To create a small housing unit that is more earthquake resistant than previous houses in the Kashmir area utilizing human proportions as a guide to the size and structure of the unit. Materials used to construct the unit are resources already on site or that can be easily obtained by the people of Kashmir. The idea of reusing old material from previous housing is emphasized.
The designed unit maintains the geometry of a pentagon for stability purposes, and to create a shape that the Kashmir people can easily construct without any misinterpretation (i.e. a square if constructed at angle other than 90degrees becomes a parallelogram). The unit is to be constructed on foundations to be dug beneath the building at five points of interest where the columns will be placed at the intersection of each wall within the pentagon. The foundation is to be constructed from the rubble stone that has been left on site after the earthquake, combined with mortar for stability, and the column (made of lumber) is to be sunk into the foundation at approximately an “arms length” below ground level. Since the majority of the soil within the Kashmir area is clay with minimal sand, foundation construction is easily possible.
Each wall will be constructed and reinforced through cross bracing and the use of metal sheathing (also located on site from previous houses prior to the earthquake). Cross bracing can be created from lumber which is also easily accessible. Metal sheathing is to be applied as shown in the drawings to add reinforcement in case of future earthquakes. The roof structure will also be constructed with lumber, and metal sheathing can then be applied in triangular shapes over the wood structure. A pentagon shaped oculus will remain at the top of the unit by choice if a fire pit is to be constructed on the inside of the unit. A small chimney can be constructed within the building to allow the smoke to leave the building safely.
Connections to tie the unit together are important and can be constructed by using wire and nails (if available by donation).
