What We Can Learn from the Traditional Sasak Houses in Lombok

In the heart of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, lies a village that has kept its cultural roots alive through its unique architecture. This village is called Sade, and it is home to the Sasak people, the indigenous ethnic group of Lombok. One of the most iconic symbols of their heritage is the traditional Sasak house—a structure that is not only beautiful, but also incredibly earthquake-resistant.

While many modern buildings collapsed during the 2018 Lombok earthquake, many traditional Sasak houses in Sade village remained standing. It made people ask: what’s the secret behind these humble-looking homes?

Built for Earthquakes—Centuries Ago

The Sasak people have been building homes in the same way for hundreds of years. The houses are made using natural and local materials: bamboo, wood, woven rattan, dried grass for the roofs, and a mix of soil and buffalo dung for the floors and walls. It may sound primitive, but this design has one big advantage—it’s flexible and lightweight.

Unlike concrete, which is rigid and cracks under stress, bamboo and wood can sway with the earth. When an earthquake hits, these materials absorb the shock instead of resisting it. This is the same logic modern architects use when designing earthquake-resistant buildings today.

A Low-Tech, High-Wisdom Design

Another key to the Sasak architecture is its low center of gravity. Traditional Sasak houses are built close to the ground, with low ceilings and compact space. This lowers the risk of collapse.

One of the most fascinating details of Sasak construction is that no nails are used. Instead, builders rely on wooden pegs, rope lashings, and interlocking joints to connect the structural elements. This method keeps the house more flexible during an earthquake. Unlike nails, which create rigid points that can snap or tear through wood under pressure, these traditional joints allow the house to bend and move with the earth’s motion—reducing the risk of collapse.

The thatched roofs, made from alang-alang grass, are thick and sloped, allowing rain to run off easily while also insulating the house from heat.

The buffalo dung floors might raise eyebrows, but they’re actually very practical. When mixed with soil, dung creates a hard, smooth surface that resists dust, insects, and even cracking. It’s also a natural disinfectant.

What’s impressive is how all of this knowledge was developed without formal education or engineering tools. It came from generations of observing nature and learning what works.

Sustainability Before It Was Trendy

The Sasak house is a great example of sustainable architecture. All materials used are biodegradable, locally sourced, and leave zero carbon footprint. There’s no need for cement, steel, or heavy machinery. When a house is damaged or needs to be rebuilt, it can be done quickly and cheaply using materials available nearby.

In today’s world, where climate change and natural disasters are becoming more frequent, there’s a lot we can learn from this kind of thinking.

Not Just a House—A Way of Life

These homes are more than just structures—they reflect the Sasak way of life, which values simplicity, togetherness, and harmony with nature. In Sade village, you’ll often see generations of family members living under one roof, cooking together, and gathering in the same space. The design of the house supports that lifestyle—open, communal, and humble.

The Future Can Learn from the Past

We often look to new technology for solutions, but sometimes the best ideas are the old ones. The traditional Sasak house proves that architecture doesn’t need to be complicated to be smart. It just needs to be in tune with the environment.

As Indonesia continues to face the threat of earthquakes, perhaps it’s time to revisit traditional knowledge and see it not as outdated, but as deeply relevant.