Chapter 6 Nepal: Traditional Houses Hom Bahadur Rijal Abstract The traditional architecture could be one of the key issues for sustainable building design for different climates and cultures. They are well matched and adapted to the climates and cultures by using local building materials and techniques. However, traditional forms of architecture are decreasing dramatically, being replaced by artificial materials, modern designs and alien technology. We need strong policies and sound research to sustain the concepts and practicalities of traditional architecture. Thus, in this chapter, we will discuss the characteristic of the traditional vernacular houses in different climatic zones of Nepal. Keywords Nepal · Sub-tropical climate · Temperature climate · Cold climate · traditional house · Semi-open space 6.1 Introduction Traditional vernacular architecture is a wonderful gift from our ancestors. It has been developed over many centuries without creating many serious environmental or health problems [1]. The buildings are well matched and adapted to the climates and cultures by using local building materials and techniques. When we encounter these different kinds of traditional architecture, we feel very relaxed and comfortable in their ambient spiritual atmosphere. People travel to different parts of world to see and experience their beauty. We have to pass on this feeling to our future generations. However, traditional forms of architecture are decreasing dramatically, being replaced by artificial materials, modern designs and alien technology. If we continue to create similar kinds of modern buildings, we will lose not only traditional wisdom and culture but also create severe environmental problems. Instead, we have to H. B. Rijal (*) Department of Restoration Ecology and Built Environment, Tokyo City University 3-3-1 Ushikubo-nishi, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, 224-8551 Japan e-mail: rijal@tcu.ac.jp © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2018 T. Kubota et al. (eds.), Sustainable Houses and Living in the Hot-Humid Climates of Asia, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-8465-2_6 59