May 29: Following the recent windstorm in eastern and southern Bhutan, the government is designing models of houses that could be constructed in rural areas. The models are designed to withstand natural disasters.

The three designs that the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs is working on range from the least expensive to the most expensive. Dorji Yangki the Chief Architect with the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs has been working on the designs.

The designs take into account the traditional architecture and the availability of construction materials and are energy efficient. Unlike traditional houses, the models will have the kitchen and the toilets inside the house. According to the Chief Architect this will help promote health and hygiene in the villages.

The Home and Cultural Affairs Ministry Lyonpo Minjur Dorji says carpenters and engineers in the communities will be given a training to familiarize with the designs. He said it is not obligatory for villagers to accept and follow the designs. He said the Dzongkhag engineers will provide technical support to the villagers wherever necessary.

The designs are expected to be complete in a week’s time and will be provided free of cost in all the 20 dzongkhags.