Safe, decent and agreeable This week marks Habitat for Humanity International�s Building on Faith week world-wide. In Braga, Habitat�s plans call for representatives from around the world to celebrate the ongoing construction of 12 houses in Palmeira. Construction began in May and has continued as hundreds of volunteers from around the world have visited Braga to help build. The three four-unit buildings are being built as most structures in Portugal are, with concrete beams and foundations. Volunteers � especially those from the West � are more familiar with cutting and fitting rather than working with fluid materials such as concrete and mortar. Therefore, in order to accelerate the time required for construction, lower the cost, and make the project volunteers user-friendly, Habitat made a few non-traditional material choices. The design calls for a lighter weight construction of non-structural elements � including metal framing of non-load-bearing walls. The exterior elevation will appropriately resemble typical construction throughout Portugal with traditional stucco applied on Placner rib lather, clay tile rooting completes the traditional and indigenous look of the exterior. Interior wall surfaces are finished with gypsum wallboard. The second story floor is constructed with Placner as a base in order to create cavities that allows for electrical wiring and plumbing elements without re-channelling the concrete and block Many of the materials for the houses came from local suppliers. A local company offered substantial donations of plumbing supplies and fixtures, and other local firms have supported the project by offering significant discounts. In addition, Dow Chemicals donated all of the Styrofoam insulation that will be used in the walls, roofs and floors, creating thoroughly insulated houses. The house designs were carefully worked out with a local architect that donated his time and talent . Two plans are being built. Four of the units will feature two bedrooms and one bathroom, while eight units will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Design and cost considerations require that the plans utilise minimum space for maximum comfort and efficiency, because of the impact the total square meters has on the cost of the house. As such, interior design elements include a sloped ceiling and a balcony that visually enlarges the sense of interior space. A skylight further enhances that spatial perception while providing extra light in the vaulted ceiling. The result? A home that is not large, but is comfortable and liveable. With the help of our volunteers and partner organisations, Habitat for Humanity Braga is pleased to offer families in need homes that cost less than half their appraised value.
Home | What
is Habitat? | Portugal Build 2000 | How
You Can Help | Contact Us |
