Affordable and Sustainable Design for Rural Houses in Cambodia

Abstract

This thesis investigates a new prototype for housing in rural Kampot, Cambodia with a focus on the health and safety of the inhabitants. This study came about because traditional Cambodian houses are rapidly disappearing and being replaced with concrete walls on the lower level, a space that was previously left as open- concept and was comfortable as such in the Cambodian culture. By studying both traditional and contemporary houses during my research time in Cambodia, I discovered that it was not the vernacular home-making techniques that needed improvement, but rather the concerns of health and safety that needed to be addressed. My thesis proposal is to design an affordable and sustainable home in rural Cambodia with the primary focus on the following issues: waste management, water collection/filtration, Cultural adaptability, local material palettes, light quality, airflow, cooking suitability, and security.