People build houses based on the location and terrain. There are different types of houses, such as huts, bungalows, condos, apartments, etc. In villages, people live in huts, and in cities, bungalows and apartments are more prominent.
Among the types of houses, a stilt house is built on terrains that are prone to flooding. Most people from cities and towns are not familiar with a stilt house, and a few people might have seen pictures of a stilt house. This article gives an insight into what is a stilt house, where are stilt houses located and how is a stilt house constructed.
What Is A Stilt House ?
Stilt houses are houses that are built in areas prone to flooding. Stilt houses are raised on stilts and are much higher level than a regular house. Regular homes or houses are built on the ground but stilt houses are built on stilts or on an elevated area to avoid the risks of flooding of the home or even pests and vermin.
Stilt houses are mostly found in coastal areas, but homes that are built along rivers prone to flooding can also benefit from the height a stilt house provides.
Why Are Stilt Houses Built Above The Ground Level ?
Stilt houses are not just built into one type of location and people use the house for different purposes. In the Arctic region, stilt houses protect the people from permafrost, and using stilts to build the house is the most effective way to keep the permafrost stable. In the region of Assam, people build stilt houses around the area of the River Brahmaputra which is prone to heavy flooding during the monsoon.
Thus, if the homes were built at the ground level, the heat radiating out of the house would cause the frost to melt and the flooding of the river would allow the house to sink completely in water.
What Are The Materials Used In Building A Stilt House ?
The materials used in building a stilt house are cement, wood, stone, bamboo, or sometimes even mud, depending on the region of the home. In many places, stilt houses can be found in the countryside but commercial and modern-day variations of these houses are also popular.
In a traditional stilt house, the verandah extended around the homes to a varying extent but never really surrounded the home. After modernization the verandahs of the stilt houses were absorbed, to construct more bedrooms and use more space for the living area.
Likewise, the traditional form of stilt houses across regions evolved, retaining certain architectural characteristics from the past, while other aspects were renovated, to suit the new modern-day lifestyles.
What Are Bamboo Stilt Houses?
The most suited homes for flood-prone areas, bamboo stilt houses which are most commonly seen in Golaghat in Assam, India. High-quality bamboo is available in abundance in the Assam region, and as a result, locals have enough knowledge to craft things out of bamboo, which includes constructing bamboo stilt houses.
These stilt houses are a necessity for most water-based areas of Assam because flooding happens almost thrice a year. In modern times, technology has been integrated with local knowledge, to come up with bamboo stilt houses suited to this region.
What Are The Advantages Of Stilt Houses ?
The various advantages of stilt houses are –
- More airflow in hot climates. Both increased airflow from underneath the floorboards, and increased wind from the slight elevation.
- Dry space underneath a house in rainy seasons. People can use this space for storing goods, chores, keeping and tending animals, hanging things, and other useful activities.
- Protection from animals and privacy from other people.
- Provides visual advantage to people hunting and also for the military to keep sight of the terrain.
- Can be built on hilly and non-flat terrains and can also be built on areas prone to flooding.
- The height at which stilt houses are constructed provides flood protection to people.
Final Takeaway
Stilt houses are houses that are constructed above the ground level in areas that are prone to flooding and hilly areas. The stilt house is built with cement, bamboo, wood, and stone. Stilt houses are eligible for lower insurance premiums in most countries, but it does not mean that no flood insurance is required. You still need to have flood insurance and it will just be significantly less than a house built at ground level.
The insurance savings will differ by the flood zone, the location of the home, and the height of your home. Stilt houses are not as cheap as they sound but stilt houses do have significant additional costs upfront, and given the right location and design, they can be well worth the investment.
FAQs:What Are Stilt Houses ?
1. Are bamboo stilt houses safe ?
Bamboo is stronger than wood and bamboo stilt homes are built in areas that are prone to earthquakes and flooding. Bamboo is lightweight, flexible, and is a sustainable material used for building, which is very safe
2. Can stilt homes protect you from flooding ?
Yes, stilt homes are common in areas such as Assam, which is prone to flooding. The elevated height above the ground level of stilt homes allows water to flow below, without damaging the structure.
3. What is the stilt level ?
A stilt level refers to the ground level portion of a building, which consists of the structural columns that support a home.
4. How Much Does A Stilt Home Cost In India ?
According to the website www.indiamart.com, purchasing a home built of stilt costs around rupees 10 lakh.
5. What is the meaning of stilts ?
Stilts are poles, posts, or pillars that allow a person or structure to stand at a height above the ground.
6. How long does it take to build a stilt house ?
The average time taken to build a stilt house is between four to five months. Sometimes construction can take up to six to eight months depending on the weather availability and supply of construction materials and labor.
