Resilient Housing A cyclone-resilient housing solution co-designed with communities to address climate vulnerability through sustainable materials and anchored modular timber construction
- Nationality
- Bangladesh
- Group
- Community Development Centre (CODEC)
About Project
Coastal families in Bangladesh face the constant threat of losing their homes to cyclones, floods, and saltwater intrusion. Such unstable living conditions endanger not only houses, but also family safety, community survival, and livelihoods.
The JICA-IRMP Resilient Housing Project offers a climate-responsive housing model co-designed with local communities. Combining locally available timber and traditional knowledge with modern engineering — such as reinforced concrete piles and modular clamp-based joints — the houses are both sturdy enough to withstand cyclones and flexible enough to be easily assembled or dismantled. Elevated plinths reduce flood risks, while multi-level layouts provide space for household gardens and communal areas, reinforcing both practicality and community life.
Innovation appears even in the details: screws replace nails, components are interchangeable, and minimal tools are needed for maintenance. Every structural element can be reused, reducing environmental impact. As a result, the houses are not mere “emergency shelters” but sustainable living spaces.
Resilient housing allows families to remain rooted in their homeland, offering not only physical safety but also psychological stability and dignity. By utilizing local materials and labor, the construction process serves as a platform for skills transfer and economic resilience. It also sets a new benchmark for low-cost, durable climate housing that advances environmental justice and inclusive development.
Implemented in Kalapara (Barisal Division) and Sitakunda (Chittagong Division), the project was realized through collaboration among CODEC architects and engineers, JICA experts, and local residents. Community input shaped the floorplans and functions, while trained local workers participated in construction, strengthening both capability and a sense of ownership.
Looking forward, the Resilient Housing model brings a blueprint not only for Bangladesh but also for disaster-prone deltas, floodplains, and island regions worldwide. It offers a practical alternative between temporary shelters and long-term housing, pointing the way toward sustainable resilience in the face of climate crises.