Charikot Veneer House is a single family home prototype built in Charikot, Dolakha, a part of Nepal affected by a powerful 2015 earthquake. Traditional Nepali construction relies on brick and masonry with heavy and inflexible walls, which lead to severe damage earthquakes. This project explored a lightweight and flexible structural frame suitable for seismically active regions.

 

In creating the Charikot Veneer House, Keio University Kobayashi Laboratory partnered with Dolakha Plywood Inc., a plywood manufacturer based in Charikot. Sourcing materials locally allowed project stakeholders and the local community to participate in the design development and construction process.

 

This home prototype is only the beginning of what could be a significant contribution to the reconstruction and recovery of Nepal in the wake of its recent disaster.

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TEAM: Keio University SFC Hiroto Kobayashi Laboratory (Design, Construction), Kobayashi Maki Design Workshop (Design, Construction), Akira Suzuki (Structural Engineering), Dolakha Plywood Inc. (Pre-cut, Test Assembly), Local Residents (Construction), and others