Construction of low cost housing by using the low cost building materials increases the access to

buildings by low income group peoples. Low cost housing can be achieved by use of efficient
planning and project management, low cost materials, economical construction technologies
and use of alternate construction methods available. Then profit gained from use of such
methods can decrease the cost of construction and make the low cost housing accessible to all.
The use of low cost alternate building materials also prevents the rise of construction cost due
to use of scarce building materials which eventually increase the cost of the project. Selection of
Materials for Low Cost Housing: The first step to low cost housing material selection is to select
ecofriendly building materials. This also enhances the sustainable design principle. The life cycle
of a building os pre-building, building and post-building stages. Each stage of building should be
such that they help conserve the energy. These three stages indicate flow of building materials
through different stages of a building. Pre-building stage mainly consists of manufacture which
is subdivided in processing, packing and transport. The building phase mainly consists of
construction, operation and maintenance whilst as the last stage would be disposal where the
material can be recycled or reused.

1) In Manufacturing of low cost building materials – Pollution prevention: Manufacturing of

building materials should be environment friendly. Efforts should be made to study and revise
the technologies for producing good quality, efficient building materials and should improve the
waste generation during manufacturing. These results in reduction of pollutants to
environment.

2) Recycling of wastes in Manufacturing– The wastes which can be recycled can and used in
masonries whilst as wooden wastes can be used in manufacture of plywood or soft boards.
(Courtesy-BMTPC)

3) Reducing Energy Consumption and use of Natural materials – The total energy required to
produce a material is called embodied energy. The greater materials embodied energy; it
requires greater usage of non-renewable sources. It is therefore advantageous to use materials
or composite materials prepared from the wastages. The natural materials such as stones,
wood, lime, sand and bamboo can be used in ample where ever possible. The natural materials
impact more sustainability to structures as well as they are friendlier to environment.

4) Use of Local material – The use of local materials reduces the dependence on transportation
whose contribution to the building material cost is high for long distance. Use of locally available
building materials not only reduces the construction cost but also are suitable for the local
environmental conditions.
5) Energy Efficiency – Energy efficiently of a building material can be measured through various
factors as its R value, shading coefficient, luminous efficiency or fuel efficiency. Energy efficient
materials must reduce the amount of generated energy.

6)Use of non-toxic building materials: Use of toxic building materials can significantly impact the
health of construction people and the occupants of the building. Thus it is advisable to use the
non-toxic building materials for construction. There are several chemicals including
formaldehydes, benzene, ammonia, resins, chemicals in insulations, ply boards which are
present in furnishings and building material. The effect on health of these toxic materials must
be considered while their selection and they should be used only where-ever required. Higher
air cycling is recommended while installation of materials having volatile organic compound
such as several adhesives, paints, sealants, cleaners and so on.

7) Longitivity, durability and maintenance of building material: The use of durable construction
materials does not only enhance the life of the building but also reduces the cost of
maintenance. The lower maintenance costs naturally save a lot of building operating cost. The
materials used in building determine the long term costs of an operating.

8) Recyclability and reusability of building material: A material should be available in form which
can be recyclable or reusable. Ex – the plastics waste can be used for recycling and producing
newer materials. The scrap from steel can be used to manufacture the rock bars, binding covers
and other miscellaneous steel products in building construction.

9) Biodegrability –A material should be able to decompose naturally when discarded. Natural

materials or organic materials would decompose very easily. It is also a very important
consideration whether a material decomposes naturally or produces some toxic gases.
Composites as Building Materials:

The composite building materials are made of composition of two or more material which have
enhanced property. Natural fiber materials are coming up as excellent substitutes for the
prevailing building materials. Fibers likes jute, sisal coconut, ramie, banana are cheap and from
natural fibers. They are also replacing the fiber reinforced plastics. Composite building materials
present immense opportunities to replace traditional materials as timber, steel, aluminum and
concrete in buildings. They help in reduction of corrosion and their low weight has been proved
useful in many low stress applications. Each type of composite has its own characteristic
properties and thus useful for specific purpose.

Jute fiber reinforced polypropylene composites, coir fiber reinforced composites, sisal fiber and
wollastonitejute pultruded composites are a few to be named. CBRI has developed MDF
composite doors containing coir fiber, cashew nut, shell liquid (CNSL) as natural resin and Para
formaldehyde as major constituents.
Many composite building materials are generated from glass fibers and industrial wastes. These
materials are used for manufacturing of portable toiles, water storage tanks, outdoor furniture,
bath tubs, interior decoration, basin, door, window frames etc. Thus the application of
composite building materials in construction vary from cladding to internal furnishings and the
owner highly benefits due to their application because of their light weight, resistance to
corrosion and availability indifferent colours. Pultrusion is most cost effective method for
producing composite profiles. It is commercially applicable for light weight corrosion free
structures, electrical nonconductive systems and so many other functions.

The pultruded items are recognized and recommended in the Global markets. Pultrated sections
are well established alternative to steel, wood and aluminiumin developed countries and
catching fast in other parts of the world.

Low Cost Housing

Posted in Building, Civil Engineering

Information | Email This Post |

11 Like

Low Cost Housing is a new concept which deals with effective budgeting and following of
techniques which help in reducing the cost construction through the use of locally available
materials along with improved skills and technology without sacrificing the strength,
performance and life of the structure. There is huge misconception that low cost housing is
suitable for only substandard works and they are constructed by utilizing cheap building
materials of low quality. The fact is that Low cost housing is done by proper management of
resources. Economy is also achieved by postponing finishing works or implementing them in
phases. Building Cost The building construction cost can be divided into two parts namely:
Building material cost : 65 to 70 %Labor cost : 65 to 70 %

Now in low cost housing, building material cost is less because we make use of the locally
available materials and also the labor cost can be reduced by properly making the time schedule
of our work. Cost of reduction is achieved by selection of more efficient material or by an
improved design.

Areas from where cost can be reduced are:-

1) Reduce plinth area by using thinner wallconcept.Ex.15 cm thick solid concrete block wall.

2) Use locally available material in an innovative form like soil cement blocks in place of burnt
brick.
3) Use energy efficiency materials which consumes less energy like concrete block in place of
burnt brick.

4) Use environmentally friendly materials which are substitute for conventional building
components like use R.C.C. Door and window frames in place of wooden frames.

5) Preplan every component of a house and rationalize the design procedure for reducing the
size of the component in the building.

6) By planning each and every component of a house the wastage of materials due to
demolition of the unplanned component of the house can be avoided.

7) Each component of the house shall be checked whether if it’s necessary, if it is not necessary,
then that component should not be used.

Cost reduction through ad hoc methods

Foundation

Normally the foundation cost comes to about 10 to 15% of the total building and usually
foundation depth of 3 to 4 ft. is adopted for single or double store building and also the
concrete bed of 6″(15 Cm.) is used for the foundation which could be avoided. It is
recommended to adopt a foundation depth of 2 ft.(0.6m) for normal soil like gravely soil, red
soils etc., and use the un coursed rubble masonry with the bond stones and good packing.
Similarly the foundation width is rationalized to 2 ft.(0.6m).To avoid cracks formation in
foundation the masonry shall be thoroughly packed with cement mortar of 1:8 boulders and
bond stones at regular intervals. It is further suggested adopt arch foundation in ordinary soil
for effecting reduction in construction cost up to40%.This kind of foundation will help in
bridging the loose pockets of soil which occurs along the foundation. In the case black cotton
and other soft soil sit is recommend to use under ream pile foundation which saves about 20 to
25% in cost over the conventional method of construction.

Plinth

It is suggested to adopt 1 ft. height aboveground level for the plinth and may be constructed
with a cement mortar of 1:6.The plinth slab of 4 to 6″ which is normally adopted can be avoided
and in its place brick on edge can be used for reducing the cost. By adopting this procedure the
cost of plinth foundation can be reduced by about 35 to 50%.It is necessary to take precaution
of providing impervious blanket like concrete slabs or stone slabs all-round the building for
enabling to reduce erosion of soil and thereby avoiding exposure of foundation surface and
crack formation.
Walling

Wall thickness of 6 to 9″ is recommended for adoption in the construction of walls all-round the
building and 41/2 ” for inside walls. It is suggested to use burnt bricks which are immersed in
water for 24 hours and then shall be used for the walls

Rat – trap bond wall

It is a cavity wall construction with added advantage of thermal comfort and reduction in the
quantity of bricks required for masonry work. By adopting this method of bonding of brick
masonry compared to traditional English or Flemish bond masonry, it is possible to reduce in
the material cost of bricks by 25% and about10to 15% in the masonry cost. By adopting rat-trap
bond method one can create aesthetically pleasing wall surface and plastering can be avoided.

Concrete block walling

In view of high energy consumption by burnt brick it is suggested to use concrete block (block
hollow and solid) which consumes about only 1/3 of the energy of the burnt bricks in its
production. By using concrete block masonry the wall thickness can be reduced from 20 cm to
15 Cm.

Concrete block masonry saves mortar consumption, speedy construction of wall resulting in
higher output of labour, plastering can be avoided thereby an overall saving of 10 to 25% can be
achieved.

Soil cement block technology

It is an alternative method of construction of walls using soil cement blocks in place of burnt
bricks masonry. It is an energy efficient method of construction where soil mixed with 5% and
above cement and pressed in hand operated machine and cured well and then used in the
masonry. This masonry doesn’t require plastering on both sides of the wall. The overall
economy that could be achieved with the soil cement technology is about 15 to 20% compared
to conventional method of construction.

Doors and windows

It is suggested not to use wood for door sand windows and in its place concrete or steel section
frames shall be used for achieving saving in cost up to 30 to40%.Similiarly for shutters
commercially available block boards, fiber or wooden practical boards etc., shall be used for
reducing the cost by about 25%.Byadopting brick jelly work and pre cast components effective
ventilation could be provided to the building and also the construction cost could be saved up to
50%over the window components.
Lintels and Chajjas

The traditional R.C.C. lintels which are costly can be replaced by brick arches for small spans and
save construction cost up to 30 to 40% over the traditional method of construction. By adopting
arches of different shapes a good architectural pleasing appearance can be given to the external
wall surfaces of the brick masonry.

Roofing

Normally 5″(12.5 cm) thick R.C.C. slabs is used for roofing of residential buildings. By adopting
rationally designed institute construction practices like filler slab and precast elements the
construction cost of roofing can be reduced by about 20 to25%.

Filler slabs

They are normal RCC slabs where bottom half (tension) concrete portions are replaced by filler
materials such as bricks, tiles, cellular concrete blocks, etc. These filler materials are so placed as
not to compromise structural strength; result in replacing unwanted and nonfunctional tension
concrete, thus resulting in economy. These are safe, sound and provide aesthetically pleasing
pattern ceilings and also need no plaster.

For more on filler materials check Filler

Materials Used in Concrete

Jack arch roof/floor

They are easy to construct, save on cement and steel, are more appropriate in hot climates.
These can be constructed using compressed earth blocks also as alternative to bricks for further
economy. Ferrocement channel/shell unit Provide an economic solution to RCC slab by
providing 30 to 40% cost reduction on floor/roof unit over RCC slabs without compromising the
strength. These being precast, construction is speedy, economical due to avoidance of
shuttering and facilitate quality control.

Finishing Work

The cost of finishing items like sanitary, electricity, painting etc., varies depending upon the type
and quality of products used in the building and its cost reduction is left to the individual choice
and liking.

Conclusion
The above list of suggestion for reducing construction cost is of general nature and it varies
depending upon the nature of the building to be constructed, budget of the owner,
geographical location where the house is to be constructed, availability of the building material,
good construction management practices etc. However it is necessary that good planning and
design methods shall be adopted by utilizing the services of an experienced engineer or an
architect for supervising the work, there by achieving overall cost effectiveness to the extent of
25% in actual practice.

Urbanization Problems In

Developing Countries

Jul 30, 2015

4,872 views 3 Likes 1 Comment



Developing countries are

experiencing a rapid growth in the

urbanization. As a result of these,

countries are faced with shortage

of jobs. Unemployment rates rise

as a result of causing people to

apply for government-funded

programs and benefits. "Businesses

and governments cannot produce

enough jobs to meet the demand of

a fast-growing population" in

developing countries.

The problems associated with

urbanization are: High population

density, inadequate infrastructure,

lack of affordable housing,

flooding, pollution, slum creation,

crime, congestion and poverty.

HIGH POPULATION DENSITY

This problem of high population

density is caused due to the heavy

rate of migration from rural areas.

The rapid population growth has

led to an acute shortage of dwelling

units which resulted to;

overcrowding, traffic congestion,

pollution, housing shortages (slum

and squatter housing), high rents,

poor urban living conditions, low

infrastructure services, poverty,

unemployment, and poor

sanitation which has become

pervasive and indeed high crime

rate. All of these have an effect on

the high population density in

developing countries.

INADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURES

One major serious aspect of the

urban problem is the poor state of

the infrastructures. Some

developing countries are still faced

with bad road network, lack of

power supply, inadequate water

supply and some basic amenities.

LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Lack of affordable housing has

led to confrontations with well –

organized squatters, who take over

unoccupied buildings to live rent-

free or prevent demolitions. Which

has brought about, lack of housing

vacancy rate, due to the rapid job

growth and housing costs that has

increased. Problems such as

insufficient housing, especially

particular for low – income

families, are being faced, which

resulted in overcrowding of already

congested areas, the continuing

deterioration of rundown

neighborhoods, high social cost and

untold personal misery. Measures

proposed to offset rising costs in

public housing include, less

exclusionary zoning regulations,

reduced tax burdens, cooperation

with the private builders,

Encouragement of cooperative

housing organization, promotion of

industrialized building techniques,

Use of low- cost building materials

and cheaper mortgage credit.

FLOODING

Flooding is a very serious problem

faced in urban areas, especially in

developing countries, during the

rainy seasons. The drainage is

poorly constructed leading to

difficulty in accessing the roads

due to the flood leading to the

flood disaster in some developing

countries.

CREATION OF SLUM

The growth of slums in cities is one

of the serious problems created by

the rapid industrialization and

urbanization. The following

projects are introduced to eliminate

slums in urban societies; extensive

slum clearance, rehabilitation and

rebuilding, slum improvement

scheme, construction of a network

of expressways to alleviate urban

decay and ensure the future

propensity of the central areas,

relocation of inhabitant to the

suburb, slum upgrading scheme

which makes provision of some

basic amenities such as street

lights,drainage, and accessible

roads.

CRIME

The increase in population leads to

an increase in crime rate. Due to

the high level of urban

unemployment, idleness and

joblessness, this has brought about

a high increase in crime rates

suffered by the majority of the

people in Urban cities. "Without

economic security and amid poor

living conditions, crime is

inevitable"

CONGESTION

It could be in traffic and

overcrowding. In traffic, there is

an overcrowding of a route,

leading to slow and inefficient flow

which makes movement difficult.

Large increases in motor vehicle

usage have resulted in congestion

on the roads. Congestion within

urban areas restricts accessibility.

Traffic flow could be controlled by

various rules, regulation and signs

which are used to keep traffic flow

smoothly. The traffic flows helps to

avoid collisions and other hazard.

Read more: 5 Major Problems of

Urbanization: http://

www.ehow.com/info_10056161_5-

major-problems-urbanization.html

Problems Created Due to

Urbanization: http://

www.ehow.com/

info_8220843_problems-created-

due-urbanization.html

Ethiopia - Housing

Photo by: Dusan Radivojevic

Except in Addis Ababa, Harer, Dire Dawa,

and a few other urban centers, most

houses are built of mud or mortar and

have thatched or tin roofs. In the rural

areas the traditional thatched hut (tukul)

is still the most common dwelling. As of

the mid-1980s, over two-thirds of all

housing units were constructed of wood

and mud, and a lesser number of wood

and thatch. Housing shortages and

overcrowding were still major concerns

as of 2000. It has been estimated that

89% of the population is living in

substandard housing. Homelessness is a

big problem in urban areas; it has been

estimated that 80% of the residents in

Addis Ababa are homeless or in

substandard housing.

Housing development and finance are

the joint responsibility of the Ministry of

Housing and Urban Development and the

Housing and Savings Bank, which was

established in November 1975. The

government has developed the Ethiopian

Housing Cooperative to encourage

Ethiopia emigrants to return and build

homes.

Also read article about Ethiopia

from Wikipedia

Community Based Development Specialists

and Environmental Engineer.

Abstract :

Housing problems in Developing Countries,

like Indonesia, needed the sustainable –

integrated – residential planning – design –

construction – operation and management.

This was supported by the International

Union of Architect statement in Climate

Change Conference of Parties in

Copenhagen 2009, where potentially 50%

of climate change could be tackled with

Green Building Strategy.

All these facts inspired us to prepare the

paper of Eco-Plastered-Bamboo House for

International Seminar Series of Eco-

Settlement. Further, Eco-Plastered-Bamboo

House was selected because of abundant

and cheap raw material, more sustainable

bamboo construction, adequate skill for

bamboo construction, economic potential

for local economies and dangerous

geological challenges in Indonesia.

This Eco-Plus-Bamboo House was proposed

with green building approach with low cost,

low technology and low negative impact

development concept. This house would

answer most of low-cost housing issues in

sub-urban area. The Eco-Plastered-Bamboo

House also would reduce the enormous

amount of wood, brick and steel

consumptions. And it would achieve the

sustainable or green home requirement.

Further, in the economical aspect, the Eco-

Plastered-Bamboo House would answer the

low-cost housing needs in Indonesia. It was

predicted to answer the 800 thousands of

housing backlogs and 30.000 – 180.000

units of low-cost apartment backlogs. We

also believed that the Eco-Low-Cost-

Bamboo-Plastered Apartments could be

planned, designed and researched further.

In conclusion, we believed that competitive

economic aspect as well as integrated

planning – design – construction –

operation and maintenance approach could

answer the challenging task of providing

sustainable and affordable housing in the

Developing Countries. Further,

collaboration and cooperation from all

stakeholders would be needed to ensure

the sustainable eco-settlements in Mega-

cities of Developing Countries like

Indonesia.

Keywords:

Housing problems in developing countries,

Sustainable – integrated – residential

planning – design – construction –

operation and management, sustainable

architecture, green building, Eco-Plastered-

Bamboo House, earthquake-resistance, low

cost, low technology and low negative

impact development, 800 thousands of

housing backlogs, 30.000 – 180.000 unit of

low-cost apartment backlogs, sustainable

eco-settlements in Mega-cities.

Introduction

The world faced extreme environmental

problems such as: resource depletion,

global climate change, extinction of plants

and animals, loss of wildlife habitats,

increasing pollution, and poverty (Miller,

2003). This was caused by the exponential

population growth and unsustainable

development. Further, urban sprawling and

inadequate housing supply existed as the

derivation of unsustainable urban

development. [1]

Understanding the limited earth’s resources,

we believed that wise resource utilisation

need to be done with the local condition. In

the developing countries, additional

challenges must be faced such as poverty,

limited government capacity, limited

amount of investments and capable human

resources.

Housing problems in Developing Countries,

like Indonesia, needed the sustainable –

integrated – residential planning – design –

construction – operation and management.

This was supported by the International

Union of Architect statement in Climate

Change Conference of Parties (COP) in

Copenhagen 2009. And It stated that

potentially 50% of climate change could be

tackled with Green Building Strategy.

Further, United States and World Green

Building Council declared the importance of

multidisciplinary and scientific approaches

in sustainable building construction

especially residential. [2]

All these facts inspired us to prepare the

paper of Eco-Plastered-Bamboo House for

International Seminar Series of Eco-

Settlement. This paper was prepared based

on previous works of Dr. Andry, Dr. Budi

and Mr. Mustakim. [3] Sustainable building

concept and eco-settlement adopted from

US Green Building Council were introduced

such as in: [4]

1. Innovation and Design Process (ID)

2. Location and Linkages (LL)

3. Sustainable Sites (SS)

4. Water Efficiency (WE)

5. Energy and Atmosphere (EA)

6. Materials and Resources (MR)

7. Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)

8. Awareness & Education (AE)

Eco-Plastered-Bamboo-House

Concept

Bamboo was recognised as a high-yield

renewable resource. It could be harvested

in 3-5 years versus 10-20 years for most

softwood. It was found abundance in the

world. And because of that, bamboo was

widely used for wall panelling; floor tiles;

paper-making; fuel; housing construction;

and rebar for reinforced concrete beams.

And all these supported our choice for

developing the Eco-Plastered-Bamboo

House Concept. [5]

Further, Eco-Plastered-Bamboo House was

developed due to the sustainable material

characteristics in the Bamboo, such as: [6]

– Abundant and cheap raw material which

give economic competitiveness

– More sustainable bamboo construction

– Adequate skill for bamboo construction in

Indonesia

– Economic potential in the development

of local economies

– Geological challenges in Indonesia

(earthquake, landslides etc) that could be

mitigated by earthquake-resistance bamboo

construction.

The plastered-bamboo application was

observed by Dr. Andry in 1999 in several

the Netherlands-Indies’ houses developed

in 1900’s in several areas in Java (Jatiroto,

Central Java; and Gempol, Bandung, West

Java). He found that the structures of these

houses were durable due to excellent

structures and preservation method. [7]

Further, Dr. Andry, Dr Budi and Mr.

Mustakim constructed several Plastered-

Bamboo Houses in Indonesia. They were:

The Prototype House in di PasirImpun,

Bandung, West Java;

The Earthquake Refugee’s House in

Sukabumi West Java;

The Plastered-Bamboo Wall Prototype in

Environmental Bamboo Foundation, Bali;

The Community Learning Centre (Pusat

Kegiatan Belajar Masyarakat/ PKBM) in

Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java;

And the Community Centre in

Nagalawan, North Sumatera.

Figure 1 – 4. Construction Process of Insitu

Plastered-Bamboo House

Other bamboo plastered concept was

developed by Research Institute for Human

Settlements (RIHS), but with wood frame

and treated bamboo-ply. And a prototype

of low-cost-house was also prescribed.

And we found that this signified the

potential of developing plastered-bamboo

house concept.

Other related researches to bamboo

technologies and houses were identified

such as: Prof. Dr. Ir Morisco [10] ,

Environmental Bamboo Foundation ,

LIPI , Muhammadiyah University , Ir.

Haryoto , and Mr. Heinz Frick [15] . They

have implemented plastered bamboo

construction method for prefab panel,

clean-water storage, roof structures. On the

other hand, the previous researches

adapted less integrated and single

disciplinary production-treatment-

construction approach.

The Eco-Plastered-Bamboo House Concept

proposed adapted the integrated

prefabricated production-treatment-

construction method. The integrated

process consisted of:

1. Bamboo planting (conducted by local

farmers);

2. Integrated Land Evaluation, Impact

Assessment, Site Planning and Residential

and Environmental Design;

3. Community Participation;

4. Cost Estimation;

5. Bamboo selection and harvesting;

6. Bamboo treatment;

7. Bamboo splitting;

8. Bamboo weaving;

9. Moulding form preparation;

10. Steel and bamboo reinforcement;

11. Casting process;

12. Transportation to the field;

13. Landfill and foundation construction;

14. Panel, column and beam fixing;

15. Roof construction;

16. Other Architectural, Sanitation,

Landscape works (including eco-sanitation,

rainwater collection, rainwater garden, etc).

For preservation and casting or plastering

process, we were approaching a Major

Chemical Company that produced protein-

based additive and Major Cement Company

producing excellent cement. We hope to be

able to continue this effort to create the

perfect mixture of plaster for the prefab

plastered-bamboo panel. [16]

We proposed a 36 sq m Eco-Plastered-

Bamboo House unit. It was decided

considering the existing typology of low-

cost housing unit and typical activities of

small Indonesian family. The 36-sqm-Eco-

Plastered-Bamboo House was developed

with prefabricated concept that was similar

to the 25-sqm-Prefab-Plastered-Bamboo

House prototype developed by Dr. Andry in

ITB Research. [17]

Figure 5 – 8. Construction Process of

Prefab Plastered-Bamboo House

On the other hand, this Eco-Plastered-

Bamboo House was proposed with more

integrated green building approach with

low cost, low technology and low negative

impact development concept. This house

would answer most of low-cost housing

issues in sub-urban area. The Eco-

Plastered-Bamboo House also would reduce

the enormous amount of wood, brick and

steel consumptions. And it would achieve

the sustainable or green home requirement.

Further, in the economical aspect, the Eco-

Plastered-Bamboo House would answer the

low-cost housing needs in Indonesia. It was

predicted to answer the 800 thousands of

housing backlogs reported by Ministry of

Housing which ideally had to be sustainable

and affordable. [18]

Besides that, the Eco-Plastered-Bamboo

Prefab Panel could cater the 30.000 –

180.000 unit of low-cost apartment in

urban areas in Indonesia. We also saw its

potential in reducing the urban-sprawling

issues in most major cities of Indonesia.

[19] We also believed that the Eco-Low-

Cost-Bamboo-Plastered Apartments could

be planned, designed and researched

further. Our previous work in this field was

presented in Tanuwidjaja, G. et all. (2009).

[20]

Further, we found that generally the Eco-

Plastered-Bamboo Prefab Panel as well as

Insitu-Plastered-Bamboo Wall were cheaper

compared to other wall component prices.

This could be observed in the following

table.

Table 1. Cost Comparison of Wall

Construction [21]

Wall

Construction

Types

Cost

Comparison

per sqm

(Rupiah)*

Properties

Bricks Wall 170.500 Mortar 1:5**

and Plaster

1:2***

Hollow

Concrete

Wall

87.600 Mortar 1:5**

and Plaster

1:2***

Light

Concrete

Wall

137.600 Plaster
1:2***

Plastered-

Bamboo

Prefab Panel

or Insitu-

Plastered-

Bamboo Wall

86.500 Plaster

1:2***

* Price was based on 2008’s building

material price in Bandung, West Java area.

Price would vary depending on the

resources availability, manpower and tool

costs.

** 1 pc : 5 sand

*** 1 pc : 2 sand

The table described the economic

advantages for developing the insitu-

plastered-bamboo wall. It proved the

competitive advantage to develop this

sustainable wall construction. Although, the

cost of Plastered-Bamboo Wall would vary

depending on the resources availability,

manpower and tool costs. But, we believed

with sustainable construction practice, we

could produce sustainable and affordable

homes in Indonesia.

The sustainable features of Eco-Plastered-

Bamboo House were described as follow:

1. Innovation and Design Process (ID)

a. The process would be conducted in

multidisciplinary approach involving

architect, urban planner, environmentalist

as well as local community leaders and

people.

b. The orientation of the houses mostly

faced North-South responding humid

tropical condition of the site.

c. Durable materials and features with lower

cost were proposed.

d. Innovation of construction materials

could be achieved due to economic

competitiveness.

e. Contribution in the local economic would

be achieved with creating home-industry

for plastered-bamboo panel.

2. Location and Linkages (LL)

a. Unfortunately, the site was located in the

low-lying land which commonly used by the

less-fortunate community in mega cities of

Indonesia. So the house typology chosen

was the pole house. This would allow the

inundation occurred but would not greatly

impact the interior of the houses.

b. Location was proposed in the existing

urban slums.

c. The strategic location was selected to

answer the housing needs for the less

fortunate people in the urban area.

d. Existing water lines and sewer lines

present in the location prepared by the

Ministry of Public Works and local

community with Community Based

Infrastructure Provision Program in 1996.

e. Community facilities provided in the

neighbourhood are mosque,, community

multifunction-hall, stores, and school.

f. Unfortunately, public transport available

in the area is the motorcycle taxi and

tricycle. Public transportation buses and

cars served the major roads approximately

500 m from the village.

g. Open spaces were available but

diminishing because of private land use

conversion.
3. Sustainable Sites (SS)

a. Swales and rain water garden, erosion

control measures and integrated drainage

system were proposed. Simple bio-filter/

bio-drainage had been researched by Dr.

Robby and showed great effectiveness of

reducing the pollutant level. [22]

b. The drought-tolerant plants and

landscape proposed were native plants and

could support local economy such as: fruits,

vegetables, and medicinal trees.

c. Trees also would be proposed to shade

the sidewalks, patios and open spaces.

d. Permeable paving and swales would be

proposed to reduce the run-off from the

house.

e. Rain-water collection system and rain

barrel would be proposed in every home to

provide additional clean-water supply.

f. Compact development concept would be

suggested with combination of high-rise

low-cost apartment and low-rise eco-

plastered-bamboo houses.

4. Water Efficiency (WE)

a. Rain-water collection system and rain

barrel would be proposed in every home to

provide additional clean-water supply.

b. Gray water treatment would be use to

provide additional supply for irrigation and

non-primary water-use.

c. Water-efficient fixtures and fittings were

proposed.

5. Energy and Atmosphere (EA)

a. Low-cost insulation was proposed in the

house roof.

b. Natural air ventilation promoted, while

additional energy-efficient fan could be

proposed to help the flow.

c. Due to cost, only fan was proposed for

indoor cooling.

d. Energy-efficient lighting, home

appliances was proposed.

e. Micro-hydro plant and simple wind

turbine were proposed for generating power

for community’s facilities.

6. Materials and Resources (MR)

a. Low-cost framing was proposed using

certain adaptive module.

b. Recycled materials and low-cost but

environmental friendly-products would be

encouraged.

c. Solid waste reduction, waste separation,

organic composting and waste recycling

existed in the location and would be

improved.

7. Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)

a. Combustion venting would be proposed,

or minimised with open-air kitchen

concept.

b. Appropriate ventilation and fan was

proposed to reduce the indoor moisture.

c. Garage pollution would be minimised

with separated parking facility.

8. Awareness & Education (AE)

a. Community awareness in the operation

and maintenance of Eco-settlement

concept would be conducted with the

assistance of the Local community

organisation.

b. The tenant awareness also would be

improved with similar method.

Further the design of Eco-Plastered-

Bamboo House was proposed in a location

in Bandung, West Java in the Proposal for

Urban Slum Revitalisation. The detail of

location could not be disclosed due to

potential land conflict.

Figure 9.The Eco-Plus-Bamboo Village

(Eco-Plastered-Bamboo Village) Master Plan

in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Figure 10. The Eco-Plus-Bamboo Village

Urban Design Plan in Bandung, West Java,

Indonesia

Figure 11. The Eco-Plus-Bamboo House

Plan and Section

Figure 12. The Eco-Plus-Bamboo House

Elevation

Figure 13.The Eco-Plus-Bamboo House

Axonometric Drawing

Figure 14.The Eco-Plus-Bamboo Village

Environmental Plan (Water Management)

Figure 15.The Eco-Plus-Bamboo Village

Environmental Plan (Solid Waste

Management)

Figure 16 – 23. Infrastructure of LID[23]

Rain Barrel Bioretention

“Rain Water Garden” “Swales”

Multi-function Car

Park

“Pervious Pavement”
Recharging Well Biopores

And we proposed to convert some of the

open spaces in the area for bamboo

plantation and home industry (with 30 cm-

raised platform). The bamboo industry

eventually would provide job for most of

the residents in the village, which mostly

were skilled construction builders. On the

other hand, sustainable village development

would be ensured with the sustainable

framework as described in the following

schemes.

Figure 24. Sustainable Eco-Plus-Bamboo

Village Development Concept

Conclusion

In conclusion, we believed that competitive

economic aspect as well as integrated

planning – design – construction –

operation and maintenance approach could

answer the challenging task of providing

sustainable and affordable housing in the

Developing Countries. Further,

collaboration and cooperation from all

stakeholders would be needed to ensure

the sustainable eco-settlements in Mega-

cities of Developing Countries like

Indonesia.

Acknowledgement

– Ir. Imam Santoso Ernawi, MCM, M.Sc.,

Director General of Spatial Planning, Public

Works Department.

– Ir. Sri Apriatini Soekardi, MM., Director of

Spatial Planning Directorate II.

– Dr. Ir. Doni Janarto Widiantono

M.Eng.Sc., Head of Sub-Directorate Inter-

Regional Cooperation, Spatial Planning

Directorate II.

– Dr. Ir. I.F. Poernomosidhi Poerwo M.Sc,

MCIT. MIHT., Scientific Officer and Ex-

Director of Spatial Planning Directorate II,

Ministry of Public Works, Indonesia.

– Mr. Ir. Dodo Juliman, UN-HABITAT

Indonesia Program Manager.

– Dr. Ir. Woerjantari Soedarsono MT., Ms.

Ade Tinamel ST. MT. from Urban Design

Lab, ITB.

– Dr. Ir. Bambang Panudju, MPhil., Mr. Ir.

Tjuk Kuswartojo, Mr. Ir. Eko Purwono MSAS.

Department of Architecture, ITB.

– Mr Yuen Heng Mun, Mr Allister Yong

Winston, Mr Loh Kwok Pheng, Mrs Noorliza

from Jurong Consultants Pte Ltd.

– Mrs Joyce Martha Widjaya, Senior

Researcher of Research Institute of Socio-

Economic and Community Development,

Public Works Department.

– Green Impact Indonesia Team: Dwi

Sugiarto ST., Septian Lumeno ST., Yansen

ST., Yulius, Roni Kurniawan, Agus Sudarman,

Cepy, Surya, Adi Afriana;

Bibliography

Directorate of Spatial Planning, Ministry of

Public Works(2009), Sustainable Urban

Spatial Improvement Program (SUSIP) –

Executive Presentation assisted by Green

Impact Indonesia

Frick, Heinz, 2004, Ilmu Konstruksi

Bangunan Bambu, Penerbit Kanisius

http://balitbang.pu.go.id/

webbal_search_iptek.asp?page=2

http://etd.eprints.ums.ac.id/1713/

http://lib.ugm.ac.id/digitasi/

upload/1223_RD1002001.pdf

http://puspiptek.info/?q=id/node/781

http://www.ar.itb.ac.id/andry/wp-content/
uploads/2006/03/BamBU%20PLAster

%20untuk%20Aceh.pdf

http://www.bamboocentral.org/

http://www.bamboocentral.org/PDF_files/

MODUL_PELATIHAN_MABUTER.pdf

http://www.bic.web.id/en/others/211-

kembali-ke-alam-dengan-bambu.html

http://www.bsn.go.id/files/@LItbang/PPIS

%202008/PPIS%20Jakarta/14%20-

%20STANDARISASI%20BAMBU

%20SEBAGAI%20BAHAN%20BANGUNAN

%20ALTERNATIF%20PENGGANTI

%20KAYU.pdf

http://www.bsn.go.id/files/@LItbang/PPIS

%202008/PPIS%20Jakarta/14%20-

%20STANDARISASI%20BAMBU

%20SEBAGAI%20BAHAN%20BANGUNAN

%20ALTERNATIF%20PENGGANTI

%20KAYU.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/

http://www.kanisiusmedia.com/

katalog.php?

cari=&kategori=&tipe=&keyword=&page=154

http://www.lid-stormwater.net/

http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/
http://www.uia-architectes.org/image/PDF/

COP15/COP15_Declaration_EN.pdf

http://www.usgbc.org/

Kementerian Negara Perumahan Rakyat

(2007), Presentasi Kebijakan Strategi dan

Program Percepatan Pembangunan Rumah

Susun Sederhana (Apartemen Rakyat) di

Kawasan Perkotaan, Juni.

Kuswartojo T et al. (2005), Perumahan dan

Permukiman Indonesia, Peneribit ITB,

Bandung.

Miller G.T. (2003), Environmental Science,

Working With Earth, 10th edition, Brooks/

Cole Thomson Learning USA.

Tallar, R.Y., (2008) “Study of Low Impact

Development Concept Design to Reduce

Surface Runoff” in proceeding of National

Seminar of Technology IV ”Applying

Technology for Our Sustainable Life” held

by University of Technology Yogyakarta

(UTY) (Indonesia version)

Tanuwidjaja, G. Mustakim, Maman Hidayat,

Sudarman, A. (2009), Integration of

Sustainable Planning Policy and Design of

Low-Cost Apartment, in the Context of

Sustainable Urban Development, National

Seminar of Low-Cost Apartment, Maranatha

University, Bandung, Indonesia.

Tanuwidjaja, G. Mustakim, Widyowijatnoko,

A, Faisal, B. (2009), Bamboos as Sustainable

and Affordable Material for Housing as One

of Alternative Material of Low-Cost

Apartment, National Seminar of Low-Cost

Apartment, Maranatha University, Bandung,

Indonesia.

Widyowijatnoko, A, (1999), Kajian

Konstruksi Bambu Plester dan Konsep

Pengembangannya, Departement Teknik

Arsitektur ITB.

Widyowijatnoko, A, (2008), Prefabricated

Low Cost Housing Bamboo Reinforcement

and Appropriate Technology, in Modern

Bamboo Structures – Xiao et al. (eds),

Taylor Francis Group. London, ISBN

978-0-415-47587-6

[1] Miller G.T. (2003), Environmental

Science, Working With Earth, 10th edition,

Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning USA.

[2] http://www.uia-architectes.org/image/

PDF/COP15/COP15_Declaration_EN.pdf
http://www.usgbc.org/

[3] Widyowijatnoko, A, (1999), Kajian

Konstruksi Bambu Plester dan Konsep

Pengembangannya, Departement Teknik

Arsitektur ITB.

http://www.bamboocentral.org/PDF_files/

MODUL_PELATIHAN_MABUTER.pdf

http://www.ar.itb.ac.id/andry/wp-content/

uploads/2006/03/BamBU%20PLAster

%20untuk%20Aceh.pdf

[4] http://www.usgbc.org/

[5] http://www.bamboocentral.org/

http://www.bsn.go.id/files/@LItbang/PPIS

%202008/PPIS%20Jakarta/14%20-

%20STANDARISASI%20BAMBU

%20SEBAGAI%20BAHAN%20BANGUNAN

%20ALTERNATIF%20PENGGANTI

%20KAYU.pdf

[6] Ibid.

[7] Op.Cit 3

[8] Op.Cit 3

[9] http://balitbang.pu.go.id/

webbal_search_iptek.asp?page=2

[10] http://lib.ugm.ac.id/digitasi/

upload/1223_RD1002001.pdf
[11] http://www.bamboocentral.org/

[12] http://puspiptek.info/?q=id/node/781

http://www.bic.web.id/en/others/211-

kembali-ke-alam-dengan-bambu.html

[13] http://etd.eprints.ums.ac.id/1713/

[14] http://www.kanisiusmedia.com/

katalog.php?

cari=&kategori=&tipe=&keyword=&page=154

[15] Frick, Heinz, (2004), Ilmu Konstruksi

Bangunan Bambu, Penerbit Kanisius

[16] Wacker Chemie AG, http://

www.wacker.com

PT. ADIWISESA MANDIRI BUILDING

PRODUCT INDONESIA, http://

www.ambpi.com/

[17] Widyowijatnoko, A, 2008, Prefabricated

Low Cost Housing Bamboo Reinforcement

and Appropriate Technology, in Modern

Bamboo Structures – Xiao et al. (eds),

Taylor Francis Group. London, ISBN

978-0-415-47587-6

[18] Kuswartojo T et.al. (2005), Perumahan

dan Permukiman Indonesia, Peneribit ITB,

Bandung.

Kementerian Negara Perumahan Rakyat

(2007), Presentasi Kebijakan Strategi dan

Program Percepatan Pembangunan Rumah

Susun Sederhana (Apartemen Rakyat) di

Kawasan Perkotaan.

[19] Ibid.

[20] Tanuwidjaja, G. Mustakim, Maman

Hidayat, Sudarman, A. (2009, Integration of

Sustainable Planning Policy and Design of

Low-Cost Apartment, in the Context of

Sustainable Urban Development, National

Seminar of Low-Cost Apartment, Maranatha

University, Bandung, Indonesia, 2009.

[21] Tanuwidjaja, G. Mustakim,

Widyowijatnoko, A, Faisal, B. Bamboos as

Sustainable and Affordable Material for

Housing as One of Alternative Material of

Low-Cost Apartment, National Seminar of

Low-Cost Apartment, Maranatha University,

Bandung, Indonesia, 2009.

Tallar, R.Y., (2008) “Study of Low

Impact Development Concept Design to

Reduce Surface Runoff” in proceeding of

National Seminar of Technology IV

”Applying Technology for Our Sustainable

Life” held by University of Technology

Yogyakarta (UTY) (Indonesia version)

[23] Illustration adopted from

http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/

http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/

http://www.lid-stormwater.net/

Directorate of Spatial Planning, Ministry of

Public Works(2009), Sustainable Urban

Spatial Improvement Program (SUSIP) –

Executive Presentation assisted by Green

Impact Indonesia

Link PDF:

http://www.scribd.com/

doc/33700151/20100629-SS-Eco-