[GSBN] building in Haiti

[martin hammer]

Bruce, all,

Although on the EBNet Haiti team (in addition to the BWB SB Haiti team),
I'll jump into the GSBN forum with a couple thoughts on the plaster and the
security issue.

The security concern will be greater in some locations than others.
Generally, the more urban the greater the concern.  It seems obvious that
both in perception and as a physical obstacle, mesh reinforced cement
plaster would be the most secure plaster, and I¹ll say probably secure
enough.  (Notwithstanding Derek¹s proposed method of breaking and entering,
that still takes time, effort, makes noise, etc, and thus is a deterrent).
In some cases clay, or lime plaster may not be enough, in other cases it
will.  Installing a second plaster on the inside face of the bamboo framing
would provide additional security (real and perceived).

For the Home Expo building I suggest installing a cement plaster (with up to
50% lime if you can get your hands on it) on half the building, and a clay
plaster with a durable finish on the other half.  With and without a second
plaster on the interior.  Let people see how they both feel, look, and
sound, and allow them to decide which would work for their circumstance.
 
Cordaid, a Dutch organization, built a prototype wood-framed house in
Leogane, Haiti with no less than 7 enclosure-finish systems.  (I can send
photos, if you haven't seen it already.)  I think it goes too far to the
point of being chaotic/confusing.  But a couple variations in one prototype
building seems valid to me.  Looking at opposite corners you might only see
one finish at a time.

In terms of security, doors and windows (shutters?) will probably be a
greater point of vulnerability than the wall enclosure system.  I would show
how that can be addressed on at least one opening.

Also, although security can be a serious issue in parts of Haiti (and other
places in the world!), there of course is much more to consider about this
building . . .

Martin Hammer  


On 2/28/11 6:15 PM, "Andrew Webb" <andrew at thegreenwebb.com> wrote:

> Except perhaps in perception - concrete may be less tempting to try to
> break through than clay (if it is obviously clay) even if doing so is
> just as easy.  The finish and the image it projects is likely a factor.
> 
> -Andrew Webb
> 
> On 1/03/2011 11:41 AM, john rehorn wrote:
>> Good point, Derek.  Thick clay or lime would be as good a 'vandal wall' as
>> one inch of cementatious.
>> 
>> John Reho
>> 
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