PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
One of the annual 15,000 Costa Rica Gov. funded low-income family “bono” financed (grant) homes in Costa Rica. Pictured is one of twelve built using: a steal post and beam structure, + slab on grade with the slabs #2 steel mesh reinforcement, projecting up trough slab and continuing up reinforcing the wall and terminating at (welded to) post and beam structure. Finished (welded steel 2"X3"X 3/32" cold rolled C) door and window frames welded into #2 reinforcement mesh of all exterior and interior walls. Walls then formed from one side, single application of scratch and brown coat plaster and then finish plastered on both sides, for a total wall thickness of 5 to 5.5 cm. Extremely earthquake resistant (7-8 on rector scale), flat walls, 6% more open usable area inside than block construction (of same foot print). Using some of the most commonly available steel products, 70% less concrete than a standard block construction.
Please see the files tab at top right of this page for jpg photos of Habitats for Humanity San Ramon Costa Rica test home results (compared to block) including a comparison of price and benefits.
Great design. This could even be replicated in the USA for a similar cost.
This design should prove to people that housing does not need to expensive. I built a 400 sq ft, southwest style, garage, in California (brand new construction), at the height of the 2005 boom (read: high labor & materials) for $5,500 ($14/sq ft). I used all subcontracted labor. When I was done, I thought, this would make a great small house. Throw in 5 new aluminum windows at $75 each, some interior walls, a $100 toilet, $100 8' granite counter top, 2 on demand water heaters at $184 each.......and you have a nice home.
Grading: $240 (4 hours x $60/hr)
Lumber: $1,600
Framing Labor: $1,200 ($200/day x6)
Lathe: $5.25/sq yard
Scratch/brown/color coat: $12/sq yard
Rolled composition roof: $1.24/ sq ft
Hang drywall (labor) : $0.20/sq ft
Tape & texture drywall (labor) $0.20/sq ft
9 yards concrete: $1,000
Insulation: 30R ceiling & 19R walls: $400