, etc. Sometimes even mud is required to build a house on stilts.
In many regions, slit houses are found in the countryside, but in modern times and commercial variations, these houses are very popular, and modern houses on stilts are being constructed in areas where stilt houses are found.
Traditionally, the veranda being extended around those homes varies greatly but never really surrounds a home. After the modernisation of the verandas, the stilt houses were absorbed to construct the bedrooms and use more and more space for building the living area. Wondering where stilt houses are found in India? Let’s find out.
In some regions, traditional forms of stilt houses are found in India, where architectural characteristics are retained from the past. In other areas, stilt houses are being renovated as per the modern lifestyles.
What Are the Specialties of the Stilt Houses Made Up of Bamboo?
The stilt houses made up of bamboo are commonly seen in Golaghat in Assam. In this region, bamboo is abundant, and hence the locals have the skills to craft things out of bamboo. This also includes constructing a house on stilts using bamboo. The stilt houses are built in most water-based regions; that is why houses in Assam are built on stilts, as floods occur almost thrice a year. With the help of technology and the knowledge of local people, bamboo stilt houses are made convenient to build houses on stilts using bamboo in this region.
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Why Are Houses in Assam Built on Stilts?
Assam is one of the most prone regions to flood in India. This state comprises flood plains surrounded by hills on all sides. Thus, the rivers are not stable in Assam. The houses in Assam are built on stilts to protect the house from floods and heavy rain.
Major Advantages of Well-Built Stilt Houses in India
Salient Features and Advantages of building Stilt Houses in India
The following are some of the primary advantages and disadvantages of stilt houses in India:
- In warmer areas, having a lot of airflows is beneficial. Inside a house on stilts, the enhanced airflow from beneath the floors and the increased wind generated by the small elevation produce a cool and pleasant ambience.
- The dry sections are protected beneath a stilt house during the wet season. The owners of the stilt houses can use this area to store chores, and commodities, care for and raise animals, hang certain items, stilt parking house design and engage in other helpful activities.
- When you have a stilt house, you also get protection from animals and solitude from other people even with a duplex house with stilt parking.
- The stilt buildings give inhabitants who want to go hunting a visual edge and assist the military in keeping an eye on the surrounding terrains.
- In India, houses built on stilts can be erected on non-flat and mountainous terrains, as well as in places that are likely to experience excessive rainfall and flooding.
- In India, a stilt house can be built on non-flat and mountainous terrains and in places prone to flooding and severe rainfall.
- Residents are protected from flooding by the height of a stilt house design.
Types of Stilt Houses in Different Part of the World
Stilt houses are dwellings that are raised on pillars or stilts above the ground. They are commonly found in areas with high water levels, such as near rivers, lakes, or coasts, where flooding is a frequent occurrence. Stilt houses can also be found in areas where the ground is unstable or prone to earthquakes. Here are some of the different types of stilt houses found around the world:
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- Southeast Asia: The stilt houses found in Southeast Asia are commonly known as “palafitos.” These houses are made of bamboo or wood and are built over water. They can be found in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, among other countries. These stilt houses are often used as fishing villages and are accessible only by boat.
- South America: In South America, stilt houses are known as “palafito” or “pile dwellings.” They are found in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador, among other countries. These houses are built over the water and are used for fishing and other activities. Some palafitos have been turned into hotels and restaurants, offering a unique and picturesque experience for tourists.
- West Africa: In West Africa, stilt houses are known as “lake dwellings” or “ganvie.” These houses are built over the water in shallow lakes, and they are made of wood, reeds, and other materials. They are used for fishing and farming and can be found in countries such as Benin, Togo, and Nigeria.
- North America: In North America, stilt houses are found primarily in the coastal regions of the southeastern United States. These houses, known as “stilt houses” or “pier houses,” are elevated above the ground to protect against flooding and storm surges. They are typically made of wood and can be found in areas such as the Florida Keys and Louisiana.
- Europe: In Europe, stilt houses can be found in areas such as Venice, Italy, where they are known as “palazzos.” These houses are built over the water and are made of brick and stone. They are often decorated with intricate architecture and are a popular tourist attraction.
- Oceania: In Oceania, stilt houses are found in countries such as Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. These houses, known as “stilt houses” or “stilt villages,” are built over water or on the shoreline. They are made of bamboo, wood, or other materials and are used for fishing and other activities.
Overall, stilt houses can be found in many different parts of the world and serve as unique and innovative solutions for houses built in areas with heavy rainfall to challenges posed by flooding and other environmental factors.
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Stilt houses are an essential part of Assamese culture and history. Over the years, a stilt house design has become an integral part of saving the people who live in areas that receive tremendous amounts of rain and are in the path of large rivers that flow for some months every year. Understanding the building process and designing of stilt houses is an essential part of long-lasting house structures. If you are contemplating approaching home interior design experts, you may find the most suitable expert at NoBroker. The expert will help you in every process right from understanding the needs to explaining the design philosophy and the execution process. If interested, please leave a comment below this article; our executive will be in touch with you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are stilt houses made of?
Answer: Stilt houses are typically constructed using a variety of materials including wood, bamboo, concrete, and metal. These materials provide stability and durability, essential for supporting the structure above water or uneven terrain.
Q2. What role does sand play in building stilt houses?
Answer: Sand serves as a stable foundation material, distributing weight evenly and providing support for the stilts in coastal stilt house construction.
Q3. What is referred to as a stilt level?
Answer: A stilt level refers to the land-level portion of a building that consists of the structural columns supporting a house.
Q4. How can I install solar panels on my stilt house?
Answer: Installing solar panels on a stilt house involves securing them to the roof or ground nearby, ensuring proper sunlight exposure for optimal energy generation. Consider consulting a professional for installation guidance tailored to your specific location and structure.
Q5. How does living in a stilt house affect the landscape?
Answer: Living in a stilt house can minimise the impact on the natural landscape by allowing for construction without disrupting the terrain or altering the natural flow of water. Stilt houses often blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment, preserving the landscape’s integrity.
