[GSBN] building in Haiti

[Andy Horn]

Hi Martin

I agree it is more about securing the windows and doors. 

 

Plaster aside, for anyone who has not yet tried - but getting through a wall
of straw is no mean feat. 

 

I once got called in to look at saving storm wrecked load bearing SB after
the guys building had left for a long weekend without covering up ..so I
helped with cutting out chunks of un-plastered wall, so as to retrofit in
sets of load bearing timber posts. Armed with a chainsaw you would be
surprised at just how difficult it was. 

 

 

Andy Horn

 

 

 

 

  _____  

From: GSBN-bounces at greenbuilder.com [mailto:GSBN-bounces at greenbuilder.com]
On Behalf Of martin hammer
Sent: 01 March 2011 05:54 AM
To: (private, with public archives) Global Straw Building Network
Subject: Re: [GSBN] building in Haiti

 

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 I'll say probably secure
enough.  (Notwithstanding Derek's 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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