The hilly region of Nepal tucked, between the high mountainous region in the north and the plain Terai region in the south, is a region characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and diverse ecosystems. The hilly region’s unique topography demands careful planning and consideration when building a house. Every step, from finding the ideal site to selecting appropriate materials, is critical to guaranteeing the house’s safety and durability. Today we will discuss how to build a house in Nepal’s hilly region, exploring all the key factors to consider, materials to use, and employable techniques.
Understanding the Hilly Region of Nepal
Building a house in Nepal’s hilly region necessitates careful consideration of several elements, including difficult terrain, seismic activity, and meteorological conditions. The hilly region of Nepal covers around 70% of the total land area. As discussed earlier, the region has diverse topographical features characterized by land in high elevation, steep slopes, valleys, dry plateaus, and various other steep terrain. Due to its unique topography, factors such as soil deformation, rock structures, and surface water may make construction in the region difficult.
Similarly, the hilly region that covers almost 70% of the total land area has a sub-tropical climatic character with a relatively wetter monsoon. While the climatic conditions of the region make it a suitable option for human settlement, construction without proper planning and site selection will only hamper the longevity of the structure and pose a threat to human life.
One of the most important components of building a house in hilly terrain is the site selection procedure. It entails extensive inspections and analyses to locate acceptable construction sites. Here are some things to think about while choosing a location:
1. Landslide-Prone Areas
Landslides are a typical natural catastrophe in hilly areas, therefore selecting a location that is less vulnerable to landslides is critical. Conduct a detailed examination of the area’s landslide history and confer with local experts to identify landslide-resistant zones. Avoid places with unstable slopes and known landslide occurrences to reduce the risk to the house and its residents.
2. Land Structure and Slope
Before building a house in a hilly area, the slope and succession of rock structures should be thoroughly analyzed. A slope stability study will aid in determining the feasibility of the building and the safeguards that must be taken. Assess the angle and stability of the slopes, as well as the geological structures, to avoid any possible problems throughout the construction process.
Building a house in Nepal’s hilly region necessitates careful consideration of several elements, including rugged terrain, seismic activity, and meteorological conditions.
3. Streams and subsurface water
The presence of subterranean water and streams can have a considerable impact on the stability and safety of a hillside house. Conduct hydrological research to determine the presence and behavior of subterranean water. This will aid in determining the best foundation design and drainage systems to avoid water-related concerns like floods or soil instability. Consider the presence of streams and their influence on site selection and overall building strategy.
Once the construction site is sorted out, the foundation materials that you lay play a huge role in the stability of the structure. Because of the hilly region’s steep topography, reinforced concrete (RC) or stone masonry foundations are widely employed. Because of their strength and capacity to withstand seismic stresses, reinforced concrete footings and columns are suggested. Smaller constructions may benefit from stone masonry foundations.
Superstructure and walls:
It is critical to use the correct materials for the walls and superstructure for stability, insulation, and aesthetic appeal. Traditionally stone and wood walls have dominated the hilly region but urbanization and the availability of construction materials have changed that. Nowadays concrete walls with reinforced TMT bars are preferred and rightfully so. TMT rebars like Rhino 500D from Jagdamba Steels have changed the trend of construction in Nepal for good. Rhino 500D from Jagdamba Steels is the new generation TMT rebar in Nepal with superior ductility and elongation. It is superior to other normal rebars in its method of manufacturing and combination of both mechanical and chemical properties. Also, incorporating walls and structure with Rhino 500D TMT rebars makes the structure highly earthquake resistant and these bars are highly ductile. These components improve the building’s structural integrity and reduce damage during seismic occurrences.
Roofing:
Roofing materials in the hilly region should be lightweight, long-lasting, and resistant to severe rain and snowfall. Common roofing materials used for roofing are:
a. Metal Roofing:
In hilly places, metal sheets such as Jagadamba Supershine are a common roofing material. They are lightweight, easy to install, and weatherproof. They aid with temperature management and condensation prevention, making sure of adequate insulation. Roofing sheets such as Jagdamba Supershine are one of the most incredible solutions for construction in Nepal’s hilly terrain. Premium color-coated galvalume sheets like Jagdamba Supershine are widely preferred for normal construction in the hilly region for their aesthetic look and durability; however, normal corrugated galvalume sheets like Jagdamba Galva+ are also available for plain and simple construction, which is available throughout Nepal.
These sheets come in a variety of colors including Brick Red, Tomato Red, Military Green, Royal Blue, and Ivory White, to let your home stand out among the hills. Jagdamba Supershine, also known as Galvalume, is an aluminum-zinc-coated sheet with a coating of 55% aluminum, 43.5% zinc, and 1.5% silicon over the base metal to protect it from the environment. This coating offers greater corrosion resistance, allowing it to last two to four times as long as typical galvanized metal. Jagdamba Supershine is a new benchmark and quality standard in Nepal’s advanced roofing industry, using an Al-Zn coating to preserve metal (mainly steel) from oxidation. As a result, aluminum distinguishes Jagdamba Supershine from standard galvanized steel.
b. Conventional Roofing:
Traditional materials such as terracotta tiles or thatch might be used in rural settings. These materials, however, may need frequent care and are less prevalent in metropolitan areas.
Flooring and Finishes:
Select flooring materials that can tolerate dampness, temperature variations, and landslides.
a. Concrete Surfaces:
Concrete is a long-lasting and low-cost flooring solution. To improve appearance and lifespan, it can be completed with tiles, epoxy, or polished.
b. Wood Flooring:
Timber purchased locally might be a suitable flooring option, offering a warm and natural look. Protect against termites and dampness with the correct treatment.
Building a house in Nepal’s hilly environment necessitates careful planning and material selection. Materials that are easily accessible, structurally robust, earthquake-resistant, and appropriate for the local climate should be prioritized. Consultation with architects, engineers, and local specialists will ensure the successful building of a home that blends in with its surroundings while ensuring safety, comfort, and longevity.