Sustainable Building Materials in the Traditional Architecture of Nuristan Province, Afghanistan: A Case Study of Wood, Stone, and Indigenous Materials in Parun and Wama Districts

Abstract

In many developing countries, construction methods differ significantly from those in developed regions, often relying on readily available but low-quality materials. Afghanistan, as a developing country, displays a wide range of traditional construction practices, particularly in remote provinces. This study focuses on the traditional residential construction techniques of Nuristan Province, with an emphasis on the use of wood, stone, and other indigenous materials in the Parun and Wama districts. The research investigates how these materials are applied in local building practices and evaluates their performance in terms of sustainability, structural resilience, and climatic suitability. Data were collected through field observations, interviews, questionnaires, and physical measurements conducted during site visits in 2025. The findings reveal that the indigenous materials used in Nuristan are not only practical and cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable and culturally significant.