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.