Mud house is a traditional Bengali house type.But the largest mud house in bangladesh has been invented. Traditional village homes are generally made with mud and clay and the house scale is small, like four to five rooms or maximum of ten to fifteen rooms.But in very recent a house invented in Nouga , a district of bangladesh, break all the record by constructing 108 rooms which is very rare construction by using mud and clay.
Location of the largest mud house in Bangladesh:
The house is located in the village Alipur of Cheragpur Union. The sub-district is Mohadevpur in Nouga district of bangladesh. Its located 11 KM South-East from Sub-District Sadar.
About the Largest Mud House in bangladesh:
37 years back the two brothers from the village Alipur, Somsher Ali Mondol and Taher Ali Mondol made this incredible house. They wanted to fulfill the need to reside in their large family in a single house. This concept basically forced them to build this largest mud house. But nowadays 50 to 60 people live in this house because a lot of family members are abroad or in town for their career purpose.The house contains 96 large rooms and 12 small rooms to fulfill their need. An interesting fact is the house takes 4-5 minutes to walk around.
Architectural Review of this Largest Mud House
The house length is 300 feet/100 meters and the width is 100 feet/33 meters.two large ponds were dug to supply the soil and mud for the house construction.The Soil is prepared by combining dry rice grain and water to make it clay. The wall thickness is around 20-30 inches thick to take the two story loads.Also used strong timber frames to build the ground floor roof which is the first floor level. The timber frames are used to construct the 2nd story pitched roof. The house required 200 bundles of Tin (Steel Sheets) to cover the roof.That is a really large roof in terms of Bangladeshi mud house perspective.
The two big ponds, created by digging soil for the house, have become a natural landscape setup along with a lot of valuable trees of different kinds. This became a natural relaxation space for the occupants. Two court yards introduced at the two part of the house in the center, so the house is served by natural ventilation very well.
Accessibility : The circulation of the house is pretty good in terms of native context.There are 11 entrance doors around the house, serving a fluent accessibility.
Cultural Significance of the Largest Mud House
This mud house is not just building, it’s an evidence to the cultural and historical heritage of rural Bangladesh. The use of traditional construction materials like mud, clay, and timber signifies a sustainable approach that has been passed down through generations. The house embodies the essence of Bengali culture, where large extended families live together, sharing their joys and sorrows under one roof. It’s a reflection of the communal living that is central to village life in Bangladesh.
Community and Social Impact
The construction of this mud house had a significant impact on the local community. It has become a point of pride for the residents of Alipur and the surrounding areas. The house has also attracted attention from various parts of the country, bringing visitors and boosting local tourism. People come to see the house and explore the village. The story of the Mondol brothers’ vision and determination serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with innovation and effort, it’s made them possible to create something extraordinary even with limited resources.
Environmental Considerations
The environmental aspect of the largest mud house is noteworthy. Building with mud and clay is eco-friendly as these materials are locally sourced and do not require extensive processing. The thick walls provide natural insulation, keeping the interiors cool in summer and warm in winter, thus reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. The ponds, which were created during the construction process, are now supporting local biodiversity.
The largest mud house in Bangladesh, with its 108 rooms, stands as a remarkable example of traditional architecture, cultural heritage, and sustainable living. Constructed by Somsher Ali Mondol and Taher Ali Mondol, this house not only serves as a residence for a large family but also as a symbol of community pride and resilience. Its unique construction process, architectural features, and environmental benefits make it an extraordinary piece of rural heritage.
