Rosie Joe House

Design Build Bluff

ZEDfactory ltd

Beddington Zero (Fossil)

Emissions Development

Sutton, London, 1999-2002

Earthship Construction

you can google 'earthships' and see some that were built.

Earthbag is a Terrible Name for a Cool Technique

Earthbag is even uglier than sustainable. But the technique is very cool. Essentially bags filled with, wait for it, earth are used like a masonry unit.

Sometimes the results look like giant beehives:

Sometimes like Yoda's hut on Dagobah:

 

Or worse:

But the tchnique can produce buildings that look pretty much like buildings:

The construction is very simple:

 

And all you need is bags.

Density

The magnitude of what you are really seeing via Google Earth or Google Maps is difficult to comprehend.

This is an image from Google Earth of the area around the Presidential Palace in Haiti. According to the New York Times, there are now 16 000 people living in the camps within this frame. The image shows the view from 1 kilometer.

This is the Petionville golf course - now home to the 82nd Airborne Division. The view in this image is from 500 meters. There are, again according to the Times, 70 000 Haitians living in this camp, on the side of a mountain, utterly destitute, completely dependent on aid, waiting for the rains.
  

EARTHBAG BUILDING

For more information: The Billboard Earthbag Project

Shelter for Haiti / Andres Duany

Topography

Link to Topo Map

Here

Lebbeus Woods on Haiti

Whatever you might think of him, here is Lebbeus Woods on Haiti, earthquakes, and himself (probably):

Lebbeus Woods

Water System Map

This is a link to a .pdf of a map of Haiti's water system.

Map PDF

360 Degree Videos

CNN shot some video (five different segments) with a 360 degree camera - it's an interesting technology, you can swivel and pan all you want. I recommend you pause the video first; I still feel carsick.

360 Video

Mud

Earth Architecture is a blog that collects discussion and documents surrounding building with mud: rammed earth, adobe construction, brick etc.

http://www.eartharchitecture.org/

Pod Life

The $10,000 units are easy to build - a team of 12 can assemble one in a day, using what Broissin calls "common tools, like a screwdriver and hammer." The architect is energized by the idea that the pods may be deployed as shelters for victims of natural disaster, or in rural Mexico, where, he notes, "The unit could improve the quality of life" for people without access to decent housing.

To find out more you can visit their blog:
Broissin Architects

shipping container housing

Pb Elemental Architecture presents: Shipping Container Housing

PAPER LOG HOUSE. shigeru ban. 

Type of Structure: Carboard Tubes
List of Materials:KIRIN Beer Crates
Sand Bags
13' x13' Plywood Floor
Plywood Pegs
2x8 Pieces of Wood
41/2" Diameter Cardboard Tubes
Waterproof Tape
Tent-like Material
1/4" Steel Rods
Plywood Roofing Connections Time it takes to assemble it on site : less than 6 hours
People it takes to assemble: 1-20
Cost of Building: Under $2000

in june 1995, a great number of people were still forced to live in shabby tents in parks nearby their
destroyed houses even six month after the earthquake in kobe. ban's solution was a cheap and simple structure that could be build by anyone.the foundation was made of sand-filled beer cases, the walls of paper tubes and the ceiling and roof of tent material. the roof and the ceiling were kept separate in summer to allow air to circulate and closed in winter to retain warm air. they were easy to recycle after use,
easy to transport, easy to store and the paper tubes could be made on site.

'the good thing about paper tubes is that they are readily available in various thickness and diameters. the weight they can support depends on these two things. theoretically, I can make buildings a few stories high,
but I haven't yet been given the opportunity,' says ban.

shigeru ban is a pioneer of paper tube structures (PTS), he investigated the substance and found that not only
could recycled cardboard be molded into load-bearing columns, bent into beautiful trusses and quickly assembled, but it could also be made waterproof and fire resistant. in the space between the paper tubes, self-adhesive waterproof sponge tape was applied to both sides.

flexible technical elements
'M House' (1977)


This project by Actar Arquitectura is presented like a "menu" of interchangeable modules. These modules, which form a 0.90 x 4.50 meters grid on the ground, with a height of 2.80 meters, result from a fixed structural section, carefully studied so as to permit their lateral and vertical assembly, and the subsequent incorporation of floor, façade and partition units made of different materials, and with diverse textures and colours. They can be combined by juxtaposition and superposition, and offer a limitless number of configurations based on the variation of a limited number of standard spaces and flexible technical elements (accumulators, fitted walls, vertical circulation systems...). The shape of this "à la carte" building is not based solely on the choice of colour and the outside silkscreening but also on the particular and custom-built design of the standard. The theme of the "catalogue house" is based here on a relationship between industry and design, designed to encourage cheap, quick and simple systems, and technical solutions that are precise and open alike. This construction, which can always be reversed, draws up an implicitly time-related "contract" with the landscape.

UN maps

The UN Institute for Training and Research Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT), is an organization that makes maps in aid of the relief effort around the world. Haiti maps are updated frequently, with good coverage across Port-Au-Prince and a principal suburb, Carrefour. Below are two examples. The full list of Haiti maps can be accessed at  http://unosat.web.cern.ch/unosat/asp/prod_free.asp?id=52

Temporary Settlement Concentrations in Port-Au-Prince. Jan 18

This map presents an overview of temporary shelter locations of displaced Haitians in Port-au-Prince and Carrefour, as identified in satellite imagery recorded on 13 January 2010. These IDP locations range in size from small clusters of survivors (approx 20-50) to large concentrations numbering in the low thousands. Locations are commonly situated in open areas away from unstable buildings, in parks, sport fields, church compounds and grassy medians of main roads. Four case examples are show in the imagery. UNOSAT, Jan 18, 2010

Intensity of Building Damage, Port-Au-Prince. Feb 15

This map presents an interpolated building damage intensity surface as assessed from both satellite and aerial survey imagery covering downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Damaged buildings were classified according to visually-assessed damage levels. This work is done at the request of UNDP, and in support of the UN-led efforts in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. UNOSAT, Feb 15, 2010

ECO-SHELL

DOWNLOAD DRAWINGS : http://static.monolithic.com/pdfs/ecoshell.pdf

Construction of an EcoShell begins with a small group of workers pouring a circular floor, to which the Airform is attached 2 inches in from the edge. The Airform is inflated with a small, high-pressure fan, such as fans used for heavy duty vacuum cleaners. After the Airform is inflated, rebar and then concrete are applied over its exterior.

The concrete can be mixed in a bucket or a fabric mixer and hand applied, or it can be mixed with commercial mixers and sprayed in place with Shotcrete equipment. This latter method obviously takes less manpower and at times produces better results. But the former method is also satisfactory and can be completed by inexperienced laborers.Once the concrete sets, the Airform is removed.When the EcoShell is to be used for bulk storage, the engineer must calculate the amount of side wall pressure and a corresponding increase in rebar must be added. In addition, there are several products available to add to the concrete mix that reduce cracking and increase concrete quality.

Since the EcoShell is generally not insulated, it won’t be climate controlled, but its concrete does have some thermal value. And it can be covered with thatching, straw or dirt for insulation. Its roof can be coated with aluminized asphalt or a high grade exterior paint, preferably white to reflect heat. Recently we have added a layer of concrete that has polystyrene pellets, or vermiculite, or perlite added to it for insulation.

All things considered, the EcoShell is one of construction’s strongest buildings. It is virtually impervious to fire, tornadoes and earthquakes. It is especially practical in countries lacking wood and steel. Most countries have concrete and rebar on hand. In general, using the same amount of cement, aggregate and rebar, three EcoShells can be built in place of one conventional, concrete structure.

http://www.dftw.org/

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat’s response in Haiti
Although the full toll of homes severely damaged or destroyed is not yet known, Habitat has begun to respond by addressing immediate relief efforts and long-term shelter solutions for low-income families.

Based on current information and past experience with international disasters, Habitat is planning a multiphase strategy that includes early recovery and mid- and long-term responses:

First phase: Early recovery

• Recovery starter kits
  Starter kits are designed to help families make immediate repairs and construct emergency shelter. They will be distributed to families by Habitat employees and partners.
• Re-establish operations
  As part of our immediate response, it will be vital to assist Habitat Haiti in restoring its capacity to fully participate in the recovery efforts.

Second phase: Rehabilitation and cleanup
To clear the way for home repair and construction, Habitat plans to assist in the cleanup by mobilizing people to remove debris and salvage materials that can be recycled in new shelter and to assist in rehabilitation of homes with repairable damages.

Third phase: Reconstruction and recovery

• Core homes/Transitional shelters
  Habitat plans to replace destroyed homes using a transitional shelter model, rebuilding in a way that reduces risk and contemplates long-term strategies for improving construction quality in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. Transitional shelter is a base upon which improvements and additions can be made over time, providing an immediate solution along with the beginnings of a permanent home.
• Habitat Resource Centers
  These centers are designed to enhance local systems that support housing development and improvements. Through the centers, Habitat identifies gaps in the local supply of housing materials, designs, finance and skills and addresses them in ways that support local livelihoods.
  

Through all aspects of the work, Habitat will cultivate partnerships with local residents and other humanitarian organizations that can multiply the effectiveness of the response.

website: Habitat for Humanity

LIVING IN A BOX

SEED uses the existing surplus of shipping containers to over solutions to emergent housing systems.


website : http://www.cusa-dds.net/seed/?page_id=2

SEED’s plan for emergency housing involves utilizing shipping containers, which are strong enough to withstand both hurricanes and seismic activity. Upon arrival, strategic holes would be cut into the sides for light and air. The exteriors would receive a coating of insulating ceramic paint and other modifications to make the boxes liveable, like using wooden shipping pallets that act as “pods” for bathing and cooking. Each container would also receive a starter garden consisting of a 55 gallon drum filled with dirt and planted for “emergency food restoration.” Reused tires would be included to create instant raised beds. Without plumbing and electricity, SEED’s plan is really just to provide safe and non-toxic emergency housing for the short-term, but the containers could likely be modified to be more long term.

The plan is certainly doable, but carrying out the mission is the real challenge now. Martha Skinner, assistant professor and team member of SEED, says “This situation [in Haiti] which is so sad is forcing all of us to be quicker to implement something of great need while people are ready to help. Logistically, getting containers to Haiti is one of the biggest hurdles now, with the port being a complete wreck. SEED is currently working with shipping container companies to donate used containers and governments who are sending supplies in containers as well as others who may be able to supply the equipment needed for modification. We will probably put a team together but we need help,” says Skinner. “It is a huge, but could also be a simple task, if all entities get coordinated.”

SHIPPING CONTAINER SURPLUS IN THE CARRIBEAN

SHAPING relief

Reaction Housing Emergency Shelters. These shelters, designed by Michael Daniel, are designed to be quickly deployed and (because they are flat packed) many can be shipped to the disaster area at one time. Easily assembled in minutes without any tools or machinery, the Reaction Housing unit can house up to 4 people and is wired for utilities

The Bubble House. This shelter is made out of a lightweight plastic skin that is put on over an aluminum frame. Clothing, fabrics, grass or other materials can be inserted into the skin to create insulation, and it also includes hookups for water and utilities. Minimalist in design, this prototype has a lot of potential to be easily manufactured and deployed.

Green Horizon Prefab Shelter. Beefier than the first two shelters, the Green Horizon Prefab is also environmentally friendly, made from recycled materials, outfitted with solar panels, greywater recycling, wired for utilities and made of prefabricated parts. The prefab can be easily shipped by attaching wheels to the bottom and carting via truck, or it can be placed in a shipping container. Manufacturing for the Green Horizon has already begun, but no word if they are far enough along to be utilized.

Folding Bamboo House. A simple yet elegant design, the Folding Bamboo House, designed by Ming Tang, is constructed from bamboo and recycled paper and can be cheaply manufactured. Tang designed the geometric folding structure after a7.9 earthquake hit central China. The structures can be folded into many different shapes, allowing a range of structures to be created.

Re-Cover Accordian Shelter. This first response emergency shelter is super easy to transport and set up requires only one person. Made out of polypropylene, the shelter can form many shapes and provide relief for up to 4 people, while rainwater can be collected from the folds. While it doesn’t include a utility hookup, beds or renewable energy generation, it does provide a quick roof over disaster victims heads.

The Off-Grid Clean Hub.Conceived by Shelter Architecture in collaboration with Architecture for Humanity, this completely off-grid prefab unit, can provide water, sanitation and renewable generated power. It’s designed to support victims after a disaster as a mid-term shelter, rather than as a first response. Built within a standard shipping container, the unit is self-contained and can be shipped within days.While we don’t know yet what kind of emergency shelters are being deployed to aid the people of Haiti, we hope that relief organizations are much better prepared than in previous situations and can offer Haiti the help they need.

Source: www.inhabit.com

MakeShift Camps

Between 500,000 and 700,000 people are believed to have been left homeless as a result of the earthquake, according to the UN's latest estimates.More than 500 makeshift camps have been identified by the Haitian government, which has requested large tents to set up reception centres for the homeless.Agencies have assessed 350 sites, which currently accommodate around 472,000 people. However, only six of these sites have access to water sources.The Haitian government has identified six sites for camps outside of the city, such as land near Croix des Bouquets, and has suggested that these camps should be for 20,000 people each.

Sourcs: BBCnews.com

With the reported number of homeless people varying from 200,000 to 1.5 million, tents are in huge demand.UK-based ShelterBox is among those distributing non-food packs. The boxes, which cost £490, contain equipment to shelter 10 people and provide other basic living equipment.

1. Plastic container box 2. Collapsible water carrier 3. Ten-person dome tent 4. Multi-fuel stove 5. Ten sleeping bags/blankets 6. Tools for rebuilding 7. Cooking utensils

8. Children's school supplies 9. Small tools and rope 10. Groundsheets 11. Waterproof ponchos 12. Collapsible water container 13. Water purification tablets 14. Two mosquito nets

INVENTORY OF WHAT IS BEING SENT TODAY
For Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

• 48 water distribution points established in PaP
• General hospital in Port-au-Prince has been provided with 120,000 liters of bottled water
• 1,000 latrines have been built in PaP by ICRC
• 1,920 hygiene kits
• 258,600 aquatabs
• 3,900 jerrycans
• 300 hygiene kits
• 300 kitchen kits
• 600 mosquito nets
• 300 plastic sheets
• 600 sleeping mats 
• 300 tarpaulins
• 240,600 aquatabs 
• 3300 jerry cans

Source: Open Architecture Network

Recycling Rubble
re-use of rubble as new concrete aggregates is clearly an important strategy for reconstruct. 
Have a look at the AMU project which utilizes waste concrete and glass resources



The Alternative Masonry Unit (AMU) project  provides low cost, high performance, and environmentally sustainable building materials for construction. The initial stages of the project involves enhancements to the existing status of the AMU block material and product development, certified laboratory compression-testing of the block, and construction of a local building project (Domestic Beta). Based on documentation of the Domestic Beta, an instruction and training manual will be developed and post-construction analysis will be performed to allow for further refinements of the system in future.


http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/amu

A Plan for RECONSTRUCTION.  by  Architecture for Humanity/ Open Architecture 

People are trying to find their loved ones not think about what their lives will look like in 5, 10 or 15 years.In reality, here is what it really looks like;

• Pre-Planning Assessments and Damage Analysis (underway, will run for a year)
• Establish Community Resource Center and Reconstruction Studio (Week 6 to Month 3)
• Sorting Out Land Tenure and Building Ownership (Month 6 to Year 5)
• Transitional Shelters, Health Clinics and Community Structures (Month 6 to Year 2)
• Schools, Hospitals and Civic Structures (Month 9 to Year 3)
• Permanent Housing (Year 1 to Year 5)

Toilets that make Compost

SOIL in action:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb9AiHkhg5o&feature=player_embedded#

Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG) + SOIL believe that in order to develop affordable services for underserved communities, local enterprises need to be fostered and supported. Small renewable energy, sanitation, water, and other innovative firms need financing and training to build the power systems, schools, toilets, water systems, biomass, agricultural processing, communications and other forms of infrastructure that can change the basic standard of living for people currently living in poverty.

The following is a facility recently completed in Hiaiti.

Facts at a glance:
Double room community dry composting latrine
Number of Benificiaries: 300
Community: Petite Anse, Haiti

The rains that accompanied Hurricane Noel in November made for unpleasant walking for Petite-Anse’s residents. Mud on unpaved streets churned and mixed with litter and raw sewage in this neighborhood of Cap Haitien in Northern Haiti.As the waters subsided, however, a local community group AFAPA (Asosyasyon Fanm Aktif Petit Anse) banded together with AIDG and its local partner SOIL/SOL to construct a community dry composting latrine. In an area prone to flooding, this type of latrine can significantly reduce contamination of drinking water. The public toilets are located in the rear of the public market in Petite-Anse where hundreds of women work each day selling produce and other goods. There, it serves 300 people. Prior to this project, the only available toilet in the area was a rundown latrine that was nearly full, difficult to access and surrounded by garbage. AFAPA chose to charge people from the market a small fee to use the toilet (5 Gourdes = ~12 cents US). The money is used to pay someone to manage the latrines and to buy toilet paper and cleaning supplies. The toilet was opened to the public on December 17 and remains in excellent shape.

Sources: http://www.aidg.org/

Another Earthquake

January 19th CBC news

click here - Aid trickling into Haiti to see a short news video

Good read from MacLeans: article

Before and After

The Globe and Mail article allows for parallel viewing of images of Port-au-Prince before and after the earthquake. A very effective interface.


The National Palace
March 2008 compared with January 13, 2010

Also Google/Geoeye have many before and after the earthquake photos of Haiti @Wired.com