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.

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