Assam Type House Design: Traditional Houses, & Designs

Assam is a state in the northeastern part of India and one of the seven sister states in northeast India. It is known for its rich culture, heritage, and sharp architectural works.

‘Assam Type House Design’ is a special type of construction created by a team of seismologists who visited the place just after the Assam earthquake in 1950. Since the city is prone to earthquakes due to its geographic location, this team observed the local environment and building materials available locally.

Adding to their observations of a construction type that would be earthquake-resilient, they suggested that all the official buildings in the province should be built according to this type.
Assamese architecture has not only withstood the test of time but has also fascinated people who admire the blend of tradition and practicality. Assam type house design are fundamentally climate-oriented. It is recognised for its green, natural beauty and the never-ending rains. Each element of the Assamese architecture demonstrates a historical tradition, from the materials used to build a house to its unique methods, design, and land.

In this article, we will go through the world of Assam type house design, learning about its qualities, historical significance, and timeless appeal.

Assam Type House Design

Traditional homes and their construction in Assam were based on various explanations ranging from socio-cultural to economic to physical. However, housing forms nowadays are based on new ideas such as worldview, rationalisation, and fashion. People were more concerned with holistic orientations and were extremely attentive to location, temperature, and terrain for comfort back then. The old traditional home reflects specific principles that reveal something about the people’s lifestyle and explain their acceptability and prosperity.

Furthermore, the fact that these houses have remained constant in design despite the application of technology attests to their reliability. Houses in Assam are built using specific building materials and techniques that make them resilient to natural calamities.

Raw materials like ikra, wood and bamboo are used in the Assam type house design. 

Ikra is a thin piece of wood available locally and known for its durability. According to the Home Loan Subsidy Scheme of Assam, citizens can get home loans easily to build their own houses. However, the traditional Assam type house design is gradually decreasing because of the rising popularity of multi-storied buildings and aluminium-framed urban infrastructure.

Assam Type House Design Features

Some key features characterising Assam type house design are –

Wood and Bamboo Construction

The most important building materials used in Assam type house design are bamboo and wood. There is abundant bamboo in the region that offers excellent structural strength. The houses are built on stilts with bamboo frames and woven bamboo mat walls as protection against flooding. Wood is mainly used for flooring and columns, adding longevity and durability to the dwelling.

Elevated Base

The elevated base is one of the most noticeable features of an Assam-type house design. This one-of-a-kind design keeps the house from flooding during the monsoon season and makes room for storage and cattle.

Steep Sloping Roof 

The steep slope provides a practical and aesthetic purpose. It effectively sheds rain, avoiding waterlogging and structural damage.

Thatched Roof

Traditionally, thatched roofs created from materials such as elephant grass provide good insulation and are environmentally friendly. Modern variants, however, could be tins or corrugated sheets.

Verandahs

Verandahs are open areas attached to the outside of the building. A railing often encloses it. It is a place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Most verandahs extend on the sides and front of a house.

Assam Type House Design

Here is a list of the top six Assam type house design highlighting the Indian state’s culture and customs.

Assam Timber House Design

A traditional, beautiful Assam type house design must be lightweight due to the frequent landslides and earthquakes in the state. Using these renewable resources reduces the damage and danger. Bamboo is an ideal choice for such houses as it can be found in abundance and is known for its strength. The sloped roofs in the houses are often made of timber and metal sheets. People desire an Assam-style cottage surrounded by lush greenery with the rustic appeal of a timber and bamboo house. Moreover, bamboo is an integral construction material that ensures buildings are long-lasting and free from termites.

Traditional Assam Exterior House Design

When you imagine a beautiful Assam type house design, you imagine it as a structure with a sloping roof and huge windows. These windows provide natural light and a better ventilation system. As the city does not experience harsh and hot weather, the windows at 60 cm height are not an issue. If you reside in the Northern plains, you might have such big windows, which can enhance the house’s overall appearance. 

Ikra House Design

Ikra is a plant commonly used for construction in the northeastern region of India. This slender-leaved plant combines other materials to create a lightweight yet sturdy Assam type house design.

One of the key benefits of using ikra in construction is its ability to blend with other raw materials like bamboo, thatch, and wooden planks. These materials are combined in such a way that provides the necessary support for the structure. The houses are one-storied structures with brick walls built up to one meter above the plinth. The walls support the bamboo woven into wooden frames, plastered using cement or mud. Also, the roof of an ikra house is laterally connected to parallel walls and is made with GI sheets.

Many still build their homes using ikra and other natural materials, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to modern building techniques.

Chang House Design

These types of homes were built by people who resided in the Himalayas. Such houses are typically seen in forests, hillsides, or thick vegetation on the river banks. The Mishing community lived in these stilt houses originally. There are 5-8 stairs that lead you to the main entrance of the house as they are present on the stilts. Tribals who live in these Chang houses have different social and religious beliefs associated with it. This beautiful Assam type house design comprises a hall in the centre and a kitchen, ideal for a large family.

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Mud House

A proportional mixing makes mud of water, soil, and clay. A mudhouse is an Assamese house design built with a standard plan and accurate measurements in mind. A mud house’s length is usually between 5 and 10 metres, while its breadth is usually between 3 and 5 metres. A mud house usually has two floors. Mud houses, also known as katcha houses, are popular in various states of India, particularly in rural areas, and are similar to other types of Assam house designs and styles. Houses of mud generally help keep the house cooler in the scorching heat.

Assam Style Bungalows

This type retains the core elements of an Assam type house design, blending tradition with modernity while integrating all the features. The exteriors of this type of house maintain the stilt roofs, but instead of thatches, durable materials are used for the roofs. Organic materials like wood, ikra, and mud are used to build the Assam-style bungalows to guard the house against extreme weather conditions. Many new home-buyers opt for this type of house.

Conclusion

The Assam Type House design is a true masterpiece of architecture that has stood the test of time. Its enduring charm and practical design inspire architects, designers, and homeowners worldwide. It is a symbol of the state’s rich cultural heritage, and the values passed down from one generation to the next. The houses are not just a physical structure but also a reservoir of stories, traditions, and memories cherished by families who have lived there for years.

Traditional homes have existed in the northeastern states for a long time, and observing them shows that they were built to endure calamities such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. The materials used are generally inexpensive and in abundance. The materials also have the advantage of being lightweight, making them more sustainable and reliable during calamities. Unfortunately, many of these iconic Assam-style houses have been replaced with huge buildings, with just a handful surviving the fury of human avarice and desire.

FAQ’s about Assam Type House Design