Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The design addresses potential improvement for existing problems found in many rural Pakistani homes, including primitive construction techniques and substandard use of materials. For instance, some existing homes are built from walls that consist of poorly-stacked loose stone, which is susceptible to failure under seismic conditions. Other houses possess thin walls comprised of weak columns that buckle under significant roof loads, and fall under any substantial lateral forces. The new proposed wall system provides more stability because it consists of two corrugated steel panels, positioned so that the stronger axis runs in both directions. The wall assembly also consists of timber posts, insulation comprised of available local materials, and stone to hold back earth.

Many houses in the region use a post and lintel system that lacks the ability to sufficiently resist intense lateral forces during an earthquake. Instead of implementing a system that poses the same risk for failure, the proposed design incorporates a modified roof truss system that extends into the ground and is anchored at the end points. If the roof system were to fail, the rafters would lie over the excavated land and would increase the likelihood of survival. The excavated land encloses a living space that would protect the inhabitants until rescue is available, or simply extend the length of time that the system would still support itself in order for the occupants to escape without harm. In order to use the system, it is necessary that the structure is situated on a slightly-sloping hillside, a common condition found in the mountainous regions of Pakistan.