It’s green, and adding solar could probably make it pass through LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) criteria.
IRSHAD SALIM — Southern Iran’s Kapar is said to be quake-resistant dwellings and affordable as it uses Tamarisk and palm tree leaves to build.
A vernacular wooden rural architecture in Iran, it is climatically suitable for warm and humid regions. The high speed of construction of Kapar can also be used to build temporary residences at the time of disasters or natural disasters like earthquakes, and even building schools and health centers in the nomadic areas.
The material Tamarisk used in building is an invasive shrub or small tree that is also found across the American West. Also known as saltcedar, tamarisk favors sites that are inhospitable to native stream side plants because of high salinity, low water availability, and altered stream flow regimes created by dams.
Dome-shaped, this traditional dwelling has been providing shelter to nomads from long heatwaves in southern provinces of the Persian region.
That doesn’t mean it can’t be built in a park, or on one’s backyard or frontyard for both tropical climates: warm and cold use.
Covered Gazebos? Why not. It could be innovative. No copywrite infringement is involved.
Kapar comes in different forms and shapes, and are cool inside because of the geometry and the material used as rooftop.
In Pakistan, the cost (we estimate) could be anywhere between Rs50,000 to Rs100,000 depending on the locale and how much one would want to add bells and whistles to them. Our guess is it would take less than a week to build if all ducks are in a row.
It’s green, and adding solar could probably make it pass through LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) criteria. Quite an idea for A) maintaining social distancing and B) working from home C) online, D) even freelancing.
From utility standpoint, it could be a hit in northern areas susceptible to quake including capital Islamabad.
The writer is business, construction consultant and analyst based in Islamabad. Email: [email protected] Tweet him at twitter.com/irshadsalim
