Earthquake-Resistant House for the Price of a Smartphone! Ready in 7 Days
When one hears 'earthquake-resistant houses', most people picture expensive construction systems, heavy reinforced concrete structures, and long-term projects. However, the bamboo houses developed in Myanmar provide an intriguing example that could shift this perception.
The houses designed by the Blue Temple architectural studio, as part of their Housing NOW project, can be built at a cost of approximately 1000-1300 dollars.
They stood firm in the face of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the Mandalay region of Myanmar caused extensive damage to numerous structures. However, the Housing NOW homes located in the earthquake zone passed an impressive test during this disaster.
It was reported that 26 bamboo houses set up in the region remained standing without structural damage in the earthquake. In a scenario where heavy concrete structures collapsed, the resilience of the lightweight and flexible bamboo houses was deemed noteworthy from an engineering perspective.
The durability of these homes stems from the nature of the material used and the design style. Since bamboo is a lightweight, flexible, and fast-growing material, it can absorb movement during an earthquake instead of cracking like concrete. The fact that the load of the structure is distributed to the walls and roof, rather than being concentrated at a single point, also enhances its earthquake performance.
It's possible to become a homeowner for the price of a smartphone.
One of the most striking aspects of the Housing NOW homes is their cost. It's reported that each bamboo house in the project can be set up for a cost ranging from about $1,000 to $1,300. This figure stands out, particularly in the context of post-disaster housing crises, as it's equivalent to the price of a decent smartphone in many countries.
There's no need for heavy machinery or large construction companies to set up the structure. The homes are assembled by modularly combining small bundles of bamboo. Each structure comes with a step-by-step installation guide, and with the guidance of trained individuals, families or local communities can set them up using simple tools.
The project is not limited to just producing ready-made homes. It's reported that 79 bamboo houses have been built across Myanmar, and approximately 500 installation guides have been distributed. The aim is not just to erect a few houses; it's to empower local communities to produce their own housing solutions in a faster, more cost-effective, and durable manner.
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