DESCRIPTION: This roof consists of a series of arches made out of tapering burnt clay tubes inserted into one another and plastered with cement mortar from the outside to make it water-resistant.

ADVANTAGES: Requires minimal annual maintenance; Long lasting; Does not use wood or steel and uses minimum amount of cement; Simple and fast construction using predominantly village-based materials with the exception of cement; 60% village economy component in the total cost of construction; provides much needed work to the village potter; The air in the hollows of the arches provides good insulation, making the house climatically more suitable.

SOURCE: Centre of Science for Villages, Magan Sangrahalaya, Wardha - 442 001, Maharashtra