OUR PHILOSOPHY

Founded in 2006 in Nepal, ABARI is a research, design, and build firm dedicated to social and environmental sensibility. Its mission is to explore, promote, and honor vernacular architecture and its deep connections to traditional crafts, local communities, and the forest.

According to the 2011 Nepali Census, over 74% of the nation’s homes were built using traditional materials, thoughtfully adapted to Nepal’s diverse geographies, climates, and cultures. By the 2021 census, that number had dropped to just 53%. In other words, centuries-old vernacular craftsmanship is being rapidly displaced by cement and steel in the name of 'development'. Sadly, in the public imagination, vernacular architecture is increasingly viewed not as a valuable heritage, but as a source of shame.

On the other hand, we have always been enchanted by the poetry of vernacular building. We love the salubrious nature of earth and the ductility of bamboo. Above all, we cherish craft. Nothing gives us more joy than watching carpenters carve out beautiful furniture out of a log, seeing women transform clay into beautiful plaster or witnessing our elders weave beautiful baskets out of bamboo.

We believe in an economic model that doesn't force a choice between caring for the planet and supporting people. Over the past 15 years, with the support of hundreds of community members, we've planted thousands of bamboo plants along the degraded riverbanks of Madi. This initiative helps protect our land from erosion and flooding, while also creating a sustainable source of raw materials for building homes, making furniture, crafting baskets, and producing fodder, fuel, and food.

Click here to read more about our regenerative work.

Does it mean we live will have to sacrifice our comfort?

Earth and bamboo offer a level of comfort that cement simply cannot match. Like cotton, these natural materials breathe—regulating moisture and temperature to create a healthier living environment. When designed well, homes built with earth and bamboo maintain comfortable indoor conditions year-round, offering both thermal stability and natural humidity control.

Our designs are guided by passive design principles, meaning we carefully orient buildings to follow the sun’s path, ensuring each room receives optimal sunlight and warmth. Thick rammed earth walls absorb heat during the day and gradually release it, helping to maintain a comfortable and stable indoor temperature throughout the day.

We also incorporate large glass windows (double-glazed when the budget permits) to maximize natural light and capture beautiful views, while also allowing the sun’s warmth to enter the space.

How about maintenance?

A well-designed earth and bamboo home requires minimal maintenance. In fact, the walls age gracefully over time, always retaining a warm and inviting appearance. Bamboo may need to be recolored every 7 to 8 years, but other than that, the materials stand the test of time with little upkeep.

Do you need to add cement to Rammed Earth?

We do not add cement to rammed earth, as it would compromise the material's natural thermal properties. Additionally, stabilized rammed earth loses its ability to breathe, behaving much like any other cementitious material. Contrary to some online claims, cement does not necessarily make the structure stronger. However, we do reinforce our walls to ensure they are earthquake-resistant.

What about electricity and plumbing?

Electricity and plumbing are integrated into the buildings. One can also add radiant floor heating, air conditioning or traditional masonry oven to the design.

Will it survive earthquakes?

Our buildings are incredibly strong. Bamboo boasts one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios, comparable to carbon fiber. Our rammed earth structures are reinforced with mesh and rebars, in compliance with the New Zealand Building Code. During the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, all the structures we designed, including Balimtar School—just 12 km east of the epicenter—survived without a single crack.

Will Bamboo Last?

Yes, bamboo can last for over 70 years or more, provided it is properly pressure-treated. Research has shown that when pressure-treated, bamboo’s durability is significantly extended, ensuring it remains strong and resilient for decades.

Is treatment of Bamboo healthy for Humans?

We treat our bamboo with borate compounds, which are considered safe and non-toxic to humans

OUR APPROACH

Our work is rooted in craftsmanship, with a deep commitment to community and the planet. We do not believe in mass-produced, cookie-cutter housing. Our processes are slow, yet they move in harmony with the human rhythm. We take on only 2-3 construction projects each year, approaching each one with care and passion. During the monsoon, we focus on farming and plantation.

In Chitwan, we’re collaborating with 200 farmers and artisans who have planted bamboo along the riverbanks. This initiative has not only revitalized the land but also created additional resources and enhanced biodiversity. Similarly, we’ve trained over 300 indigenous craftsmen in both ancient and modern techniques, enabling them to craft beautiful baskets, furniture, and homes. Some of our team members, who have been with us since the beginning, have traveled the world to share and spread their knowledge.

Approach

We believe in the slow, intentional craft of building.

We grow our own bamboo in partnership with local communities.

We don’t take shortcuts.

We harness the sun to warm and heal our homes.

We trust in the spiritual strength of earth and bamboo.

We believe homes should breathe.

We believe that small is beautiful.

And above all, we honor people and their craft.

OUR EXPERIENCE

With over two decades of experience in earth and bamboo construction, our team brings a wealth of knowledge gained from working and learning across countries such as Bhutan, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mongolia, Georgia, Germany, and the USA. We have completed more than 50 buildings and received international recognition for our work, including being a finalist in the 2018 Emerging Architecture Awards.

Our work has been showcased at prestigious institutions including the Harvard Graduate School of Design, MIT, CEPT University, and the National University of Singapore.

Our team has trained under global experts, mastering techniques such as Nubian vault construction, Mongolian gers, Catalan vaults, basketry, rammed earth, bamboo joinery, and lime rendering—drawing from the traditional knowledge of Egypt, Spain, Mongolia, Laos, Austria, Colombia, Morocco, and England.

Our Resources

Our team consists of over 35 full-time members, collectively bringing more than a century of experience. We operate a state-of-the-art bamboo processing facility in Ramnagar, Chitwan, where we pre-fabricate bamboo components and craft furniture.

In Madi, Chitwan, we’ve established a bamboo arboretum featuring over 26 bamboo varieties. Working closely with local communities, we’ve restored more than one kilometer of degraded riverbanks through bamboo cultivation.

Our liaison office and design studio are located in Kathmandu, while in Dhulikhel, we run a workshop and a learning center where we host trainings and hands-on workshops.