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The
low-cost housing design proposed in the preceding chapter could be built with
three alternative construction technologies, each of which has been researched,
developed and implemented by the author in different projects and institutions.
These construction systems are based on vernacular building
systems used all over Latin America for centuries.
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A
The first technology Wattle and Daub - Timber was developed and
implemented in different low-cost housing projects in Ecuador in
1992-93. |
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B
The second technology Timber - Mud Brick is based on "Alahua-Funhabit"
structural principles and was implemented in the construction of the
Guayllabamba Research Centre in Ecuador in 1988; and was refined in 1991
in a Master's thesis at Louvain University, Belgium. Thereafter, it was
used as a prototype for the "Comunidades" low-cost housing
project in Brazil in 1992.
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C
The third technology, Rammed Earth - Timber, was developed in the
construction of the Guayllabamba Research Centre in Ecuador in 1987-89
and refined in different projects in Ecuador in 1992-93. |
Properties of these Construction Systems
Cost
Much more economical than conventional construction
systems.
Flexibility
Most of the component parts of these systems may be used in any
combination i.e. interchanging the structure, foundations, roof, walls etc.
Materials
Most of the materials used in these proposals are locally available
throughout the developing world (earth, timber, bamboo).
Self-Build Potential
All the components and construction systems have been designed to
maximize the potential for prefabrication and self-construction.
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