Journal of Architectural Research and Design Studies
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026): In Progress Issue

Adaptive Coastal Housing Prototype Design for the Tsunami Disaster in Palu City

Utomo, Abdillah Tri (Unknown)
Amar, Amar (Unknown)
Bakri, Muhammad (Unknown)
Arief, Irdinal (Unknown)
Burhanuddin, Burhanuddin (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Aug 2026

Abstract

The 2018 earthquake and tsunami in Palu City, particularly in its coastal settlements, exposed the high vulnerability of housing in multi-hazard environments. This highlighted the urgent need for adaptive post-disaster housing strategies. Previous studies have generally focused on tsunami hazard mapping, building damage, vernacular stilt-house wisdom, or modular structural systems like Rumah Instan Sederhana Sehat (RISHA) separately. Consequently, limited research has developed an integrated coastal housing prototype that combines hazard-responsive architectural principles, local adaptive housing knowledge, and modular earthquake-resistant construction within the specific context of Palu City. This study aims to formulate design criteria and develop a prototype of adaptive coastal housing for post-disaster reconstruction in Palu. The research employs a qualitative, research-based architectural design approach through literature review, qualitative content analysis, thematic synthesis, and risk-based design translation using data from scientific publications, government reports, technical documents, and documented survivor accounts. The study’s results include the formulation of structural, functional, and contextual design criteria for tsunami-adaptive coastal housing and the development of an adaptive stilt-house prototype. This prototype combines a RISHA modular frame on the lower level, lightweight local materials on the upper level, and an open ground floor to reduce obstruction to tsunami flow while supporting post-disaster adaptability. Rather than claiming full structural validation, the study proposes a context-responsive architectural prototype that qualitatively aligns with earthquake- and tsunami-mitigation principles, local climatic conditions, and the socio-cultural needs of coastal communities in Palu City. The prototype serves as an architectural reference for future coastal housing planning and subsequent structural and hydrodynamic evaluation.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jards

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture

Description

Journal of Architectural Research and Design Studies (JARS) is a discursive venue for research groups, lectures and tutors and students emphasizing architectural education in Indonesian context. It connects education realm with building industries and architectural practices. This journal is ...