NEPALI NESTS: REVOLUTION MICRO-HOME

Nepal is a country prone to earthquakes. Due to the lack of regulations in local construction and design, Nepalese residents often find their homes almost completely destroyed after each earthquake. Additionally, shortages in farmland and food supply pose significant survival challenges for local residents. This micro-home design project aims to address the reconstruction of basic housing after earthquakes. The mountainous regions of Nepal have abundant resources of trees that can serve as the primary building materials. Moreover, wooden structures have good earthquake resistance. Additionally, through off-grid facilities, this project ensures that local residents can access basic necessities such as water and electricity after earthquakes.

We have utilized the excellent formability of wood and bamboo materials and incorporated “folding” elements into the design. This includes the opening and closing mechanism of the main storage cabinets in the micro home and the design of folding doors. This approach effectively saves space, creates more flexible use of space, and allows for the storage of most of the farming tools and essential items needed by farmers. Wood and bamboo materials are also the preferred materials used by local Nepalese.

This project not only ensures the convenient availability of building materials but also addresses the basic needs of local residents at the program level. Solar panels provide sufficient electricity for each unit. Even on cloudy days, people can use stored solar power for daily activities. Solar tubes filter ultraviolet rays in high-altitude areas, providing sufficient daylight indoors and reducing the harm of strong light to users’ bodies. The water tank collects ample rainwater, ensuring sufficient water supply for each unit even if the local water supply system cannot be restarted after an earthquake.

Each unit can be easily arranged in mountainous areas. Even with significant restrictions in mountainous terrain, simple unit blocks can meet various terrain limitations. After an earthquake, local residents can obtain building materials from nearby mountains and participate in the construction of their new homes. New communities will form, and people’s lives will quickly return to normalcy.