Bangladesh Builds Homes That Move With Floods

Why this is here: By early 2026, villagers in Jamalpur district had built five additional Khudi Bari homes entirely on their own, following initial instruction from architects in 2022.

In Jamalpur district, Bangladesh, architects collaborate with residents to build Khudi Bari—tiny, flood-resistant homes. These structures address the yearly cycle of flooding and erosion along the Jamuna River. The Khudi Bari are elevated and designed for easy relocation as land shifts due to river currents.

Architect Marina Tabassum prioritizes transferring building knowledge to local people. Villagers constructed five additional homes in early 2026, building on the initial 18 structures completed in 2022. Residents source materials like wood and bamboo, completing the assembly themselves.

Khandoker Mohammad Bulbul, a local farmer, notes the affordability of land in vulnerable areas but also the constant threat of floodwaters. Though the project empowers communities, scaling up production relies on continued access to materials and ongoing training. The team hopes residents will eventually build and maintain these homes independently.