Assam house designs

One of the Seven Sister States of North-Eastern India is Assam. Assamese architecture is inherently climate-oriented and is known for its lush, natural beauty, never-ending monsoons, and benevolence of the inhabitants. Every aspect of the Assamese houses’ architecture, from the materials used to the methods adopted, the designs that were used and the terrain itself, shows a long legacy based on climate and indigenous customs.

What distinguishing characteristics of these Assam house designs make them stand out from the rest? Here are all the house designs found in Assam listed below.

 

Assam house design: Features

Here are some key elements that characterise Assam house design:

• Bamboo and wood construction: Bamboo and wood are primary building materials used in Assam house design. Bamboo is abundant in the region and offers excellent structural strength. The houses are typically constructed on stilts, with bamboo frames and walls made of woven bamboo mats. Wood is used for beams, columns, and flooring, adding warmth and durability to the structure.

• Thatched roof: Assam houses often feature a thatched roof made of woven straw or grass. The sloping roof helps to shed heavy rainfall common in the region, while the thatch provides insulation and protection from the sun’s heat. The roof design also allows for proper air circulation, keeping the interiors cool.

• Spacious verandas: Verandas or porches are an integral part of Assam house design. These open spaces serve as a transition zone between the indoors and outdoors, offering a place to relax, socialise and enjoy the natural surroundings. The verandas often feature intricately carved wooden pillars and railings.

• Traditional decorative elements: Assam houses are adorned with traditional decorative elements that reflect the local craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Carvings and motifs depicting animals, flowers, and geometric patterns can be found on doors, windows, and other architectural elements, showcasing the artistic traditions of the region.

• Elevated living spaces: Assam houses are typically raised on stilts to protect them from flooding during the monsoon season. This elevation also provides additional space underneath the house for storage, livestock, or other functional purposes. The raised design also helps to keep the interiors well-ventilated and protected from dampness.

• Courtyard and inner spaces: Assam house design often incorporates a central courtyard called the “Namghar” or “Bari.” This courtyard serves as a gathering space for family activities, rituals, and social events. The inner spaces of the house are arranged around the courtyard, emphasising a sense of community and togetherness.

• Jali work and ventilation: Assam houses feature intricately crafted wooden jali screens on windows and balconies. These jali works allow for natural ventilation while adding an aesthetic appeal to the exteriors. The intricate patterns also filter sunlight, creating a soft and soothing ambiance inside the house.

 

6 Assam house designs

Here is a list of the top 6 Assam house designs that showcase the culture and traditions of the Indian state.

Traditional exterior Assam house design

If you try to visualise the Assamese house on your visual canvas, it looks like a slanted roof building with big windows. A large number of windows provide additional natural light and an improved ventilation system. Since Assam does not experience scorching sun, large windows with a sill height of roughly 60 cm are not a major concern. If you live in the Northern plains, so to speak, you might also have such sizable windows in your home, which greatly enhance the facade’s appeal.

Since the houses on the site must be very densely planned, much like big cities, the facade is used as a point of attraction.

Source: Pinterest

See also about: bungalow designs

Timber Assam house design

The main requirement for building a traditional Assamese home is to keep the structure as light as possible. The main reason is that landslides and earthquakes frequently affect Assam. Therefore, it is necessary to use lightweight renewable materials for the building to reduce damage and hazard. Unquestionably, bamboo, a domestically abundant material, meets the requirements.

Timber is frequently used in conjunction with metal sheets on sloped roofs. We all yearn for a small Assamese-inspired cottage nestled among the greenery, with the rustic appearance and feel of a timber and bamboo house.  Additionally, bamboo is a very robust building material, making buildings extremely durable and termite-free.

Source: Pinterest

 

Ikra Assam house design

Ikra is a popular method of construction in Assamese homes. Reeds are frequently used in Assamese houses as part of the Ikra construction technique, which also involves the use of mud or clay for the walls. Since over 200 years ago, the Ikra form of construction has been used; it is not a modern practice.

Ikra panels can be used in modern homes, together with techniques appropriate for the home’s modernist architecture, in certain areas. You can experiment with the texture as well, which will give you a visage that is attention-grabbing.

Source: Pinterest

 

Chang house design in Assam

 

These homes, often referred to as stilt houses, were built by the indigenous people who resided in the Himalayan region. The Chang family of Assamese natives is where these homes received their names. The 5-7 steps it takes to get to the Assam-style house front design is one of these residences’ standout features. Your homes are shielded from floods and torrential rain by doing this. The historic design element exudes a special warmth and allure.

The front porch, the verandah area, and the steeply slanted roof of this Assam-style house design are further noteworthy characteristics. People that enjoy having vast outdoor spaces, such as expansive gardens or porch areas, favour these designs.

Source: Pinterest

 

Mud house design in Assam

Mud is created by combining water in a proportionate amount with clay and soil. The dimensions of conventional plans were taken into account when constructing the Mudhouse, an Assamese-style home. A typical mud house has a length of 5 to 10 metres and a width of 3 to 5 metres. A mud house normally has one or two stories. The length and breadth of the roofing or flooring system do not exceed five metres. Mud houses, also known as kutcha houses, are typical in other parts of India as well, especially in rural areas, just as other forms of Assam-type houses.

Source: Pinterest

 

Royal Assam-style bungalow

It is a myth that the Assam-type house design can only be used for low-profile mud homes. The beauty and wellness of natural materials are incorporated into this magnificent Assam-style bungalow. It uses organic materials like wood, ikra, and mud plasters to shield your home from the weather and surroundings. This luxurious royal bungalow design seamlessly fuses modern and traditional elements. As you can see, many modern homeowners are using the bungalow style nowadays.

Source: Pinterest

FAQs

What types of Assamese homes are most popular?

Ikra, Chang-styled construction, bamboo, clay, and mud plasters are some of the materials used to construct some of the most popular types of Assam-style home designs. Along with defence against other natural calamities, these are constructed to be strong against earthquakes.

What types of roofing are used in Assamese-style home designs?

In Assam-style home designs, the roofs are typically slanted and stilts. Homes with these roofs are shielded from flooding and torrential rain. These roofs help stop rainwater from collecting on the patio and leaks in the homes.

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