Prototype Bamboo Houses for Communities Affected by the Tsunami - 1
About
Following the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, SEEDS, New Delhi commissioned a prototype bamboo house for reconstruction in Hut Bay, Little Andaman, undertaken by Manasaram Architects through CGBMT. The project combined a demonstration build with a hands-on training workshop, enabling tsunami survivors to actively participate in rebuilding their own homes under technical supervision. The 1000 sq.ft. prototype was completed within 18 days, establishing a replicable, low-cost model for rapid post-disaster housing reconstruction using bamboo.
Location: Hut Bay, Little Andaman, Andaman Islands
Project Type: Prototype Bamboo Disaster Relief Housing
Client: SEEDS, New Delhi
Construction Time: 18 Days (21 April 2005 – 9 May 2005)
Built Area: 100 sq.ft.
Project at a Glance
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Bamboo as the primary structural and enclosure material — renewable, locally available, low embodied energy
Demonstrates bamboo's capacity as a permanent housing material, not merely temporary shelter
Replicable prototype model reduces waste through standardised, minimal-material construction
Community-built process transfers material knowledge, enabling future self-reliant reconstruction
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Bamboo's natural porosity and lightweight construction supports passive ventilation in Andaman's hot-humid climate
Elevated or lightweight structural system allows airflow beneath and around the dwelling
Small 100 sq.ft. footprint minimises heat gain while maximising cross-ventilation potential
Bamboo's low thermal mass reduces heat retention compared to masonry in tropical conditions
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Bamboo structural system demonstrates suitability for earthquakes, tropical storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis
Prototype completed in 18 days — establishing bamboo construction as a rapid-deployment post-disaster system
Training workshop model transfers structural assembly skills directly to community members
Replicable typology designed for scaling across affected settlements without specialist contractor dependency
