Khudi Bari addresses the urgent need for housing for climate refugees on the so-called chars, fertile river sandbars constantly threatened by floods and erosion, but which are vital agricultural land for millions of marginalised, landless people in Bangladesh.
Rapid assembly and disassembly
The project took shape during pandemic lockdowns in 2020. The construction consists of a lightweight yet stable space frame of local construction bamboo joined with specially developed and domestically manufactured steel connectors. The system is designed for rapid assembly and disassembly by three people with simple tools, allowing the building to be relocated to safer places during crisis situations. Despite its low weight, the structure is robust and engineered to withstand floods and storms, while requiring only minimal shallow ground anchoring.
The house’s lower level accommodates social and private functions. The upper floor serves as sleeping quarters and also functions as refuge during floods. Walls can be built from locally available materials, which reduces both costs and carbon footprint whilst enabling site adaptation. Architecturally, Khudi Bari connects to the region’s traditional housing forms.
Marina Tabassum Architects has worked closely with local communities to spread knowledge about the building system and has also scaled up the structure for other purposes, including meeting spaces for female farmers and community centres for women in Rohingya refugee camps.
Text: Carl-Johan Liljegren
