Environment-friendly structures of Nicobar
After tsunami and the ravages, even the unassuming tribes of Nicobar islands had some lessons to convey with respect to their eco-buildings

Planning principles
The planning principles of the Nicobar islanders are of free-flowing forms and of open type structures. They don't provide partitions; instead they rely on cloth curtains. The spaces are not demarcated, thus encouraging the unification of the family.

There are no beggars seen in the Nicobar society and they have no property boundaries. We do have a lot to learn with respect to their light wooden structures and thatched roofs that helped them with relatively lesser damages during the killer quakes. Thus structures seemed more or less earthquake resistant.

The structures are built of eco-friendly, climate- responsive, locally available materials, thus mingling with the ecosystem. The structures are circular with conical roofs. These roofs have overhangs to protect the structure from rain.

The residences along the coastal areas of Andaman and Nicobar islands are raised on stilts. This main feature provides protection and security to their homes mainly from high tidal waves, animals and insects.

As the houses are raised on stilts:

* The place underneath the floor is used as a work area for men and women, for cattle rearing and children play area.

* The conical roof has a small loft space that serves the purpose of food material storage.

* The traditional ladder is used as a linking element.

Building components

* The walls are made up of bamboo mats.

* The wooden floor with gaps and the bamboo / thatched roofs breathe due to the air cavities present in them. This keeps the structure and space fresh.

Ecosystem
These native people are possessive of the ecosystem that has nurtured them. Their identity is inextricably linked to the life support system that surrounds them.

They make use of nearby resources to build with recyclable materials that are found in abundance.

These schools had to be of simple structures with multiple usages. They were built octagonal in form with conical rooftop; the structures were raised on a height of 2.7 m on M.S. hollow pipes. The flooring was done with timber beams, prefabricated panels and ceramic tiles.

Environment friendly recyclable materials were used in construction. The shapes, forms and material went along the traditional lines and ideas of the people. The wind movement was provided traditionally from the floor level rather than the sill level openings that we see of modern buildings.

Air circulation
This prevents direct air from entering the structure and allows only controlled air.

The structures and trusses used for the building is supposed to withstand a life of 20 years after which they are to be replaced with new structures. The trusses are made with G.I.sheet.

These roofs have overhangs with gutters, thus protecting the structure from rain and enabling rainwater harvesting.

The cost of construction is three times the normal, due to transportation difficulties. Due to the absence of technology, prefabrication is employed.