Takran
"My first impressions of the homes upon arriving at Outpost 13 is that they were shacks. They had no proper foundation and the roof was made of grass. The entire village looked like kindling. I was very wrong. The buildings are raised because when it rains here it floods. The grass roofing is actually made of gwana fibre and keeps water out better than any wooden roof I've ever slept under. These people know what they are doing." -Aram, Merchant Skysailor
Purpose / Function
The takran is a simple dwelling constructed by the inhabitants of Outpost 13. It is designed to protect the people from harsh rainfalls.
Alterations
The first raised homes used wood for the roof. After the uses of gwana were determined they switched to it.
Over time a porch was added around the central dwelling on which work could be performed. Later the roof was expanded to cover the porch area as well providing cover from the ever present light.
Architecture
A takran is made mostly of wood. The building is held above the ground by 40 or 50cm to prevent damage from flooding. A set of stairs leads down to the ground on one or more sides of the house. The roof is made using treated gwana strands. This is thick but light and very good at repelling water.
Each house has a variety of different adornments to the outside on the walls or on the porch. Usually to indicate who lives there and what profession they practice.
History
The first immigrants to the area built houses like those from their homeland. Such buildings did not perform well in the rainy season.
Some left but others innovated. The first raised houses were built before gwana was discovered and used common wooden roofs instead.
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