CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

Material Palette

Rammed Earth Foundation (Not Applicable)

Special properties Only used for earth constructions
Rammed earth foundations are made on dry sites
of well graded soil, preferably with a
stabilizer for water resistance and
Economical aspects Low cost
higher strength.
Stability Poor to medium
Skills required Semi-skilled labour

Equipment required Excavation and tamping

equipment

Resistance to Low
earthquake

Resistance to Low
hurricane

Resistance to rain Low

Resistance to insects Low

Climatic suitability Only very dry climates

Stage of experience Traditional method

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Material Palette

Burnt Brick Foundation (Can be Applied)

Special properties Good alternative to concrete
SHORT DESCRIPTION: foundation
• Burnt brick foundations are principally
the same as masonry wall constructions, Economical aspects Medium costs
but begun under the ground, either
directly on a bed of tamped sand or lean Stability Medium to good
concrete, or on a concrete footing.
Skills required Masonry skills
• A widened base is preferable to
distribute the weight of the walls.
• Care must be taken to lay the bricks in Equipment required Masonry equipment
perfectly level courses, and measures for
waterproofing are important. Resistance to Medium to good
• A good mortar for masonry foundations earthquake
is: Resistance to hurricane Medium to good
- 4 parts cement
- 1 part lime
Resistance to rain Good
- 12 parts clean sand
- sufficient water to make a workable
mix. Resistance to insects Good
• In earthquake areas, masonry
foundations should be reinforced with Climatic suitability Most climates, except consistently
wire mesh or thin rods. Professional wet areas
advice should be sought.
Stage of experience Widely used

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Material Palette

Rammed Earth Construction (To be Applied)

In the top 600mm of the wall metal rods are inserted during
compacting to provide a tie-down system for a timber top
plate, this is for securing the roofing structure

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Material Palette

Gabion Wall (To be Applied)

Benefits of gabion walls:

• Aesthetic – gabion walls look natural and by using
natural materials fits into the environment
• Compatibility with the environment – using the
material made by excavations the costs of acquisition
and transport are significantly reduced
• Is used as a cooling system in hot climate
conditions and provides passve cooling by air
movement
• Water permeability – gabion walls are permeable
and are not damaged by passing water
• Efficiency of gabion walls can increase in time,
since the vegetation fills voids and strengthens the
wall structure
• Soil movements don’t negatively influence gabion
walls, which is an advantage in regard to stiffer
structures (reinforced concrete walls)
• Longevity – stone blocks are materials that are
frequently used beacuse of their longevity, durability
and stability. Usually the stone is selected beacuse of
aesthetic attributes or the possibility of excavation
produced material usage.

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Material Palette

Bamboo Skeleton for Thatched Roof (Can be Applied)

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Material Palette

Bamboo Skeleton for Thatched Roof (Can be Applied)

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