Architecture has become a privilege only of the upper class. Today, only a few percent of houses in the world are built by architects. The average consumer perceives architect-designed homes to be expensive. It is a luxury which they cannot afford as housing prices are rising.
The industry is evolving and continues to innovate and use new technologies. There is a change in the role of architects from elitist to adopting an approach capable of empowering the most underprivileged.
Now people can be given high-performance materials which are inexpensive and can be easily sourced. Some of the materials are local recycled materials like used bricks, plywood, and corrugated metal. These materials have the potential to democratise design, but are insufficient in providing mass access to good architecture.
The solution lies in using cheap materials along with simple construction techniques, which allow quick assembly. Modular systems, new technologies, open source collaborations and digital fabrication tools can be used to allow people to participate in the various levels of their house-building process. This will lead to the democratisation of high-quality housing and be a catalyst for change.
Types of affordable housing
Box house
This is suitable when the consumer cannot pay for the external contractor or the specialised skills required for building a house. The architects developed a system using flat-pack timber building boxes. It is a modular housing solution and can be placed on sheets of plywood.
It is easy to assemble and disassemble, and can be built in various configurations. At the same time, it also meets the structural requirements. This was designed using computer software which allows complex designs to be coded into simple components.
Wikkel house
This modular home is created using cardboard as the main building material. It combines a recyclable, cheap and easily available building material with advanced technologies and straightforward assembly.
In this, 24 layers of top-quality cardboard are used to ensure insulation and durability. They wrapped around a house-shaped mould. The layers are pasted together using an eco-friendly superglue. The finishing is done using a waterproof foil and wood panelling. It is then transported to the site for installation. Users are given the pieces, and they can carry out the assembly of the house as it does not require complex or special skills.
Microhouse prototype
This type of project uses the concept of open-source collaboration and local self-manufacture. It is an adaptable, affordable, and universal housing option. Open source involves using a CAD drawing which is not accessible to most people. The approach differs here as the users are allowed to collaborate on the project. This allows for customisation, flexibility and improvements which imply a higher rate of success.
Sustainable construction material
The green construction blocks are a sustainable option to red bricks. The house building blocks are made using advanced autoclaving technology. This gives the blocks unique properties.
The blocks have a minimum compressive strength of 4.5 MPa, an excellent thermal rating and a fire rating of 4 hours. The blocks are pest and termite-resistant. The manufacturing process used gives them dimensional accuracy.
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