Universal Tips for Resilient Structures Although much of Build Change’s work is done in areas such as Central and South America, Africa, and Asia, we asked Dr. Hausler if she could impart any universal building techniques, materials, or architectural elements homeowners in North America could implement. She responded that even at the international level, the organization’s role is to provide support through grants, education, and information. It’s always up to the homeowner to research and make decisions for themselves. She explains, “Build Change promotes homeowner-driven, conditional cash plus technical assistance. Rather than giving someone a house, they are provided with a cash grant plus technical assistance. The cash is given in tranches, contingent upon meeting building standards and ensuring construction quality. The family is not expected to build the house themselves—sweat equity has become an outdated approach—we’re talking about decision equity. Homeowners make the decisions about materials and architecture, and they hire local builders. We find this process to be especially effective when women are the decision makers.”
Her advice to homeowners is that there’s no reason to recreate the wheel. Every area has examples of architecture and materials that have stood the test of time. For example, coastal homes may need to be on stilts. On the other hand, homes in earthquake- prone areas should focus on reinforced foundations. Similarly, roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal sheets, or clay tiles, can protect against wind, hail, and fire. “Build Change makes small changes to existing ways of building. In Indonesia, most families we work with prefer a confined masonry house. That’s fired brick masonry walls confined by reinforced concrete columns and beams. The building materials are locally available and relatively affordable. However, often the beams and columns are not connected together properly. They fail, or split open, in earthquakes. So, we promote better connection detailing, among other improvements. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference.”
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October 2024
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