The houseboats and other transportable dwellings are constructed by each family, occasionally with a the help of a more experienced builder in the community. Many are built from bamboo, teak, thatched palm leaves, corrugated metal, and found materials -- plastic sheeting, discarded banners, tarps, fabrics, and the like.  Photo 9 of 10 in Living on Water: Floating Villages by Tiffany Chu

Living on Water: Floating Villages

9 of 10

The houseboats and other transportable dwellings are constructed by each family, occasionally with a the help of a more experienced builder in the community. Many are built from bamboo, teak, thatched palm leaves, corrugated metal, and found materials -- plastic sheeting, discarded banners, tarps, fabrics, and the like.