A rural Khmer house is a type of traditional home that is commonly found in the countryside of Cambodia, which is a country in Southeast Asia. These houses are made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and palm leaves that are abundant in the region.
The house usually has a raised platform or floor, which is made of bamboo or wood planks, to keep it off the ground and protect it from flooding during the rainy season. The walls are made of bamboo or wooden poles that are woven together with palm leaves or grass to create a sturdy structure.
The roof is typically made of thatch, which is a material made from dried leaves or grass, and is designed with a steep angle to allow rainwater to flow off easily. The house may also have additional smaller roofs on the sides or in the back, which serve as a place to store firewood or other items.
The house has several rooms, including a main living area, a kitchen, and sleeping quarters. The living area is typically the largest room and serves as a place for the family to eat, relax, and entertain guests. The kitchen consists of a fire pit or stove, which is used for cooking meals, and is often located outside the main house to avoid smoke inside.
Sleeping quarters are usually small rooms with low ceilings and are divided by curtains or screens. The beds are raised off the floor and are often made of woven bamboo mats or pallets.
A rural Khmer house also typically has a porch or veranda, which provides additional living space and acts as a buffer between the inside and outside of the house. The porch is a place where the family can sit, chat, and watch the world go by.
Overall, a rural Khmer house is a simple, yet functional, home that provides shelter and comfort for families living in the countryside of Cambodia.