In the past year Future village, IDEA Foundation and Design for People have developed an earthquake resistant steel frame. This frame will function as the structure for the new houses that will be rebuild in Katunge Village. The frame is designed based on common local house designs and can be used with different kinds of building materials. The walls and roofs can simply be attached to the frame, the structure can hold the full weight of all the walls and the roof. The frame is designed to resist the strongest earthquakes. |
The Chance Initiative has selected the steel frame as the best suitable form of support for because the community lacks the materials and knowledge to build suitable earthquake resistant houses. There is a sufficient amount of stone in the village to rebuild all houses, however wood for the structure is scarce. By using wood for the structure it cannot be guaranteed that the houses would be earthquake resistant. Furthermore would the use of wood have an dramatic effect on the environment. Therefore, an earthquake resistant frame is deemed a suitable solution for the village. The steel frame is safe, environmental friendly, easy to work on, sustainable and designed to fit the peoples cultural and human needs.
Steel-frame Structure
Alternative Solution
Sometimes, due to the family's economic situation, their small family size, or the location of their land, the steel frame structure is not suitable. In such cases, a traditional home can be built using stone, clay and some cement using simple architecture techniques to make it safer in the event of an earthquake. The Chance Initiative assists and supports such families that need an alternative solution.
General principle for the way ahead:
The Initiative's Support (50%-70%)
For example, for the shelter project (Build the Home, Build the Future), The Chance Initiative aims to distribute over 130 seismic resistant steel frames in the project area. The initiative will cover the costs of the frame, transportation, foundation and knowledge transfer. In doing so, the total cost per permanent shelter (home) is estimated to be USD 3000 of which two-thirds will be borne by the initiative and one-third by the recipient household. The initiative might offer micro loans to families who can not exchange their labour (older people), or those who can not afford to cover expenses at once (poorest families). |
Local Contribution (30-50%)
The earthquake resistant steel frame makes it incredibly easy to assemble a permanent structure and then to build walls, windows and roof using materials like stone, clay or wood available locally. While families are expected to cover the cost of these materials, most of it is recycled and gathered from the surroundings. We encourage and assist families to exchange their social capital for labour, in the spirit of the community. Thus, with constant intervention and assistance - a collaboration between organizations, communities and individuals - we hope empower the poor to a sustainable livelihood. |