The impact of climate change is being felt across the globe, with frequent instances of natural disasters reporting from various places. Building a sturdy house that can withstand natural disasters is quite a challenge. The massive landslide that hit Wayanad had claimed hundreds of lives and razed their homes to the ground. Meanwhile, noted social artist Prashant Kumar who is the founder director of Centre of Resilience, based in Bihar, has designed a unique floating house that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
It is for the first time that such a floating house has been built in India. This structure provides warmth during winter and rises above the water level in case of floods. Prashant says that such practical house designs perfectly suit flood-prone states like Bihar. His sustainable house has been built using locally available grass, bamboo, mud, cow dung and lime.
Besides, large drums and metal pipes too are used for construction. Moreover, the unique plastering that can effectively resist moisture during heavy rains is the highlight of this house. Meanwhile, the dry toilet ensures that the house is sustainable and doesn’t cause any negative impact on the environment. Solar panels have been installed to generate electricity.
The house that floats foundation of 30 x 30 size, has three bedrooms, a kitchen and a dry toilet. Up to 6 – 8 people can comfortably live in this sustainable house that can float on water during monsoons and stay on the ground during summer and winter. The construction of this house situated in Arrah, Bihar was completed in 2023. Currently, authorities are envisaging projects for introducing such unique houses in flood-prone areas.
