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FEASIBILITY

 

  • Construction Time: 4-6 weeks

  • Quality Control: Standardized design with 4 reinforcing cage templates, 2 concrete mixes, reusable formwork (dimensionally fixed), no customization of structural members

  • Ease of Construction: Typical of concrete construction; primary considerations: resolving conflicts in joint reinforcement, alignment of column lines, leveling panels, concrete consolidation 

  • Ease of Expansion: Panels can be added, removed and reconfigured with ease

  • Ease of Codification: Employs reinforced concrete construction practices that have been standardized worldwide

  • Required Crew Size: 5-10

  • Required Infrastructure: N/A

  • Required Tools: Manual labor with power hand tools, drum mixer

  • Required Skill Level: Standard mason

RESILIENCY

 

  • Earthquakes: Internationally code-compliant reinforced concrete frame detailed for seismic design category D

  • Hurricanes: Reinforced concrete panels capable of resisting hurricane-force winds

  • Security: Panels resist penetration by intruders armed with hand tools

  • Flooding: Concrete frame and walls resistant to mold and water damage

Prototype A is a light and resilient housing solution developed by Engineering2Empower (E2E), built using a primary moment resisting frame. In this mode of construction, the strength lies in an efficient, internationally code-compliant, reinforced concrete frame, that can be enclosed and partitioned in a number of ways. The Expo features the use of E2E's lightweight, reconfigurable concrete panels. This allows the family's limited resources to be focused on fortifying the frame, which is much more cost efficient than seismically engineering every wall of the traditional masonry home commonly used in Haiti. E2E flanks the technical innovations of its frame and panel system with several process innovations to deliver quality control. Standardized plans, prefabricated components, and custom construction kits available at E2E Depots ensure the quality of the frame, while a simplified manufacturing process is used to cast local materials into lightweight concrete panels. Most importantly, the solution is self-financed in the open market and allows families to expand the home as resources become available. 

 

Below is a quick summary of this design's compliance with the Haitian constraints matrix.

Take Time to INNOVATE

Learn how Prototype A has completely changed the way Haitians imagine urban housing
VIABILITY

 

  • Cultural Preferences: Single Family Home with multiple rooms and covered porch, modern appearance (concrete)

  • Indoor Air Quality: Ventilation enhanced by roof design, interior finishes enhance thermal gap

  • Acceptance: Employs materials currently preferred in home construction, but requires education to promote adoption of frame and panel concept

  • Customization: Layout of frame elements are standardized, finishes and partitioning can be customized and adapted with time

SUSTAINABILITY

 

  • Use of Local Materials: All materials used are available locally

  • Use of Local Labor: All components are fabricated locally, using existing skill sets

  • Accommodates Progressive Construction: Reliance on frame enables flexibility in cladding/partitioning schemes and progressive expansion/adaptation of home

  • Cost: Cost-competitive with earthquake-resilient masonry construction in the open market, unique financing program facilitates access

  • Lifespan: Permanent housing option  

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