5.3.4 My House Roundtable

5.3 World of Homes

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Understand /4

These folks are fortunate. They each live in their own family homes. They’re not homeless, and they don’t have to rent. Let’s hear their stories and see what life is like in their houses.

Who are you, and where are you from?

I am Maria. I live in the Andes Mountains in Peru.

I am Mei. I live in Guangxi, China.

I am Ahmed. I live in Cairo, Egypt.

I am Tom. I live in the Midwest, USA.

I am Priya. I live in Kerala, India.

What is your house made of?

Our house is made of adobe. Adobe is mud, straw, and water. It is 20 years old, we repaired it as needed.

Our house is made of bamboo and thatch. It was rebuilt 15 years ago, easy to repair, too. Though it doesn't last long. Bamboo has to be replaced quite often.

Our house is made of mud bricks and palm wood. It is already 50 years old, built by my family.

Our house is made of wood and stone. It is very old, even my great-grandparents lived here.

Our house is made of bricks and tiles.

What is the weather like in your place, and how does your house handle it?

The weather is cool and dry. It gets colder at night. Our adobe house keeps me warm at night and cool in the day.

The weather is warm and wet, and it rains a lot. Our bamboo house lets air flow through, which helps keep it cool and dry.

The weather is hot and dry. We also have sandstorms sometimes. Our mudbrick house has thick walls that keep the inside cool, even when it’s very hot.

The weather changes a lot. Summers are hot, and winters are snowy and cold. Our timber house stays warm in winter because it has good insulation.

The weather is hot and rainy, with heavy monsoons. Our brick house stays cool and handles the rain well.

What don

It can get damaged in heavy rain.

Bugs eat the bamboo if we don't take care of it.

Dust comes in, and it gets cracks sometimes.

It needs a lot of work to stop mold and rot.

Moss grows on the walls because of the rain.

f it were up to you, what building material would you choose to build your house?

I would use stronger materials for the roof.

I would make a stronger foundation for storms.

I would use better bricks that do not crack.

I would use eco-friendly insulation and solar panels.

I would add better drainage and use local materials.