The housing typology constructed with a design by Portuguese architect Phillip Estella and Sarah was inaugurated at Ahomoni village in Lakhimpur district.

Gharaunda, a housing initiative by Drishtee Foundation offering sustainable housing solutions to the marginalized communities, was launched in Lakhimpur district on Saturday with the setting up of a housing typology using treated bamboo.

The housing typology constructed with a design by Portuguese architect Phillip Estella and Sarah was inaugurated at Ahomoni village under Nowboicha Development Block by Lakhimpur deputy commissioner Jeevan B.

The typology is constructed with a strong and durable concrete plinth, three layers of roof of galvanized sheets, straw and reeds for better temperature, insulation and acoustic convenience, double walls for structural strengthening, said a Drishtee Foundation official.

Thermal insulation was designed as a model for low income families that will cost less than three lakh and could be completed in less than three months, he said.

“The house also has features like attached toilet, clean water source, fire proof kitchen, additional floor as room or store and three sided verandah,” he added.

The house model was presented to the office of the Prime Minister for housing schemes like PMAY for which rural poor could access affordable housing made from locally available material for sustainable development.

The inaugural function was also attended by Narendra Pawe, project director, DRDA-Lakhimpur. The Northeast in charge of Drishtee Foundation, Paragdhar Konwar also attended the function.

Farhana Ahmed is Northeast Now Correspondent in North Lakhimpur. She can be reached at: [email protected]