Exploring Traditional Building Materials for Urban Housing in Sri Lanka: Benefits, Obstacles, and a Path Forward amid Economic Challenges

Abstract

This study examines the abundance of traditional building materials in Sri Lanka, considering material properties. It evaluates local materials like adobe, bamboo, thatch, stone, timber, coconut trees, and grasses, highlighting their cost-effectiveness compared to imports. The research aims to analyze advantages, challenges, and solutions related to using these materials for affordable housing amidst economic difficulties. The study finds benefits such as cultural preservation, material affordability, energy efficiency, reusability, and biodegradability. Challenges include acceptability, durability, deforestation, limited strength, and maintenance. Recommendations focus on adopting and improving local materials for resilient housing. This research contributes insights to traditional building materials in the Sri Lankan context, with implications for the broader region.