Sustainable solutions for low-cost building: Material innovations for Assam-type house in North-East India
Salim Barbhuiya, Dibyendu Adak, Comingstarful Marthong, John P. Forth
Abstract
Assam-type houses, traditionally constructed using bamboo, timber, and mud, have long served as climate-adapted, affordable Building in North-East India. With growing demands for low-cost and sustainable Building, this review evaluates material innovations that can enhance the affordability, durability, and sustainability of Assam-type houses. The paper examines traditional materials such as bamboo and thatch, alongside modern innovations like Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB), fly ash bricks, and agro-waste products. Emerging materials, including ferrocement and hempcrete, are assessed for their potential in providing eco-friendly alternatives. Key challenges in the region, such as economic constraints, environmental threats like floods and earthquakes, and material transportation issues, are addressed. Technological advancements, such as prefabricated Building and 3D printing, are discussed for their role in sustainable construction. The review concludes with a focus on policy support, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and future directions for scaling sustainable, low-cost Building solutions in the region.