Vernacular construction and sustainability-in response to post-earthquake reconstruction in Nepal

The primary objective of this thesis was to promote the efficiency and sustainability of the traditional constructional practises in the hilly region of Nepal. Natural construction materials that are abundantly available were prioritised for economic and sustainable construction practices. Possible interventions in locally available materials and technologies were presented in this paper to provide an ultimate housing solution. The models of houses proposed by the government of Nepal were presented, and a life cycle assessment of the buildings were calculated using one click LCA. Vernacular construction practices using regional building material incorporated with earthquake resistant construction techniques were studied for sustainable, economical and speedy reconstruction of post-earthquake dwellings. This thesis can be used as a starting guide for the people affected by a natural catastrophe, such as an earthquake, to construct affordable and sustainable house with good building performance, and resilient to earthquake, so that possible damage in the future can be minimized. This paper helps as an example for the people to construct affordable houses who have lost their homes. Furthermore, the thesis can be used if there is another catastrophe