- Type: Residence
- Location: Shirajgonj
- Year: 2024
- Architects: Sohani Tasnim
- Engineers: Mohammad Abu Sadeque
- Area: 1100 sft
- Materials: Concrete Hollow Block, Ferrocement, Glass, Steel
- Cost: 22296 USD
This is one of the pilot projects of Center for Housing and Building Research (HBRC) that integrates building technologies and materials to develop a rural single family house that is affordable, and energy efficient. It is also environmentally sustainable because it uses building materials and technology with minimal embodied energy. As a result, there is less Green House Gas (GHG) emission and a significant improvement in indoor comfort and hygiene. In comparison to traditional buildings, this technology provides thermal comfort in the warm and monsoon Bangladeshi climate. Furthermore, stone which Bangladesh now imports from other countries to construct buildings, is no longer necessary with new technologies. Adoption of such appropriate technology will facilitate to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030.
Precast concrete block were used to create the foundation walls. These blocks are stacked and mortared together. To enhance strength, concrete blocks are reinforced and the surrounding gaps are filled with concrete. Concrete blocks provide good structural strength, affordable and readily available. They are relatively easy to work with, especially in rural areas. Concrete blocks provide good structural strength.
The floor is constructed with concrete block and reinforcement embedded in a between the row of block. One-inch-thick layer of ferrocement was cast on top. The ferrocement layer provides additional strength and durability to the floor structure, making it suitable for various applications.
Hollow concrete blocks are lightweight, cost-effective, and used in this construction as reinforced load-bearing walls. Hollow concrete blocks are used as an alternative to burnt clay brick. They consist of hollow spaces within their structure, which makes them lighter and easier to handle. The presence of air within the hollow spaces contributes to better insulation. These blocks provide good thermal insulation and soundproofing.
In rural areas, hollow block walls can be used for their affordability and ease of construction. It is also energy efficient and fire resistant. Sandwich panels offer great benefits through their effective acoustic insulation. These panels possess exceptional sound-repelling qualities, ensuring indoor comfort in the residence by minimizing undesirable noise caused by vehicular and pedestrian activity. Sandwich-insulated panels offer an enhanced strength-to-weight ratio. As a result, despite their lightweight nature, they can handle substantial loads effectively. This presents a notable advantage as it reduces the need to purchase additional products to meet the desired capacity.
Pre cast roof panel of ferrocement was used for roof construction. During the construction process, precast panels were created on-site and carefully positioned for the roof. Subsequently, these panels were placed on the roof, and cork sheets were used in the middle layer for insulation. Finally, a one-inch-thick layer of ferrocement was cast on top.
Proper roof insulation is crucial for ensuring a comfortable indoor temperature during hot summers in our country. By using ferrocement panel in the roof it effectively control indoor temperatures by dissipating excess heat from the outside, leading to cost savings compared to traditional buildings that rely heavily on air conditioning. Ferrocement roofs are durable and long-lasting and they require minimal maintenance during operation. Unlike traditional roofs, ferrocement panels don’t need frequent repairs or replacements.
Ferrocement water tanks are widely used globally for storing water. They consist of a cement-rich mortar applied on both sides of a thin layer of wire mesh and closely spaced thin steel rods. It is also used to create durable and customized stairs and seating structures. Ferrocement stairs are strong, lightweight, and can be designed in various styles. In this project the stair is a spiral steel ferrocement composite structure. Ferrocement seating elements are cost-effective and long-lasting. Whether its water tanks, stairs, or seating, ferrocement offers practical solutions for construction needs.
Precast ferrocement technology allows fast construction of modern, energy-efficient buildings using sandwich insulated roof panels. Rural houses can benefit from this technology, providing comfortable living spaces efficiently. Ferrocement is an eco-friendly material. The use of sandwich panels reduces energy consumption, benefiting both the environment and the homeowner.