Build Better Nepal: Safer Suitable Sociable Self-Reliant Sustainable

Report on Concept Proposal on Post Earthquake Rural Reconstruction of Nepal
BUILD BETTER NEPAL

SAFER
SUITABLE
SOCIABLE SELF-RELIANT SUSTAINABLE
Submitted by :
NEEDLEWEAVE PVT. LTD

needleweavearchitects@gmail.com
sauravshrestha@live.com
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
NO,S
A.
Background
B.
Underlying Issues
C.
Objectives
D.
Methodology
Part I : Theoretical Framework
1.1 Rural Development
1.2 Rural Housing in Developing Context
1,3 Participatory Housing Process
1.4 Post disaster Reconstruction
1.5 People Centered Reconstruction

1.6 Case Studies : Arannya Housing
1.7 Case Studies: Belapur Housing
1.8 Comparative Analysis of Case Studies
1.9 Brief Study on Earthquake resistant rural house proposed by MOUD & strengthened by NSET
10
12
14
15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
NO,S
2.
Contextual Framework
17
2.1 Introduction
18
2.2 Historical Background
18
2.3 Methodology
19
2.3.1. Workshops
19
2.3.2 Mapping
29
2.3.3 Photographic survey
30
2.3.4 Material Survey
31
2.4. Analytical Study
32
PART III CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
34
3.1 Critical appraisal of key conepts
35
3.2 Design Development
35
i.
37
Starting with module
ii. Responding site synergies
38
iii. Learning from vernacular
38
iv. Improvement in rural techniques
39
v. Incremental scheme
40
vi. Sustainable design
41
Part IV
42
Vision
5
Annex
43
Drawings and Cost Estimates

4
A. Background
Nepal is the 11th most earthquake -prone
country in the world.1 Throughout history
of Nepal , there have been frequent occurrences of great earthquakes causing
severe human and physical loss.
On April 2015 , Nepal Earthquake of
magnitude of 7.8 took death toll of more
than 8000 and left more than 20,000 injured . Around 31 districts of central Nepal were affected and out of which14
districts were listed in severely hit areas.
The extent ot devastation is severe with
heavy loss of lives and properties . It is estimated that lives of 8 million people , almost one third of population of Nepal
have been impacted by these earthquakes.1
Nepal one of poorest country with scarce

resources now has a challenging task of
reconstruction ahead. The challenge can
also be an opportunity in disguise if reconstruction is laid out with proper vision
for sustainable , self-reliant and stronger
future.
5
B.Underlying Issues
D.Methodology
Reconstruction happens in particular

context and particular scenario which is
a variant from country to country or within the country itself. In case of Nepal , Rural reconstruction is really a challenge
due to difficult geography and infrastructure problems. Moreover , Nepal is one of
the culturally and geographically diverse
country in the world it does have various
indigenous building culture and settlement patterns. Theres imminent risk of
loss of vernacular building culture in longer run .Furthermore , due to scarce resource and limited skill manpower , it is
quite challenging to conduct large scale
reconstruction projects .
Appropriate methodology is as important

as the final design solution as replicability
always depends on appropriateness of
methodology or process followed. Due to
the diversity of issues and need of replicability, methodology of Frameworks is needed. Frameworks here are supposed to
give structure to the design process.
Picture 2 : Aerial View of Earthquake Affected Village ( Source : New York Times)
C. Objectives
Strengthen Rural Technology for Disaster

resilience.
Encourage use of local skills and resources
Retain Vernacular essence and identity

in rural architecture.
Improve Rural Life , Strengthen Community and enhance economy.
Incorporate Sustainable and Eco-friendly

practices.
Picture 2 : Aerial View of Temporary Shelters in Nepal ( Source : Huffington Post )
Build upon efficient and effective system

of construction.
Thus Methodology has been breakdown

in the form of Frameworks which are as
follows:
a. Theoretical Framework
b. Contextual Framework
c. Conceptual Framework
Theoretical Framework
It deals with theoretical concepts regarding rural settlement planning.
It deals with Site Analysis & Context Studies.
Conceptual Framework
It deals with Design concept and Ideas.
6
PART ONE
Theoretical Framework
Theoretical Framework includes the basic
theoretical ideas that can be used to establish a framework of ideas .
In this section , theories related to Rural
Development , Post Disaster Reconstruction , Rural Housing Process , Participatory
Processes in Housing are included briefly.
In addition to that exemplary case studies of two housing projects have also
been briefly discussed.
Only brief description of theories have
been done owing to the scope of report.
7
1.1 Rural Development

Rural development is the process of improving quality of life and economic wellbeing of
people living in relatively isolated and sparsely populated areas.1( Mosely ,Rural Development Principles
& Practice). Traditionally , Its main focus has
been primarily on exploitation of land intensive natural resource like agriculture and forestry. However, increase in tourism and foreign employment has also significantly
changed the overall scenario . It is characterized by its emphasis on economic and development strategies. On the contrary to the
urban areas , rural areas are very distinctive
with one another in terms of issues , problems
and solution.
Participatory Rural Approach aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions or rural
people in the planning and management
of development projects and programs. 2
(worldbank.org). There are various participatory
tools and techniques which can basically
be divided into following four types :
Semi-structured interviewing
Focus group discussions
Preference ranking
Mapping and modeling
Seasonal and historical diagramming.
1.2 Rural Housing in Developing World

The basic of aims of rural development actions are social and economic development
of rural areas. General approach to rural development has been Top-down approach
which is either authority or donor driven .However, considerable number of projects with top down approach has failed in
developing countries owing to weak institutional setup and less public participation.
Thus ,an integrated approach that includes
public concern has been successfully introduced in developing countries of south Asia.
Furthermore, bottom up approach like Participatory Rural Appraisal have also been developed and followed up.
In most of developed countries , land in the

villages are owned under traditional rules ,
within families . It may be passed on and
subdivided between generations. Some of it
may be held in communal property. This is
informal , that is not frequently surveyed and
registered , which may not pose any problems because communities tend to know
who owns what and have their traditional
means of settling conflicts. It differs from the
informal land situation that one often encounters in urban areas, where occupants
squat on land that actually has a registered
owner , in either the public or private sector .
The design and techniques of rural housing

have been passed on and improved upon
by generation of residents and rural buildersUsually there are good reasons for the way
houses are built in particular location and
some of these may have been derived from
previous experiences with disaster, which
should not be ignored. Moreover , rural environment can provide several building materials such as stone, gravel , sand , clay , timber , bamboo and thatch. There are ample
evidence of self-help and mutual aid in construction and many rural communities do
have builders specialized in specific components of housing.
1.3 Participatory Housing Process

Participatory processes deliver more sustainable solutions. It includes ingenuity of local
people in solving their own problems. It reduces dependency on donors or authorities
over the longer term and can create the opportunity for new kinds of partnerships to
emerge. It empowers the community to define their needs , mobilize their resources for
their housing problem. This empowerment is
likely to be useful for maintenance of housing
development in longer run
Planning :
John Turner , puts the dilemmas into one

basic question whose participation in whose
decisions and whose actions? . Turner distinguishes two categories of stakeholders : the
sponsors of activities , and the users of houses
or services provided. Turners model gave rise
to four types of housing process
Planning basically deals with understanding

of context , governance structure along
with identification of funding source and
beneficiary through various forms of accessment . Public Participation and Feedback
system can be established in this process.Programme plan is prepared at the
end of this process.
Sponsor decide and sponsor provide

It is typical supply driven housing process often adopted by governments and agencies
in 1970s as described in the section on formal
urban housing process. Example : Indira Awas
Yojana Social Housing Programme
Sponsor decide and users provide
It includes self help projects and site & services schemes . Sponsors commonly select
the sites and develop plans or set design
standards , make credit arrangements and
decide on procedures, before selecting users. Example : Dandora Housing
Users decide and users provide.
It includes informal rural and informal urban
housing
Users decide and Sponsors provide.
It is common process in higher income housing .
Picture 4 : Scene of Destruction of Earthquake ( Source : AP News )
1.4 Post Disaster Reconstruction

Post disaster reconstruction is a complex
process as it requires multi-sectoral involvement , significant resources and wide range
of skills. Moreover , there are various issues
ranging from rehabilitation to livelihood to
be dealt simultaneously. The revitalization of
local economy and means of livelihood becomes integral part of whole process.
Post disaster reconstruction can be divided
into 3 step process i.e, planning , designing
and construction. Planning and designing is
an iterative process and requires understanding of multiple parameters and an appreciation of the tradeoffs which need to
be made.Joe De Silva, Lessons from AcehThe key consideration of each individual Steps of reconstruction are as follows :
Design
Designing starts with site selection and surveys along with various context studies.
Moreover , further physcial planning and
designing is done to achieve a project
plan, upon which whole construction will be
based.
Construction
Construction process initiates with identification of methods of implementation and
primarily deals with construction management issues like
1.5 People Centered Reconstruction

Donor driven instant housings solution are
most common but extremely inappropriate in
layout and technologies, particularly in relationships to habit and lifestyles . Such efforts
often fail to take individual family needs or
cultural attributes. Moreover ,Site are often
poorly integrated with other settlements.
People centered reconstruction rejects previous dominant approaches to reconstruction , such as donor driven construction , as
beeing inappropriate and owner driven reconstruction as being too exclusive . It argues
that in order to create greater resilience and
sustainability , reconstruction must be more
participatory and learn from development
theory and practice , particularly in the housing sector. Above all , reconstruction needs
to adopt a more holistic approach , combining the rebuilding of houses with that of livelhoods and local markets .
- Theo Schilderman
PCR Experiences
In the Past, number of Reconstruction experiences on various parts of world have revealed the inadequacies of dominant authority-driven or donor driven reconstruction.
For instances, Blaike et Al (1984) and Aysan
Oliver (1987) have highlighted that they often got it wrong and many of the houses
built have remained unoccupied , whilst the
affected people reverted to their old ways
of building and remained vulnerable to future risks.
It is true that Disasters often put a lot of pressure on decision makers as thousands of
household living in makeshift shelters and
nobody likes this to last too long. Likewise , it
is difficult for some decision makers to shift
from a supply driven relief mode to a reconstruction mode that needs to be more support driven and people centered. The
emergence of transitional housing which
allows affected households to move out of
their tents and emergency shelters relatively
quickly , whilst buying some time to get the
permanent housing right .
For most of households , a house is the biggest asset they will posses in their lifetime .
They often struggle to construct it according to their individual needs and capacities
and the process may involve years of incremental development . Once a disaster has
destroyed that asset , they may need outside assistance to reconstruct it nonincrementally , but the house still will have
to meet their needs, which is one of the key
reasons for putting people at the center .
10
1.6 Case Studies :
c. User Responsive Design
Aranya Housing
Intro
Aranya Housing , designed by BV Doshi is an
innovative approach to site and services to
create low income housing for urban poor. It
has integrated development with design so
as to create holistic environment rooted in
socio-economic realities of place.
Picture 5 : Sketch of Streetscape of Aranya ( Source : Vaastu Shilpa Foundation)
Context :
The site is located in outskirts of Indore City.
The whole development is improvement in
site and services to create affordable housing .
Principles :
Vitality
Imageability
Equity
Efficiency
Flexibility
Picture 6: Demonstrated Houses ( Source : Vaastu Shilpa Foundation)
Project Impact /Significance :

a. Indigenous Development Norms & Standards
The design was done after detailed study of
selected squatter settlements to understand
how the urban poor live their housing priorities and needs.
b. Integrated Development
Picture 7: Site & Services ( Source : Vaastu Shilpa Foundation)
The whole plans and design exercise was

carried out through interaction of multi disciplinary team. Moreover development has
integrated various income groups for
healthy community and multi use lively environment.
Whole planning has been based upon the

requirements of the end users who are economically weaker .Road Networks hierarchy;
Separation from pedestrian pathways , open
space hierarchy from service slots between 4
houses to group spaces between 40 houses
to sectorial group for 100 families: disbursement and provision of amenities and social
infrastructure design and incremental house
growth with freedom of building has resulted
into humane , manageable , user friendly
and visually pleasing environment.
d. Innovative Services
Whole Infrastructure planning , sensitive to
natural slopes , contours and road alignment
to maximize gravity flows and reduce out ad
fill. New concept of connecting 18 toilets to
one manhole with trunk line in alternative
rows only has resulted in over 40% cost saving
and been a new model of decision.
e. House form Variations
A kit of elements approached using permutation combination of relevant building elements choices , over a standardized plan has
been another innovative standardization of
elements and spatial sequences has ensured
uniformity.
11
Fig 1 : Aranya Housing ( Source : Aga Khan Award Publication)

12
1.7 Case Studies :
Belapur Housing
Intro
Process :
Belapur Housing , designed by Charles Corra

is an outstanding example of mass affordable housing that demonstrated how densities
can be observed with low rise courtyard
house.
- Formation of Module
- Relation of Module
- Generation of Basic group & Formation of
Community Space
-Generation of Neighbourhood
- Various types of Houses
Context :
It is located in Navi Mumbai. It was envisioned with an objective to create rural setting withing the bustling metropolis for low
income people.
Picture 9 : Belapur Housing ( Source : Arcnet)
Formation of the Module
Principles :
Incrementality
Pluralism
income generation
Equity
Open to Sky Space
Dissaagregation
Relations of the modules
Existing Usage/Condition:
Most of the original buildings have been demolished and now replaced with bigger concrete house by aspiring middle class . However , the courtyard Hierarchy of community
space is still intact . Those courtyard spaces
still gives sense of rural life within the sophisticated city
Generation of Group & Formation of community
Generation of Neighborhood
13
14
1.8 Comparative Analysis of Case Studies
15
1.9 Brief Study
Functional Aspect
Earthquake Resistant Rural Houses proposed by MOUD & Strengthened by NBC

& NSET
The plan and layout is very much functional and

mostly as per the lifestyle of user. The planning
is compact with proper utilization of space .
Financial Aspect
After massive earthquake of 2015 , Ministry

of Urban Development , Nepal has come
up with various models of earthquake resistant design for reconstruction purpose for
both urban and rural context. Apart from
detail Seismic consideration , the model
houses do have incorporation of sustainability features. Owing to limited technical manpower , the readymade designs is likely to
ease the people to choose among various
alternative design models. However , there
are various issues that still remain largely unanswered with readymade designs. These
models have been briefly studied in this section in form of the following aspect.
The range of options can help user to choose

among the given options as per his financial capability. However , rural people who are habitual
of informal housing development which offers
much flexibility is. Likely to prefer more of flexible house than a rigid one.
Aesthetic Aspect
Aesthetic aspect of building has been totally undermined. For example the horizontal bands of
concrete or wood is deterring the faade. Aesthetical aspect often has direct link to psychological well-being of people .
Socio-Cultural Aspect
Owing to geographical and cultural diversity ,
our housing and architecture also differs as per
geography and culture. Cultural attributes are
not seen in design. Moreover , design process
should have been participatory so as to understand actual needs of people
Structural Aspect
Special consideration seems to be given to seismic strengthening of the building. The designs
are based on recommended standards of NBC
and NSET.
Picture 10 : Illustration of Stone Masonry ( Source NSET)
Picture 11 : Rural Model house of MOUD (Source : Onlinekhabar.com)
16
PART TWO
Contextual Framework includes the understanding and Analysis of Site .In this section ,
various site surveys , photographic surveys ,
interviews , workshops along with analysis of
site..
17
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Historical Background
The selected site lies in the mid hills of western Nepal, Balitar ward no.5 Ghyalchowk
VDC south west corner of Gorkha District. This
VDC shares boundaries with Dhading in east
and Chitwan at South. Its 85 km from Kathmandu at a driving distance of 4 hrs. The settlement can be accessed from a highway
hub Charaundi bazzar crossing the Trishuli
river at a walkable distance of half an hour,
the settlement and Prithvi Highway being
connected by a suspension bridge. The roadway connects the settlement from Benighat
at a driving route of 15 mins.
The settlement of Balitar also known as

SUKUMBASI BASTI was developed by Agriculture Development Bank in cooperation
with Nepal Government. The homeless families mostly of Dalit community with few Brahmin families were settled here. The homeless
families are from the peripherial areas of
Ghyalchowk VDC like Paltar, Dhuwakot,
Ramche.
The rural settlement of Balitar village also

widely known as Sukumbasi basti basically
consists of the Dalit community with the families of other ethnic communities in minority.
Ghyalchowk Settlement
The built environment is in disperse settlement pattern that is one of the common
pattern in rural hills. The houses are made
up of stone mud masonry, tiled/khar roof
with bamboo rafters and few of the later
developments even comprises of the block
masonry along with the steel trussed roofs.
Since, the construction is done without any
technical consultation or supervision, the
buildings have been vulnerable to the disaster. The devastating earthquake of April 25,
2015 revealed the weakness in existing construction systems. Earthquake with devastating loss of life and properties has definitely
shown the need of improvement in current
construction practices.
Initially, as ADB ran the settlement plan based

on Loan Scheme for homeless families, 16
houses were built with each family getting a
cultivable land of 1400 m2 ( 2 Ropani 12
Ana ) . Presently, there are 36 families due to
the growth and division of the families. Along
with the increased density, there have been
the alternations in the original occupancy,
designs and new developments can be witnessed as well. All families by now have
cleared the loans and are no more homeless
people till the devastating earthquake
turned their houses into rubbles.
Picture 13 :Ghyalchowk Temporary Settlements
Picture 12 :Bing Map of the Site
18
2.3 Methodology
Workshop 1
Post Earthquake Reconstruction is a great

challenge for the developing nation like ours.
For the reconstruction to be effective and
efficient, participatory approach is must. Participation cam empower the public in development. Process. Following tools have been
used in assessing information of site :
2.3.1 Workshops
Work Shop 1 at Community Building
2.3.2 Mapping
Workshop 2
2.3.3 Photographic Survey

2.3.4 Material Survey
2.3.1 Workshops
The community based research was done so
as to analytically analyze the different physical, social, cultural, economic layers of the
society. For this, we conducted various workshops, interacted with the community in
group meetings, individual surveys, surveyed
with different sets of questionnaires that
would help us analyzed the different aspects
of the site. The workshops we conducted
were divided as follows.
Workshop 1 acted as the means of interaction

with community in group. A community meeting
was held at the community building where majority of the locals participated. This helped us
get the general picture of the village. The data
collected from this particular survey, projects the
general family trends, types and no. of family
members, their means of livelihood and the enrollment of family members in different sorts of
activities (work, education, household works).
Community Participatory Interactions
Workshop 2 focused on individual survey. For this

survey, we visited the individual houses and interacted with each family with the help of a local facilitator. This survey helped us understand
the psychological impact of earthquake, their
present means of shelter, their individual perspective relating to reconstruction and we surveyed whether they can rebuild on their or not?
If not what are the issues that are hindering for
rebuilding? Further, it helped us understand the
figurative expectation of each individual with
their to be reconstructed house.
Workshop 3
Workshop 3 Interview with metal smith
Workshop 3 also focused on individual survey.

For this survey, we roamed and gathered small
groups of people for the surveys. The main objective of this workshop is to identify if the targeted community members acquire any specific
skills of construction or not. Further it helped us
analyze the need of extra manpower for reconstruction and the actual condition of the manpower in peripheral VDCs as well.
19
Questionnaires
Participant 1
Rajkumar B.K.
Participant 2
Sita Raut
Participant 3
Mangali Maya
Koirala
Describe your Family?
No. of members - 4
Children 2
Adult
-2
Elderly -
No. of members - 3
Children - 1
Adult - 2
Elderly -
No. of members - 4
Children Adult - 2
Elderly -2
Where do you live now?
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Where do you want to live?
Right here
Right Here
Right here
Are you planning on staying in

GHYALCHOWK?
No
No
No
Do you know of any people who

have left GHYALCHOWK?
No
No
No
Do you own any animals?
Yes (Goat)
Yes (Goat)
Yes (Goat)
What is your job?
Agriculture (working on
others field on wages)
others field on wages)
Teaching (Son)
Was your job disrupted?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Will you continue with your job?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Who is the main earner in your

household?
Myself
Both husband and wife
Son (Raj Kumar

Koirala) teacher
Do the children still go to

school?
Yes
Yes (Kathmandu)
No
Do your children go to school or

work?
School
School
----
Workshop 1
with community in group. A community meeting was held at the community building
where majority of the locals participated. This
helped us paint the general picture of the village. The data collected from this particular
survey, projects the general family trends,
types and no. of family members, their means
of livelihood and the enrollment of family
members in different sorts of activities (work,
education, household works).
20
Questionnaires
Participant 4
Sita Pariyar
Participant 5
Gita Pariyar
Participant 6
Rita Bhujel
No. of members - 3
Children 1
Adult
-2
Elderly -
No. of members - 5
Children 3
Adult - 2
Elderly -
No. of members 4
Children - 2
Adult - 1
Elderly -
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Right here
Right Here
Right here
Are you planning on staying in GHYALCHOWK?
No
No
No
Do you know of any people who have

left GHYALCHOWK?
No
No
No
Yes (Goat)
Yes (Buffalo/Goat)
Yes (Goat)
What is your job?
Agriculture (working
on others field on
wages) Husband (foreign employment)
Husband : taxi driver

on others field on
wages)
Agriculture
(working on others field on wages)
Yes
Little bit
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Who is the main earner in your household?
Myself
Both husband and

wife
Son (Raj Kumar

Koirala) teacher
Do the children still go to school?
Yes
Yes (Kathmandu)
Yes
Do your children go to school or work?
School
School
School
Workshop 1
21
Questionnaires
Participant 7
Kamala B.K.
Participant 8
Kabita Pariyar
Participant 9
Manab Rasaili
No. of members - 4
Children 2
Adult
-2
Elderly -
No. of members - 6
Children 3
Adult - 2
Elderly - 1
No. of members - 4
Children Adult - 2
Elderly - 2
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Right here
Right Here
Right here

GHYALCHOWK?
No
No
No

No
No
No
No
Yes (Calf)
Yes (2 Goat/1 Calf)
What is your job?
Husband : Driver
Driver
others field on wages
Yes
Husband : taxi driver

on others field on
wages)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

household?
Husban
Both husband and

wife
Myself
Yes
Yes
---

work?
School
School
-----
Workshop 1
Yes
22
Workshop 1
Questionnaires
Participant 10
Sanu Ramtel
Participant 11
Raju Pariyar
Participant 12
Gopal Pariyar
No. of members - 3
Children 1
Adult
-2
Elderly -
No. of members - 4
Children 2
Adult - 2
Elderly -
No. of members - 5
Children - 3
Adult - 2
Elderly -
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Temporary Shelter
(Cottage)
Right here
Right Here
Right here

GHYALCHOWK?
No
No
No

No
No
No
Yes (Goat)
Yes ( Goat )
Yes ( 1 Buffalo)
What is your job?
on others field on
wage)
Tailoring (Dad)
Agriculture (Mom)
Brother (APF)
Tailoring (Dad)
Agriculture (Mom)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

household?
Myself
Both Dad and Mom
Parent and brother
Yes
Yes
Yes (me and younger

sister)

work?
School
Work
School
23
Workshop 2
Workshop 2 focused on individual survey. For
this survey, we roamed around the individual
houses and interacted with each family with
the help of a local facilitator. This survey
helped us understand the psychological impact of earthquake, their present means of
shelter, their individual perspective relating to
reconstruction and we surveyed whether
they can rebuild on their or not? If not what
are the issues that are hindering for rebuilding? Further, it helped us understand the figurative expectation of each individual with
Questionnaires
Participant 1
Gam Bdr. Pariyar
Participant 2
Tara Devi Pariyar
Participant 3
Balaram Raut
Temporary Shelter
Temporary Shelter
Temporary Shelter
Did you have to leave your house?
Yes, left the ruins and

stayed on tent as aftershocks were continuously
threatening.
Yes, left the house to

stay in tent.
Yes
Have you returned to your house?
No, we are staying in the

temporary shelter.
Piled the stones over

the remaining footings
and shaded with CGI.
Temporary cottage.
Was your house cut off by the earthquake?
Yes, the aftershocks

caused more damages.
Yes, it was damaged

totally.
Yes, it was horrible experience.
Have you started reconstruction?
No, its not affordable for

me.
No, how can we build

on our own?
No, its not affordable

for me.
Would you like to keep your house in

same place?
Yes, we have very little

land.
Yes, I have to clear the

remains and build
right there.
Yes, we cant build elsewhere.
Will you repair your house or rebuild it

completely?
Rebuild it. Its better to

live in cottage than under
threat.
We need to rebuild
sooner or later.
Rebuild it.
Will you rebuild your house exactly as it

was before?
It must be strong. 4
Rooms, Storage, no need
of upper flights.
Must be earthquake
resistant. No upper
flights required.
Roof with metal truss.

5/6 rooms. For me it
may be of two storied
as well.
24
Workshop 2
are the issues that are hindering for rebuilding? Further, it helped us understand the figurative expectation of each individual with
Questionnaires
Participant 4
Ramrika Bhujel
Participant 5
Indira Duwadi
Participant 6
Prem Kumari Bhatta
Temporary Shelter
Temporary Shelter
Temporary Shelter
Did you have to leave your

house?
Yes, stayed in the tent.
Yes, left the house to

stay in tent.
Yes, lived in tent for

months and presently
in the cottage.
Have you returned to your

house?
We cut off the upper

storied and put roof on
the ground floor. Also,
living in the temporary
shelter.
Piled the stones over

the remaining footings
and shaded with CGI.
Temporary cottage.
Was your house cut off by the

earthquake?
Yes, it was damaged

totally.
Yes, it turned into ruined at first strike.
Yes, upper flights were

cut off and the aftershocks developed
cracks at the ground
floor.
for my family.
No, we have not started

yet.

for me.
Would you like to keep your

house in same place?
Yes, we have very little

land.
Yes, we would build at

the same spot.
Yes, we cant build

elsewhere.
Will you repair your house or

rebuild it completely?
Rebuild it. Its better to

live in cottage than under threat.
No, we need to rebuild

stronger one.
Nothing is remained to
rebuild.
Will you rebuild your house exactly as it was before?
It must be strong. 4
Rooms, Storage, no
need of upper flights.
One floor, earthquake

resistant with storage.
Strong, earthquake
resistant. I may live for
10 years at most and I
want to live free of
threat.
25
Workshop 2
are the issues that are hindering for rebuilding? Further, it helped us understand the fig-
Questionnaires
Participant 7
Purna Bdr. Pariyar
Participant 8
Subash Raut
Temporary Shelter
Temporary Shelter
Did you have to leave your

house?
Yes, left the house and lived in the tent.
Yes, left the house and lived in tent.
Have you returned to your

house?
We have piled the stones over the remaining

walls and covered it with CGI sheets.
Piled the stones over the remaining

footings and shaded with CGI.
Was your house cut off by the

earthquake?
Yes, the upper floors damaged in the first

strike and the aftershocks kept damaging the
remains.
Yes, it was damaged totally.
No, its not affordable for my family.
No, we have not started yet.
Would you like to keep your

house in same place?
Yes, we have very little land.
Yes, we would build at the same spot.
Will you repair your house or

rebuild it completely?
Rebuild it.
Rebuild it.
Will you rebuild your house

exactly as it was before?
All houses should be similar and earthquake

resistant.
Earthquake resistant. I am ok with single floor.
26
Questionnaire
Participant 1
Mohan B.K.
(Metal Smith)
Man
46
No
Participant 2
Prem Bdr. B.K.
Metal Smith
Man
63
No
Participant 3
Raj Kumar B.K.
No, only the traditional

metal works.
No plans yet. Its not
affordable.
No, only the traditional metal works.

No I cant afford to rebuild
on my own.
No, my health doesnt

permit for heavy works.
My health expenses are
high and with my economic condition, I cant
think of rebuilding it on
own.
Have any building materials

required?
Can your family members help
Rebuilding?
Do you know how to rebuild
your house?
Can you live somewhere until
your house is ready?
No
No
No
Yes, if needed.
Yes, but needs to be paid.
No, dont have such skills.
No, dont have skills of construction.

.Yes, presently we are leaving in the temporary shelter
and I piled up stones in the
reaming ground floor, covered with CGI and living
there as my family is big.
No, I cant. My wife

works on field.
No, I dont.
Do you know someone who

knows how to construct houses
and other buildings?
Does your job allow you to rebuild your house?
No
No
No, we dont have such

skilled persons around.
Yes
Yes
No
Man/Woman?
How old are you?
Any Specialist need?
(Disability, Medical Condition)
Ever done any building works?

How do you plan to rebuild
your home?
Workshop 3
Workshop 3 also focused on individual
survey. For this survey, we roamed and
gathered small groups of people for the
surveys. The main objective of this workshop is to identify if the targeted community members acquire any specific skills of
construction or not. Further it helped us
analyze the need of extra manpower for
reconstruction and the actual condition
of the manpower in peripheral VDCs as
well.
Yes, my family is leaving

in the temporary shelter.
Man
34
I had surgery last year
and have pacemaker
implanted in my heart.
Yes, my family is presently living in temporary

shelter.
27
Questionnaire
Participant 4
Nirmal Nepali
Tailor
Participant 6
Laxman Nepali
Tailor
Man
Participant 5
Chini Maya Nepali
Tailor
Female
Man/Woman?
How old are you?
22
22
28
Any Specialist need?

(Disability, Medical Condition)
No
No
No
Ever done any building works?
No
No
How do you plan to rebuild your home?
No plans yet.
Have any building materials required?
No
Wait for government aid. Cant

afford to construct on own
No
I have skills of
masonry, carpentry
Wait for government aid.
Can your family members help Rebuilding?
Yes, as helpers.
Yes, if needed.
Yes, but needs

to be paid.
Do you need more people to help you?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you know how to rebuild your house?
No, I dont have

such skills.
No, I dont have

any ideas about
it.
Can you live somewhere until your house is ready?
Yes
.Yes, my family
lives in a temporary shelter.
Do you know someone who knows how to construct houses and other buildings?
Very few have

such skills in our
community.
No.
Yes, skills I acquire may not

be enough to
build earthquake resistant
buildings.
Yes, we are
already living in
temporary shelter.
I am the only
one with such
skills here.
Does your job allow you to rebuild your house?
Yes
Yes
Man
No
Workshop 3
Workshop 3 also focused on individual
survey. For this survey, we roamed and
gathered small groups of people for the
surveys. The main objective of this workshop is to identify if the targeted community members acquire any specific skills of
construction or not. Further it helped us
analyze the need of extra manpower for
reconstruction and the actual condition
of the manpower in peripheral VDCs as
well.
Yes, its what I

do to earn my
living.
28
2.3.2 Mapping
This particular survey helped us analyze the
relation of the Balitar with other villages. Also, locate the present road network, connection and access, Land Use, location of
different government offices, schools, and
services like irrigation, water supply, communications, and electricity supply lines.
29
2.3.3Photographs
Photographic survey was intended to visually
capture the condition of the settlement after
the massive earthquake, snap the remaining
vernacular architectural details and the social life of people as well.
Chau taro: Entry point to Settlement
Single Storey House
Single Storey House
Activities: as viewed upward from the settlement
Settlement View
Typical house of Ghyalchowk
Single Storey House
Facade
30
2.3.4 Material
This particular survey was intended to study the availability of
different types of vernacular
materials that would project the
type of technology and materials to be embedded in the design.
Materials
Availability
Location
Remarks
Clay
Abundant
Balitar
Clay consisting of sand not good for construction
Stone
Abundant
At the bank
of Trishuli
River
Presently stone quarrying is restricted from river

banks.
Timber
Not available
Bamboo
Few
Upper villages of Balitar
Brick
Available as per
required
Sand
Few
Balitar or
imported
from Chitwan
or Kathmandu
Banks of
Trishuli
Aggregate
Not available
Imported from Malekhu
Cement
Not available
CGI sheets
Not available
Tiles
Not available
Imported from Kathmandu, Chitwan or bought

from hardware at Benighat. Costs the same as in
Kathmandu
Imported from Kathmandu, Chitwan or bought
from hardware at Benighat. Costs the same as in
Kathmandu
Previously, had a tile manufacturing company at
Dhuwanighat which is not in operation now. Also,
the tiles were imported from Pokhara when settlement was built by ADB.
Concrete Blocks
Available as required.
Near Ghyalchowk VDC

office
20=25 mins
walk from
Balitar
Community forests are available but the trees

are not large enough to be used for construction
at the moment.
Available in abundant amount in other parts of
Gorkha like Bungkot, Ashrang etc.
Bricks are manufactured seasonally in nearby
chimney as per the order of the client which are
reported to be of low quality.
Imported from Dhading, Chitwan. River sand are
not used much in present construction works.
The manufacturers have set up the manufacturing units. The recent developments from concrete blocks are the result of this block manufacturing factory.
31
2.4 Analytical Study of Site

2.4.1 Physical Aspects
The terraced settlement of Balitar lies at
the 100m range of Trishuli River with three
different access points. The overall land
use shows the presence of high cultivable
lands with abundant green areas.
I. Land Use
The settlement has north- south orientation. It is spread linearly along the arterial
road. The community space lies at the
northern backyard which consists of a
community building with a temple at its
side. This particular space is where children gather for playing. Right at the entry
point to the settlement lays the church.
III. Road Network

The Balitar settlement can be accessed
from three access points. The Arterial
Road penetrates along the settlement
and connects with each individual unit.
II. Vegetation
The Access point 1 is an unmetalled

road connecting to Benighat at a driving distance of 15 minutes.
The Balitar settlement consists of abundant amount of greenery (trees) at the

southern belt nearing the Trishuli River. The
green areas finally lead to the highly cultivable land at the belt of Trishuli River.
The Access point 2 is an off road from

Charaundi Bazzar at a walk able distance of half an hour; the settlement
and Bazzar connected by a suspension
bride.
The cultivable lands sprawl at the backyards of the settlement that is aligned
The Access point 3 connects to the

beach of Trishuli River.linearly along the
arterial road.
32
2.4.2 Socio Cultural Aspects

The socio cultural livelihood characteristic
of this settlement is similar to the characteristics of hilly region of Nepal. Though
there is a major difference in caste composition compared to other settlements
as the settlement is cluster of Dalit community with few families of Brahmin community. The majority of families here are
Hindus with very few families following
Christianity.
Caste Composition
The social tie can be clearly witnessed in

this community as well. We have a prov-
erb; ( ). This essence still exists in this community. Also,

the families with their distinct inherent
family occupation depend upon each
other for the exchange of service or
goods. E.g. tailoring, metal works etc.
2.4.3 Economic Aspects

The majority families of Balitar settlement depend upon daily waged agriculture ()
along with some other side sources of earning. The data shows that the females are engaged in agriculture with their male counterparts engaged in other services. Most of the
families have animal husbandry as well ,
Occupation
which is enough to fulfill their daily needs of
dairy products. Major families rear goat
which is a one of the earning cash. Few of
the families also depend upon the remittance, transportation service with very few
in government services.
As Dalit community is itself a skilled community, most of the families have their family
occupation like tailoring, metal works inherent to them. A single family had the construction skills as the main source of earning
33
PART THREE
Conceptual Framework
Focus on a framework to develop a concept
is more crucial than development of certain
concept to solve certain design problems.
Thus, It has been attempted to devise a Conceptual Framework that can be replicated to
create various concepts in regard of rural reconstruction.
Critical thinking of existing solution and problem is taken as point of departure for developing a conceptual framework.
34
3.1 Critical Appraisal of Key Concepts (5S-CONCEPT)

The knowledge of concepts is never enough for achieving any better solution . There has to be critical understanding of each and
every concept necessary to lead the design process to achieve the desired solution. Thus 5-key concepts namely Safety, Suitability , Sociability , Sustainability and Self-Reliance has been critical analyzed into What-Why-How Table. The First section WHAT includes the definition or understanding of key concepts while second section WHY is all bout justification of the concept and finally the third sections HOW is about approach that needs to be done.
Safety
WHAT
WHY
HOW
Key Concepts
Justification
Approach
Post Earthquake Scenario
Safety includes both psychological and physi-

cal safety of household and the family . Disaster Resistant construction can provide physical
safety but recreation of home that existed before earthquake is important for psychological
well being.
Suitability
Pose Earthquake Scenario often leaves

communities and individual vulnerable to
physical and psychological injuries. Thus ,
cure of vulnerability is in assurance of safety
in design and construction of building as
well as in homely space creation inside the
building.
Multi-dimensional Aspect
Suitability is all about the appropriateness with

respect to approved legal , technical , economical and cultural standards. It includes
compliance with building standards , legal
processes and cultural attributes . Moreover , it
also include the affordability aspect of Housing especially for urban poor
Seismic Strengthening
Scope of Reconstruction Project involves

the multidimensional aspect like legal ,
technical , financial , religious and cultural
etc which needs to be addressed properly.
Apart from that theres also need to fulfil
housing needs in large scale with limited
funds and resources. .
Understanding of existing problems , failures and risks owing to disasters to the

structure
Improvement or Rural Techniques and
Construction systems as per guidelines of
National Building codes and NSET.
Affordability , Flexibility & Compliance
Affordable Housing Scheme
Incremental and Flexibility in Design
Compliance to all technical and legal constraints and standards.
Understanding of socio-cultural context
35
WHAT
WHY
HOW
Key Concepts
Justification
Approach
Sociability
Sociability is simply quality of being sociable.
The proposed rural house also needs to have
sociability to merge with the social fabric of
rural settlements. Moreover , individual house
also can have a sociable space within and
outside it as well .
Community & Rural life .
Retaining Vernacular Identity & Improving

Rural Life
Rural context is quite different from urban context . Rural communities often adheres to tradi-
tion , culture and practices of past owing to
deep attachments with those things. Thus introduction alien form of housing can be a sort
of intrusion upon the settlement .and theres
risk of not being accepted in the community.
Sustainability
Economy , Environment & Energy .
Sustainability refers to the ability to be sustained , supported , upheld or confirmed. Social , economic and Environment aspect are
major aspect of sustainable development.
Nepal being a economically poor country with

limited resources and funds , its quite im
portant to make best use of resource to create
maximum output. Furthermore theres imminent risk of environmental degradation owing
to large scale construction and Moreover the
energy crisis is a pressing issue in Nepal.
Self-Reliance
Self-Reliance is an ability to rely upon onselves
to survive. Though its quite impossible to
achieve full fledge self-reliant system but it is
possible to be self-reliant in terms of construction.
Issue of Accessibility
Learning from informal rural housing

Learning from vernacular Building culture
Participatory design processes.
Sustainable Design
Active & Passive Design Strategies
Alternative Energy like Solar and Biogas systems
Economically feasible and low maintenance Housing construction
Local Resources & Skills
Geographical conditions of Nepal often
makes it difficult for construction materials and
manpower to reach to rural areas for reconstruction . Moreover , the heavy dependency
upon foreign nations for construction materials
is also possible and can help to create autonomous development in rural areas.
Improving local skills and techniques

Encouraging Local resources and local
manpower
36
3.2 Design Development

Design Development has been devised into
6 step process to achieve the objectives laid
out from critical appraisal of issues .
Step 1 : Starting with Module
Step 2 : Responding Site Synergies
Step 3 : Learning from Vernacular
Step 4 : Improvement in Rural Construction
Step 5 : Incremental Growth
Step 6: Passive Design
Step 1 : Starting with Module
Unit Module of size 6-0 x 6-0 is prime

generator of Form. 6 dimension has
been chosen as it is an appropriate distance for spacing of posts.
One room module is formed with 4 unit
modules giving 12 x 12 spacious room.
A Verandah , formed with 2 unit module
is added to introduce a social or living or
transitional space to a room.
A foundation plinth , formed with additional 9 modules to create base for future
expansion .
Figure : Modularity
Step 2: Responding Site Synergies
First Floor Plan
Ground Floor Plan
Longitudinal Sections
After a detailed site studies that involved

workshops , interviews , surveys and analysis . The following inferences are derived .
Importance of transitional threshold
space as living space of the house.
Being predominantly Dalit settlement ,
every household needs a working space
within their house .
Visual and Functional Relationship of
House with cultivable land.
Hot Summer and Cold Winter needs passive design solution.
Cross Ventilation is essential during the
summer season
Orientation of Houses towards south or
near south so as to capture light and
sunlight.
Flexibility in construction due to lowincome and continual housing process.
37
Step 3: Learning from Vernacular
Sketch of Existing Vernacular Building
Indigenous Vernacular Architecture is

often
developed with consecutive
passing of techniques and traditions
from generation to generations. Vernacular Building traditions might also
have experiences of previous postearthquake scenario. Moreover , the
vernacular identity also gives a sense of
belongingness to the local people. Thus
following considerations were included
in design.
Vernacular Faade & Traditional layout has been maintained as far as
possible /
The transitional space
(pidhi) has
been maintained along with its usual
details and sitting areas
Similar building materials , finishes
and construction techniques were
used with slight improvement.
Roof form and the scale of building
has also been maintained as per existing vernacular buildings.
The Cattle shed also has been designed as per existing design of local
cattle shed with slight improvements.
Proposed Elevation of Rural House

38
Step 4: Improvement in rural

technology & Seismic Strengthening
The nature of earthquake failure is often the point of departure of seismic strengthening
process. Thus , the usual types
of failures in vernacular building were observed to seek for
rectifying solutions to them . For
instances , walls at the gable
ends and corner walls were
eliminated and replaced with
light weight materials.
Additionally , The NSET and NBC
guidelines for rural houses are
followed in preparation of design and construction details.
39
Step 5: Incremental Scheme

Modularity of design offers flexibility for incremental growth of building. Informal Rural
Housing is often a continual process of increment and growth of core house with additions and expansions. Thus , possibility of future growth has been projected in following
development steps
Firstly , Core house with one room (12x12)
and plinth for future growth or as workshop
space. A Room can be kitchen space and
plinth can have temporary expansion or
room or workshop in it.
Secondly , A room is added to core house

with space in middle that can be used to
place staircase for further extension in future.
Single Storey House with Two Rooms is
achieved in this phase.
Thirdly ,Vertical Addition with two rooms and
verandah giving a completeness to the building. Two storey house with four rooms is
achieved in this phase Additionally , in case
of need of further extension theres possibility
of addition of one room at one side which
can be accessed by plinth space. Despite
incremental scope the building doesn't deviates from vernacular aesthetics and looks
complete in every step.
40
Step 6: Sustainable Design

Elements of Passive Design has been incorporated in the design which are as follows :
1. Kitchen Garden where vegetables are
grown for self-sustainable living
2. Use of Locally available materials
3. Use of Louver of bamboo strips for light
control
4. Overhanging roof for sunlight control
5. Frontyard with mud compactiong for
drying grains and water discharge.
6. Drainage is done in such a way that
rainwater is allowed to recharge the
ground.
7. Orientation of building towards south for
light and solar potential.
8. Waste of cattleshed and toilet can be
used for biogas plant for cooking purpose
9. Excessive heating below the roof structure is ventilated by air flow from balcony and pidhi space to central portion.
10. Thick mud floors and stone masonry wall
absorb the radiant energy from winter
sun during winters
11. Long eaves due to stope roofs prevent
overheating during summer . Pidhi and
balcony space creates stacking effects
that cause ventilations .
12. Provision of Cross Ventilation in Rooms
41
PART FOUR
VISION
Design of house is first step towards a long run
vision to achieve a suitable , sociable , sustainable , safer and self-reliant housing that
further develops into a settlement or a village
and becomes part of Neo-Vernacular Rural
Architecture. Moreover , its implementation
in large scale can help nation achieve sustainable rural development out of this post
disaster scenario
42
ANNEX
43
Annex I - Phase Wise Cost Estimation
Phase 1
Rs. 6,50,000 /-
Phase 2
Rs. 6,80,000 /-
Phase 3
Rs. 14,15,000 /-
Phase 4
Rs. 15,80,000 /-

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Report on Concept Proposal on Post Earthquake Rural Reconstruction of Nepal

BUILD BETTER NEPAL

SOCIABLE SELF-RELIANT SUSTAINABLE

NEEDLEWEAVE PVT. LTD

Part I : Theoretical Framework

1.1 Rural Development

1.2 Rural Housing in Developing Context

1,3 Participatory Housing Process

1.4 Post disaster Reconstruction

1.5 People Centered Reconstruction

2.2 Historical Background

2.3.3 Photographic survey

2.3.4 Material Survey

2.4. Analytical Study

PART III CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

3.1 Critical appraisal of key conepts

3.2 Design Development

Starting with module

ii. Responding site synergies

iii. Learning from vernacular

iv. Improvement in rural techniques

vi. Sustainable design

Drawings and Cost Estimates

Nepal one of poorest country with scarce

Reconstruction happens in particular

Appropriate methodology is as important

Strengthen Rural Technology for Disaster

Encourage use of local skills and resources

Retain Vernacular essence and identity

Improve Rural Life , Strengthen Community and enhance economy.

Incorporate Sustainable and Eco-friendly

Picture 2 : Aerial View of Temporary Shelters in Nepal ( Source : Huffington Post )

Build upon efficient and effective system

Thus Methodology has been breakdown

1.1 Rural Development

Focus group discussions

Mapping and modeling

Seasonal and historical diagramming.

1.2 Rural Housing in Developing World

In most of developed countries , land in the

The design and techniques of rural housing

1.3 Participatory Housing Process

John Turner , puts the dilemmas into one

Planning basically deals with understanding

Sponsor decide and sponsor provide

Picture 4 : Scene of Destruction of Earthquake ( Source : AP News )

1.4 Post Disaster Reconstruction

1.5 People Centered Reconstruction

1.6 Case Studies :

c. User Responsive Design

Picture 5 : Sketch of Streetscape of Aranya ( Source : Vaastu Shilpa Foundation)

Picture 6: Demonstrated Houses ( Source : Vaastu Shilpa Foundation)

Project Impact /Significance :

Picture 7: Site & Services ( Source : Vaastu Shilpa Foundation)

The whole plans and design exercise was

Whole planning has been based upon the

Fig 1 : Aranya Housing ( Source : Aga Khan Award Publication)

1.7 Case Studies :

Belapur Housing , designed by Charles Corra

Picture 9 : Belapur Housing ( Source : Arcnet)

Formation of the Module

Relations of the modules

Generation of Group & Formation of community