An Empirical Study on the Self-Procurement of Thatching Materials and the Sustainable Maintenance of Thatched Roofs in the Contemporary Era

This study examines people who still live in thatched-roof houses as ordinary residences and annually harvest thatch from their own grasslands for maintenance. The research aimed to clarify practical methods of maintaining thatched houses in modern times. Results revealed that such practices are closely related to the local climate, the presence of experienced thatchers nearby is important, and that maintenance is integrated into everyday life. These findings suggest that such efforts represent a noteworthy new model for the sustainable maintenance of thatched houses today.