Sustainability Study on Proposed Traditional Stilt House in Munshiganj as a Prefabricated Modular Housing Design

Abstract

Bangladesh, highly susceptible to climate change, confronts significant housing difficulties stemming from disasters and rising urbanization, while traditional construction methods are expensive and rigid. In erosion-prone areas like as Munshiganj, conventional modular stilt houses constructed with timber, CI sheets, and elevated foundations provide a native adaptable solution. Their substantial prefabricated façade sections diminish efficiency and transportability. This study investigates a standardized 4′ × 8′ modular panel system that incorporates façade, window, and door elements to enhance material economy, cost effectiveness, and scalability. Traditional and proposed systems were assessed by literature analysis, field surveys, material estimation, and cost comparison. Research demonstrates that an 8′ × 12′ unit necessitates just 10 panels, each utilizing 1.33 cubic feet of wood and one galvanized sheet, so decreasing panel weight by 50% and overall expenses by 18–24%. The compact, modular design improves mobility, durability, and sustainability for disaster-affected and economically disadvantaged housing situations.