When we speak about sustainable design today, many people imagine futuristic buildings, smart technologies, or imported eco-materials. But the truth is, in places like Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, the wisdom of sustainability has existed for centuries — embedded in the vernacular architecture built by local communities in perfect harmony with their environment.

As someone who grew up in Flores and now works in eco-oriented construction with Homandala, I am constantly amazed at how much modern sustainable design can learn from our traditional ways of building.

Vernacular Architecture in Flores: Passive by Nature

The vernacular buildings of Flores — from highland huts to coastal pavilions — are designed based on deep observation of climate, landscape, and available materials. Without advanced engineering, they already apply many passive design principles such as:

• Elevated floors for airflow and flood protection
• Steep or layered roofs for heat release and rain resistance
• Wide eaves and natural shading for thermal comfort
• Locally sourced, breathable materials like bamboo, wood, and thatch
• Flexible indoor-outdoor layouts adapted to tropical living

These buildings were not designed with carbon footprints in mind — but their low energy demands and climate responsiveness make them naturally sustainable.

Bamboo: Not Just Traditional, but Smart

One of the most important materials in Flores’ vernacular architecture is bamboo. It is not only abundant and affordable, but also strong, fast-growing, renewable, and carbon-sequestering. Using bamboo in modern architecture is not a nostalgic return to the past — it’s a smart, ecological choice for the future.

At Homandala, we promote bamboo not just as a material, but as a symbol of local resilience and climate intelligence.

Lessons for Today’s Builders

Vernacular architecture in Flores teaches us that sustainability doesn’t have to be expensive or imported. It can be rooted in place, shaped by community knowledge, and adapted with modern techniques. In fact, combining traditional forms with passive design standards allows us to:

– Build energy-efficient homes without heavy mechanical systems
– Reduce construction waste and carbon emissions
– Celebrate local identity while responding to global environmental challenges

In Flores, vernacular buildings already embody the essence of passive design. They are climate-smart, culturally rich, and environmentally conscious — without needing labels.

As we face the global climate crisis, we don’t always need to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, the future of sustainable living is already here — built with bamboo, crafted by ancestors, and waiting to be recognized.

By Frids Budjen – Marketing Manager, Homandala (Flores & Surroundings)