Inspire. Mobilise. Empower.
An Introduction to EPIC Homes
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller
THIS WAS PAK CIHONG’S HOUSE. HE LIVED IN THIS CONDITION FOR 2 YEARS, WITHOUT PROPER SHELTER, ONE OF OUR BASIC NEEDS. HE WAS JUST 1 OF 12,000 AROUND MALAYSIA.
12,000 ORANG ASLI FAMILIES LIVE IN UNSAFE HOUSING CONDITIONS
* Pelan Strategik Kemajuan Orang Asli 2011
*
WHAT WE DO EPIC Homes aims to build relationships between the urban and rural divide through the activity of building homes for underprivileged Malaysian communities, currently focusing on the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, the Orang Asli.
We believe that the presence of relationships is what truly differentiates a ‘Home’ from a ‘House’. When an EPIC Home is built, a family does not just get a new house, they become connected to a larger community who genuinely cares for them, a community that seeks to understand their challenges, and who seeks to solve it together with them.
Without people and relationships a house is nothing but a shell. This shell may protect a family from physical elements, but it is through people that they will be inspired and motivated to improve and move forward.
Since encountering our first dilapidated house in 2010, we have built 17 homes mostly in Selangor and Perak, connecting Orang Asli families with over 300 people from around the world. We have built alongside Malaysians and have also had builders from Hong Kong, Australia, Germany, Japan, Holland, New Zealand, India, Sweden, Korea, Turkey, UK, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Africa, USA, Iraq and Venezuela.
OUR 5 YEAR GOAL • To connect all 834 villages to the city through relationships built between urban and rural people. • To have active participation from government, corporations and the general public who will be driving the initiative
- Funds for homes go to EPIC Youth Society PPBM 7762/11, our registered non-profit dedicated to community development.
“DECENT HOUSING IS A CATALYST FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION THAT CUTS ACROSS ALMOST EVERY OTHER INDICATOR FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT” - AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
According to the Pelan Strategik
WHY HOMES KEDAH
Kemajuan Orang Asli 2011, 82% of
300 ORANG ASLI, 3 VILLAGES
Orang Asli are in need of housing
KELANTAN
13,000 ORANG ASLI, 118 VILLAGES
aid; that’s approximately 12,322
PERAK
families who live in unsafe housing
58,100 ORANG ASLI, 262 VILLAGES
in Peninsular Malaysia.
BUILDING HOMES, NOT JUST HOUSES.
TERENGGANU
800 ORANG ASLI, 3 VILLAGES
PAHANG
66,300 ORANG ASLI, 177 VILLAGES
SELANGOR
17.300 ORANG ASLI, 75 VILLAGES
N.SEMBILAN
9,300 ORANG ASLI, 68 VILLAGES
VILLAGE DENSITY
MELAKA
ORANG ASLI POPULATION 60,000+
1,500 ORANG ASLI, 14 VILLAGES
20,000-60,000 10,000-20,000
JOHOR
2000-10,000 500-2000
We believe that building homes is an effective and powerful activity that opens the door to relationship building. We also believe that homes are of utmost importance – a home leads to much more than four walls and a roof. It can affect livelihood, physical and personal health and the educational development of an individual.
13,300 ORANG ASLI, 64 VILLAGES
<500
834 VILLAGES
ORANGORANG ASLIS ASLIS IN NEED INOF NEED OF 82% 82% HOUSING HOUSING AID AID
180,000 180,000 834 VILLAGES ORANG ASLI’S ORANG ASLI’S ASLIS ORANG CLASSIFIED ASLIS CLASSIFIED 35% ORANG 35% AS HARDCORE AS HARDCORE POOR POOR ASLIS ORANG CLASSIFIED ASLIS CLASSIFIED 77% ORANG 77% AS POOR AS POOR
HOW HOUSING AFFECTS: LIVELIHOODS Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well being of himself and his family, including the basic necessity of food, clothing, and shelter. For many low income households, a house is more than a shelter - it is the foundation of offering stability and safety in ones life, and also a critical asset for improving income generation opportunities.
HEALTH Housing and health are undeniably linked. Improper or inadequate housing can be host to a range of dangerous situations such as: dampness; overcrowding; poor ventilation and exposure to natural elements such as wind and rain. These situations can lead to illness and other physical dangers.
EDUCATION Housing, health and poverty are all interlinked. An unhealthy child is less likely to attend school regularly or achieve his or her potential. Research has shown a positive correlation between a child’s education and the available floor space at home; and alternatively educational attainment was also positively associated with an increase of residence stability, and with home ownership.
HOW WE PROVIDE HOMES EPIC Homes uses an integrated approach that combines a unique building system, training program and strategic partnerships to solve problems faced by the Orang Asli in rural housing.
NGO
Once a family is verified for the eligibility of a home, a Master Builder is assigned to the village to conduct a community buy-in and to consult the family on their needs and future home.
A family is identified with the help of a liaison, such as an NGO or a Tok Batin (Village Head). They are then based on a criteria list for eligibility.
2. CONSULTATION & CONFIRMATION
1. IDENTIFY A FAMILY
The government can share information of areas where families are in need of housing, help fund projects, continuously measure impact and ensure the sustainability of solutions.
NGO
NGOs who have already built relationships with locals play a vital role in facilitating the implementation of solutions, as they are able to provide an overview of the local dynamics. The momentum created from a house build could also be used to further the efforts of the NGO, and build closer relationships with the communities they are engaged with.
The public and individuals are the heartbeat of our mission. They are our advocates, crowdfunders, and extraordinary builders. Most importantly, they ensure genuine connection and provide the human touch in this movement.
3. GATHER FUNDS
$
NGO
$50,000
KEY INDIVIDUALS CORPORATES NGO
NGOs GOVERNMENT
The next step is to raise funds for homes through donations, crowd funding, awesome sponsors and partners or rewarding corporate team-building packages.
After the family has settled into their new humble abode our team will return to inspect the house and make sure everything is in order and continue to keep in touch with the family while forming an unbreakable bond of friendship.
7. POST-ASSESSMENT & KEEPING IN TOUCH
We then conduct a 3-day build filled with fun, hardwork, and an unforgettable experience to kick-start genuine relationships.
6. HAND OVER
5. THE BUILD AN EPIC HOME IS COMPLETE!
CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES
Corporations can use this opportunity to champion this movement through sponsorships and partnerships while promoting a corporate socially responsible culture within their own organisations and society.
Once the house has been completed the family can instantly move in. The team and its builders hold a last cheer and the house is formally handed over to the family.
4. TRAIN BUILDERS 1+ 1= 2
It is important for everyone to understand that the true value in EPIC Homes does not come from the house but from the community that will be formed through the excitement built from the home building activity, and the opportunities
The next step is to mobilise and prepare builders, both experienced and new, to build a home together with the Orang Asli homeowner.
that come.
AND ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
PAY-IT-FORWARD PROGRAMME EPIC Homes also incorporates a “Pay-It-Forward” Programme where recipients of the home build together with volunteers and continue to build homes for other Orang Asli families, encouraging relationship building between participants and recipients as well as among the village communities.
CONTINUOUS SUPPORT Now that builders are connected to the Orang Asli family, they can continue to support and reach out to the families’ unique needs. This leads to a new decentralised approach where further opportunities for development become possible as solutions are customised to a family by people who genuinely care, making the use of resources more efficient and effective. All this action will be amplified through an EPIC system that will empower builders to coordinate efforts, track progress, measure impact, share resources, and learn new ideas from one another. On top of that, the builders can serve as auxiliary support for other preexisting NGOs in identifying needs, implementing solutions and providing feedback boosting the NGOs efforts and impact.
WHERE THE MONEY GOES Each home costs RM50,000 which can be broken down and allocated into different expenses needed to make it work.
ADMIN & OPERATIONS
15%
MATERIALS - 65% (RM32,500) Materials for the house and tools usage
MATERIALS
65%
PAY-IT-FORWARD TRAINING
LOGISTICS - 6% (RM3,000) Planning and coordination such as transportation, delivery and food expenses
2%
LABOUR
WARRANTY - 4% (RM1,925) Post build warranty, maintanence and repairs
8%
$50,000
WARRANTY
LABOUR - 8% (RM4,000) Construction supervision and manpower
4%
LOGISTICS
PAY-IT-FORWARD TRAINING - 2% (RM1,000) To support Orang Asli participation in Builder Training Programme
6%
ADMIN & OPERATIONS - 15% (RM7,575) Administration and operation costs to keep things running smoothly ROLL OVER $
$
ROLL-OVER MONEY
$
+1
As exact costs will vary per project based on suitable house size and logistical conditions, the surplus money will be rolled over to maintain, repair and build more homes.
2014 TARGET
BUILD 100 HOMES
RAISE $7.5 MILLION
DESIGN PRINCIPLES MODULAR SYSTEM
A modular design system allows for the flexibility and efficiency to cater different family sizes.
FLEXIBILITY
The house is made up of various components which are interchangeable for flexibility and allows for future modifications and improvements.
TECHNOLOGY DURABLE & ADAPTABLE Designed to be durable and adaptable to different site conditions and climates.
PORTABLE
All components are designed to be lightweight and portable to allow for transporting, particularly to remote areas.
FAST CONSTRUCTION Designed to be built within a certain time-frame as it is built by everyday people. Our houses currently can be built within 3 days.
EASY TO ASSEMBLE
Can be easily constructed by ordinary people with minimal training and guidance from a build manual and using basic power & hand tools.
2 MODULE HOME
4 MODULE HOME
6 MODULE HOME
1-3 PEOPLE
4-5 PEOPLE
6-8 PEOPLE
300 sqft
440 sqft
640 sqft
1 + 1 bedroom
2 bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Loft, Living room, Foyer, Kitchen, Storage
Living room, Foyer, Kitchen, Storage
Living room, Foyer, Kitchen, Storage
DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS LIGHTWEIGHT INTERLOCKING ROOF SHEETS
LIGHTWEIGHT INTERNAL PARTITIONS
EXTERNAL TOILET WITH SEPTIC SYSTEM TIMBER SUBSTRUCTURE
RAINWATER COLLECTION TANK
FIBRE-CEMENT WALL CLADDING CONCRETE FOOTING TIMBER FLOORING STEEL FRAME STRUCTURE
DESIGN ADVANTAGES Comfort
Environmentally Sustainable
Durability & Quality Control
Everyone has the right to not just a house, but a home which provides comfort and adequate living conditions. According to United Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commision on Human Settlements, one of the key indicators of adequate shelter is floor area per person. Our range of modular house sizes are based on the range of family sizes and in consideration of their future expansion.
Designed with lightweight materials in consideration of transportation to difficult-to-access remote areas, and blending into the environment using familiar materials and construction methods to the Orang Asli. Maximising natural passive ventilation and reducing electrical usage for cooling purposes that suits the tropical climate.
Most of the components of the house are prefabricated in factories thus reducing errors during construction and ensuring better quality control. Use of steel members as the main structure ensures a safe and sturdy house, designed to last 30 years yet allow for it to be dismantled easily if needed. Treated hardwood timber is a robust material and is used for the secondary structure components.
Culture & Heritage
Ecological & Environmental Impact
Complete Housing Solution
With the rich variety of differences between villages and tribes everyone has their own way of living. It is vital when we design our homes to respect the indigenous peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture and heritage. The house should function or look as they please and allow for their own changes over time.
Lightweight materials and passive design allowing for the house to be built with small hand power tools and used with minimal energy ensures a low carbon footprint.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT EPIC Homes design development is a continuous improvement process in key areas in line with our design principles. The current design, EPIC Homes V1 is a scalable model which resulted from various prototype designs contributed by close to 40 volunteer and in-house architects and engineers working together with the community. Our goal: To create an extensive library of modular components of a living space leveraging on manufacturing capacity and economics to make quality housing solutions affordable and customisable on preferences.
Our houses come with an external toilet to ensure proper sanitation while within cultural habits of having separate spaces for different activities. Rainwater harvesting is used for washing and cleaning purposes.
DESIGNERS
ENGINEERS
ARCHITECTS
INVENTORS
CONTRACTORS
ORANG ASLI
BUILDERS
ROOKIES
JOINING A BUILD
SPECIALIST
4 BUILDS TO DATE
MASTER BUILDER
10 BUILDS TO DATE
APPRENTICE 2 BUILDS TO DATE
“ORDINARY PEOPLE, EXTRAORDINARY BUILDERS” “I was surprised how quickly I was able to learn how to build an EPIC home and with barely any previous builder knowledge. The Builder Training Programme really made me feel ready to build a whole EPIC home, I left feeling extremely excited about the challenge.”
Giles Gibbins, Architecture Graduate
“My experience with the BTP was an empowering one. It provided a self realisation experience. Besides providing the technical experience and improvement it also provided an enriching leadership and team building experience. “
Sky Chew, Web Developer
The BTP was really great. I learnt a lot about every aspect of the house build that you wouldn’t always know about when you are a volunteer builder. It was really fun and is a great investment of time for such a rewarding skill set that could potentially help many families.
Triffany Leo, Content Manager
BUILDER TRAINING PROGRAMME The Builder Training Programme (BTP) is an initiative by EPIC which aims to provide trained builders (Specialists & Master Builders) that support and fuel the growth of the EPIC Homes nationwide initiative. BUILDER ARMY RANK SYSTEM
RECRUIT
ROOKIE
APPRENTICE 1 Home Build
3-5 Home Builds
SPECIALIST
MASTERBUILDER
Everyone starts off as a recruit, the first step is the initiative to join the Builder Training Programme and be part of the EPIC Army.
After acquiring basic builder skills and safety knowledge by participating in the Builder Basics, a rookie is allowed to join in on EPIC Homes builds.
Once you have completed your 1st EPIC Homes build, you become an Apprentice, allowing you to join more builds, assist in the Builder Basics workshops or advance further in the Builder Training Programme by entering the Advance Builder class.
Specialists have completed the Advance Builder Part 1 classes with the technical knowledge of the houses, and then leads a team during the EPIC Homes build working on specific parts of the house.
Master Builders have completed the Advance Builder Part 2 classes, and is in charge of project managing an EPIC Homes Build, overseeing the Specialists, their teams and the whole build to make sure everything is in order.
BUILDER BASICS
5+ Home Builds
EPIC HOMES & BUILDERS GROWTH PROJECTION
In order to join a build, one must first undergo
197,170
Builder Basics, a 5-hour workshop that introduces participants to tool usage, basic building
65,570
knowledge and safety protocol. Upon completion of this workshop, participants can then partake in
1090
a build. From there, builders can continue to train
6000
up to a Master Builder level, where they can lead an entire build independently.
20
220
2013
2014
21,250 8220 820
2015
2620
2016
2017
MASTERBUILDER
EPIC HOMES BUILD During an EPIC Homes Build, builders range from newcomers (Rookies) to experts (Master Builder). Each build will normally have around 30 builders,
SPECIALIST
SPECIALIST
SPECIALIST
SPECIALIST
SPECIALIST
broken down into 5 teams led by a Specialist, each working on different areas of the house. There will be a Master Builder who oversees the whole project and ensure the house build is safe, fun, and empowering for everybody.
APPRENTICES & ROOKIES
APPRENTICES & ROOKIES APPRENTICES & ROOKIES
APPRENTICES & ROOKIES APPRENTICES & ROOKIES
THE EXPERIENCE An EPIC Homes build is an incredible experience that inspires, mobilises and empowers teams to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, learn new skills and have fun while contributing to a good cause. There’s nothing quite like building a home from scratch with your bare hands (in just three days) together with 30 other incredible people, and giving it away unconditionally to a family in need.
“After an amazing three days, I really enjoyed the company of everyone. It’s amazing how people from different walks of life; some strangers to each other, come together for a single purpose. It’s a feeling of contribution at a different level altogether.”
Davinna Ho, Medical Graduate
“I enjoyed taking a step back to look at my life to realize how blessed we are, at some points I just went to sit alone to think of it. I’ve witnessed many houses and buildings getting wrecked and I have seen people in pain without being able to change or do anything about it - this was a great chance for me to change a life for the better.”
Ali Mustafa, Engineering Student
“I built a house in three days! It was amazing to see everyone unite as one big family to do something so wonderful. Really gave me a sense of appreciation for what I have and for selflessly doing something for once.“
Paviter Johal, Consultant
HOW TO GET INVOLVED $0
$50,000
FUNDRAISE & DONATE Help raise the money for homes; either through donations or creative fundraising campaigns and keep track of the progress until the goal is reached on our online web application. Or fund an entire house yourself and host a private build.
BECOME A BUILDER & JOIN A BUILD Join our Builder Trainer Programme to get the basic essential skills and help build a house in 3 days with your bare hands! Sign up online for the next Builder Training class and get info on when the next build will happen, so you can take part in it.
PARTICIPATE IN A TEAM-BUILDING EVENT Building a house in a team is a rewarding experience which not only helps the family you are building for but also builds strong bonds and relationship between teammates. Ideal for social organisations and NGOs, companies and corporates, or just a group of friends.
HELP IDENTIFY A FAMILY IN NEED With over 12,000 orang asli families in need of housing aid around Malaysia. The more help we can get to identify and find the families, the faster we can achieve our goals. If you know of any families in need or would like to help, get in touch with us, download an interview form and submit it to us.
VOLUNTEER, HELP & SHARE KNOWLEDGE Volunteer and help us. Whether it is from your special expertise in bringing in knowledge and consultation to improve our ways or just have the passion to help, get in contact with us.
ANY OTHER WAY If you have any other way you think of that could help us achieve our goal, a brilliant idea that could benefit the family or something that we have not yet listed; we love to listen! Let us know!
Get your organisation involved together to build a house and create a stronger bond with your colleagues.
Get involved & visit our website for more info: http://epichome.org
WHO WE ARE
EPIC - Extraordinary People Impacting Communities
EPIC Homes is an initiative by EPIC Collaborative, a multiple award winning social enterprise that designs and creates collaborative platforms that allow you to positively impact communities in a fun and easy way. Our mission is to inspire, mobilise, and empower ordinary people to positively impact communities in extraordinary ways. Our awards include Hope Awards: Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Youth Organisation of the Year under the category of Civic Action and Humans Rights 2012, Winner of the Do Something Good Celebrity for a Cause Campaign 2012, KLue Blue Chili Award Top 25 under 25, and the Nut Graph Award 2010.
Apps for Asia 2013
For more enquiries, please contact us at: EPIC HOMES
No.15, Jln PJS 11/18 Bandar Sunway 47500 Subang Jaya Selangor, Malaysia
facebook.com/epicarmy
+603 5613 5683 info@epichome.org www.epichome.org
twitter.com/epic_army
instagram.com/_epicarmy