Principles and concepts in designing tropical-shore settlement in estuary ecosystem case study: Weriagar district, Bintuni Bay

Weriagar District is located in estuary area and is prone to land loss, due to river and coastal erosion. Without any prevention efforts, Weriagar land might be disappear due to erosion on coastal and riverside. The Shore Housing Improvement Program was developed in 2014 to improve the environment, housing and settlement in Weriagar District. Based on the preliminary site observation and further site survey, the program continued in conducting in-depth analysis consists of house assessment method prior to concept select matrix development, in which design criteria were obtained. The results from analysis phase shows that it is necessary to design a house and settlement that can fulfil the needs of indigenous people, both functionally and aesthetically. Functionally, the house is designed to provide spaces for both private and public needs of the family. It can be used either as a family private space or as a public gathering space between family and their neighbours. Aesthetically, houses’ architectural form is designed to identify the locality of Weriagar District. The houses’ design feature highlighted in using local material, rainwater harvesting system, high pitched roof feature as a response to hot-humid climate and elevated-floor feature as response to tidal condition in estuary area.