low-income housing Fanja by andreas klozoris

Low - Income Housing in Fanja, Oman subsidiary Project of ‘Fanja in Transition’

Andreas Klozoris

FANJA IN TRANSITION _ housing units plateau

FANJA

Lehrstuhl für Städtebau und Landesplanung Lehrstuhl für Technischen Ausbau & Entwerfen Betreuer: Prof. Rolf Westerheide Dipl.-Ing. Anne Eaton Dipl.-Ing. Jo Ruoff

ABOUT FANJA

Fanja is one of the most attractive travel destinations in Oman. Blessed with a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and a 5000 year old civilisation that coexists comfortably with modern development. With a population of over 20.000, Fanja is one of the most dyna- mic cities of Oman. It is a unique mixture of old and new. Where graceful Mosques, elaborately designed forts and towers and ancient mud houses built in the mountains overlooking a vast Wadi merge with modern houses, schools and office blocks. Fanja, the „traders‘ crossroads“ - as it is sometimes known - is in the the wilayat of Bidbid which is the closest of the Dakhliyah to Muscat, lying only 60km from the capital. There are 40 towers in the area, the most famous being that in Fanja. Pottery and mats are handmade locally, the latter being woven from the leaves and branches of the palm tree. Wadi Fanja often contains running water and is a pleasant local picnic spot. There are around 20 Falaj (water springs) in Fanja, which meander around green oases and date plantations. Some of the best dates in Oman come from Fanja. There are a number of different date palms grown here: Naghal; Fardh; Handhal; Khanizi; Mabsali; and Khasab. Fanja‘s history runs deep suppor- ted by a contrast of green oases, mountains, and the wadi, and it is fast becoming an attractive tourist destination among the world‘s travellers. The city has a deep and rich culture which extends back to thousands of years. From the very beginning Fanja was considered to be a business hub and people were wealthy as they had expanded their commercial ties to Zanzibar, India and Africa. Project tasks include the development of ideas for a renovation of the ruined ancient city core, as well as the establishment of a sustainable facility programme, creation of logistical allotment and a differentiated dwelling conception. Living in Fanja should not contain profane housing styles, but more the revival of a historical omani city by using cultural and touristical elements without them to appear like an artifical setting. A focused observation of the old city must involve the stability of the traditional city center, the search for new clients, the analysis of the present built-up situati- on and also sceneries for a new urban development. By reflecting a larger urban scale of the immediate surroundings, what could be the potentials for the development of settlements in the oasis, at the wadi water- front and how is the connection to the old city center embedded within the concept. For further planning it is important to integrate places of international for a wider facility mixture and activity fields of social interaction and exchange, as well as various forms of temporarily or permanent housing and infra- structure. The urban masterplan should also consider the usage of topography and the immediate close- ness of the wadi and the oasis. Furthermore a climate concept has to be established, that uses the energetic potentials of oasis and the falaj water system.

‘FANJA IN TRANSITION’ THE PROJECT

The project conception task inclu- des the development of an urban masterplan and a constructive specification of a separated area. Furthermore spaces giving the possibilty of intervention, aims that clarify the measurements that have to be taken within the masterplan under sensitive consi- deration of the topography, the historical meaning of Fanja and its natural potentials. Therefore the conception should include a dense diversified urban dwelling offer, infrastructural allotment and touristical and cultural facilities. The building plots and cubatures designed need to be restricted in sensitive surroundings of important view relations to respect the historical heritage. The infrastructural concept should be almost vehicle free, offering parking slots at the bottom of the plateau and needs to be adapted according to the local climate conditions.

FANJA

FANJA IN TRANSITION _ housing units plateau Lehrstuhl für Städtebau und Landesplanung Lehrstuhl für Technischen Ausbau & Entwerfen Betreuer: Prof. Rolf Westerheide Dipl.-Ing. Anne Eaton Dipl.-Ing. Jo Ruoff

IN TRANSITION

MASTERPLAN I _ FANJA IN TRANSITION

Masterplan I of ‘Fanja in Transition’ with highlighted area for Low - Income Housing area.

highquality oasis living „lifted“ oasis living parking area for tourists[bus] reception suqare 7storey elevation building including conference etc. cafe and commercial areas restaurant mosque low income residences souq mixed commercial/ residential parks for leisure residences in the topography

school for traditional handcrafts traditional event square hotel area conference area retail grocery souq leveld square incl. tandoori start of the oasis pathway tourist infopoint school for adobe sonctructions

Masterplan zoom in 1:500

I Analysis: ‘That which distinguishes truly original minds is not being the first to see something new, but seeing as new something old, wellknown, seen and ignored by all.’ Friedrich Nietzsche

traditional housing

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

20-30cm clay mat of dried palm branches

80-100cm under ceiling slit openings of 20/60cm for ventilation

palm tree trunk

3-4m wide -> room size

roof often living area with 1m parapet

windows shielded with wooden bars: - prevent looks from outside - shading - control air ventilation

mostly family living

above: ‘exterior’ courtyard house below: ‘interior’ courtyard house

ground floor mostly storage and stables (wealthy families)

COMPONENTS, VOCABULARY, MEASURMENTS & PROPORTIONS

- ‘sablah’ - entertaining guests next to main entrance big proportions first floor - ‘sufaf’ - from room situated here called the ‘suffa’ 2nd & 3rd floor - ‘ghuraf’ - from ‘ghurfa’ meaning word space for seclusion top floor room -‘gharabiyya’- semi-covered area (arcade flat or curved) preceding preceding rooms - dahriz’ - ‘suffa’ on ground floor & 1st floor also semi-covered area preceding rooms - ‘arshah’ - (loggia) in 1st & 2nd floor

DIFFERENT COURTYARD TISSUES

main reception

3,5-4m high

‘qama’ deter-

- (stature) - used for mining floor heights

windows 1-1,5m apart, approx. 30-40cm above floor level

‘madda’ - further vertical measurment

doors and windows out of local wood

town centre of Mopti, Mali

aerial view of a ksar in Ziz river valley, Morocco. regular building tissue and streets.

niche 80/100cm as shelve hand span used as measurment for mud brick sizes

no openings towards street ‘From the point of view of the level of structural complexity of the tissue, the first intrinsic feature of a building type is its reproducibility. It is a necessary condition, but not a sufficient one, for its qualification as a "type." (…) a type should also include an ability to associate with other buildings of a similar nature so that its aggregation is realized in building tissues and parceled layouts.’

knee used for depth of foundations

village in the Haouz in Marrakesh, Morocco. example of spontaneous courtyard tissue formed by aggregation along pre-existing rural routes.

Attilio Petruccioli_After Amnesia

Typological process of the courtyard house. Variants of the single-family house within the limits of the plot: A1: entrance and path to opposite covered part A2: entrance and path from opposite covered part A3: layout of covered part along enclosure’s longer wall

1 NORTHERN

REGIONAL OBSERVATIONS

COASTAL REGION

- usually only one floor - material: mud brick or stone - flat timber roof - built around a courtyard - larger houses have summer / winter section - direction: sea with screens for the breeze(summer section) - some houses with windtower - ground floor for storag and stables (cooler) - upper floor family life plan of a house from Sohar (Kervran)

2 MOUNTAIN axonometric sections of houses in Meknés, Morocco nodal role of wust-ad-dar court remains its stereometry intact, plot deformation absorbed by rooms towards outside

Muscat, old french consulate upper floor

SETTLEMENTS

- defensive appearance - few openings towards street - narrow alleys bordered by two storey - houses - sometimes rooms spanning over street - sometimes compact types use roof terraces as missing courtyards - ground floor stables/storage ist floor suffa, dhariz, arsha (roof terrace) Balad Set, ground floor & upper floor terrace used as courtyard

3 DAKHILIYA

endogamous building tissue in the village of Tigzirt in Kabilia, Algeria hybrid between row-house and courtyard type linearly developed

Tiwi, houses, plans, Muscat, old French ground floor consulate upper floor

Balad Set, isometrical view

sketch of room spanning over street

Misfat, al-Abriyin houses

Misfat

Balad Set, no windows towards street

SETTLEMENTS

AL HAMRA: -at meeting point of two hills - natural protection & number of watch towers surrounding settlement & core of oasis - houses laid out in rows, separated by narrow lanes - oriented to south (reduces solar gain, catches breeze of valley, which draws cool air from mountains through the rows of houses - Falaj along main road - only small or no courtyards at all - compact housetype with interior starecase -drain spouts gather roof water to street, then to oasis air movement Al Hamra, uses within house, two-level windows

4 SHARQIYA

Hamra house interior with single windows

Hamra house interior storage ground floor

Hamra house facade

Nizwa al-Suwayq

SETTLEMENTS

IBRA: - impresive diversity of different types - bearing walls out of stone, 60-80cm thick, clay in between - non-bearing walls out of adobe bricks - wall of lower storey set back 3cm for rain - roof draining simple holes, spouting water to centre of street, away from building basis - often inner courtyard (increases ventilation, provides better lighting) - transition public-private: street - double door threshold - anteroom (semi-public) staircase at the back - upstairs private - never entrance over walled courtyard in old settlements Balad Set map hot air movement, houses shading eachother & buildings not connected

Ibra-Qanatir, main street view

Ibra-Manzafa houses

Ibra-Qanatir

I Analysis:

FANJA IN TRANSITION _ housing units plateau

There are certain interesting elements in the planning area that might affect the design: A tract of the Falaj system runs through the main gate, right next to the planning area. Some broken down walls reveal the older structures that used to form the outer wall. Interestingly there are also some built-in elements and materials that reveal a semi-successful modernization process.

Faisal Cherradi, Kultursenator, Marrakech

‘Das gedrängte Zusammenleben in den dichten Wohnquartieren der Stadt erforderte strengere räumliche Differenzierungen als auf dem Land; dennoch bestand eine enge Verwandtschaft, und man konnte sagen, dass das Nomadentum gleichsam der flüssige Aggregatzustand, das Stadtleben die verfestigte Form der gleichen kulturellen Substanz war.’ in

der

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

‘Das Kulturerbe ist nicht nur die Altstadt, es sind auch die Menschen. Wenn die Bewohner feuchte Wände haben, wie kann man dann erwarten, dass sie ihre geschnitzte Decke restaurieren?’

Stefano Bianca_Wohnen islamischen Stadt

Lehrstuhl für Städtebau und Landesplanung Lehrstuhl für Technischen Ausbau & Entwerfen Betreuer: Prof. Rolf Westerheide Dipl.-Ing. Anne Eaton Dipl.-Ing. Jo Ruoff

area’s distinctive features & examples

All of these small details carry several information: Some highlight basic needs for the current inhabitants, others show there are functioning and usable items at the site, while others might be considered as a warning regarding the mixture of traditional and contemporary design.

arabisch-

POSITIVE & NEGATIVE EXAMPLES

‘Das Gassennetz der Wohnbezirke ist absichtlich mit Umwegen, Brechungen, Pforten und Schwellen gespickt, sodass jeder männliche Besucher dessen gewahr sein muss, dass er sich in geschütztem privaten Territorium bewegt. Der Eintritt in ein fremdes Haus ist - auch für Freunde des Hausherren - besonders heikel, und der Besucher hat sich am Tor anzukündigen, jeden Blick ins Innere zu unterlassen und zu warten, bis die Familie die nötigen Vorkehrungen getrof¬fen hat, die "männlichen" Räume im Erdgeschoss des Hauses zu räumen und sich in die oberen Stockwerke zurückzuziehen. Wie die Stadt ist auch das Innere des Hauses unterteil bar in "öffentliche" und "private" Räume, und ein reicher Hausherr verfügt meistens über repräsentative Empfangsräume im Erdgeschoss, nahe dem Eingang, wo er sich zeitweise mit seinen männlichen Gästen aufhalten kann. Sobald er dies in Anspruch nimmt, scheidet sich das Haus in einen "öffentlichen" oder "männlichen" Bereich (selamlik) und einen "privaten" oder" weiblichen" Bereich" (haram), die unabhängig voneinander funktionieren. Im Normalfall wenn der Hausherr keine Gäste empfängt und mit seiner Familie verweilt, ist das ganze Haus ein haram. […] Die Spannungen zwischen den Polen von Innen und Außen, Ruhe und Bewegung _ Privatheit und Öffentlichkeit - innerhalb des kompakten Stadtgehäuses sollen aber nicht unvermittelt aufeinander prallen. Deshalb bedarf es eines eingebau¬ten Systems von Schleusen und Ausgleichskammern, die in mehreren Zwischenstufen, gleichsam Schritt für Schritt, die Spannung zwischen dem öffentlichen und dem privaten Bereich abbauen und überwinden können. Dieses Wegesystem führt aus dem öffentlichen Bereich der Märkte und großen Durchgangsstraßen über stille, versteckte Quartiergassen und verschließbare Sackgassen bis an die Schwelle des Haustores. Von dort aus wird es im Inneren des Hauses durch einen in sich geschlossenen Eingangsbereich fortgesetzt, sowie durch einen oder mehrere gebrochene Gänge, die auf Umwegen den Innenhof und andere Bereiche des Hauses erschließen.’ Stefano Bianca_Wohnen in der arabisch-islamischen Stadt

‘Neben der Heiligung des familiären Innenraumes hat noch eine zweite Grundvorstellung die Struktur und die Nutzung des islamischen Wohnhauses stark beeinflusst: Es ist die islamische Vorstellung der existenziellen Bedingtheit des Menschen und der letztlichen Hinfälligkeit des irdischen Lebens und seiner Einrichtungen. Der Bürger eines islamischen Gemeinwesens lebt gewissermaßen im irdischen Ableger eines jenseitigen Gottesstaates. Die irdischen Institutionen sind für ihn vorläufige und unvollkommene menschliche BeheIfsmittel, denen keine absolute Geltung zukommt. Dass sie gelegentlich auch versagen können, liegt in der Natur der Dinge. Utopien im Sinne moder¬ner europäischer Vorstellungen, wonach der Mensch aus eigener Kraft und mit rein materiellen oder technischen Hilfsmitteln gleichsam das Paradies auf Erden zu schaffen vermöge, hat der Islam nie gefördert. Einer solchen Skepsis gegen¬über beschränkten und einengenden gesellschaftlichen Ideologien entspricht im häuslichen Bereich die Abneigung, Räume zwanghaft festzulegen oder sich an unverrückbare materielle Einrichtungen zu klammern. Zwar hatte das Wohnhaus immer eine durchgestaltete architektonische Struktur, doch inner¬halb der gegebenen Räume blieb die Nutzung so flexibel, als wäre sie immer noch von nomadischen Sitten und Gebräuchen beeinflusst.’ Stefano Bianca_Wohnen in der arabisch-islamischen Stadt

‘A characteristic element of modern town planning structure not only in Nizwa but all over Oman is the freestanding villa, the typical »Omani villa« with large windows and a decorative facade. Regardless of the extreme climatic conditions, these villas are designed with an outward facing facade, which is intended to present the affluence of its inhabitants. A high wall, reminiscent of the traditional introverted house type, surrounds the complete plot of land. This housing model is practically the complete opposite of the traditional and compact town of loam-built dwellings. The new housing form constitutes a drastic change involving the extensive consumption of land, water and energy as well as changes in family structures and neighborly relations. This new international lifestyle does not only bear influence on housing forms, however, it effects the whole town structure and thus a cultural landscape that has evolved over thousands of years.’ Dr. Anette Gangler_’Oases Settlements in Oman’

REBUILDING THE OUTER WALL The site is situated in an area within the masterplan that needs to be planned with a great amount of care towards the old structures. The objective to re-create the old towns’ structures yet combining it with contemporary building techniques and aesthetics postulates a detailed examination on the original layout of the town. Of course it is not easy to read that old structure, since there are no aerial views or any sorts of documentation from the past. In addition, the piles of gravel within the ruins can only imply most of the older structures. The outer wall is one of the most important elements of the old town and should be restored to its original condition, without forgetting that there is no longer a need for fortification, rather one for positive, liveable space.

I Analysis:

FANJA IN TRANSITION _ housing units plateau Lehrstuhl f체r St채dtebau und Landesplanung Lehrstuhl f체r Technischen Ausbau & Entwerfen Betreuer: Prof. Rolf Westerheide Dipl.-Ing. Anne Eaton Dipl.-Ing. Jo Ruoff

photo walkthrough

i j

d c

k c

The photo walkthrough begins at the northern part of the plateau on the road leading to the main gate. An impression of the view from street is given on the pictures a-d. Photos e-g reveal both sides from the gate as well as a part of the planning area directly next to the city entrance. From here on photos h-i show the path between the future living area and the souq. In j & k the northern part of the plateau is seen.

Lehrstuhl f체r St채dtebau und Landesplanung Lehrstuhl f체r Technischen Ausbau & Entwerfen Betreuer: Prof. Rolf Westerheide Dipl.-Ing. Anne Eaton Dipl.-Ing. Jo Ruoff

site analysis

height: condition: function:

3.50m (approx. 7.50m in past) old structure (partially in use) town gate

height: condition: function:

3.00m old structure (ruin) building (dwelling)

height: condition: function:

3.00m old structure (ruin) building (dwelling)

height: condition: function:

3.00m new structure (in use) dwelling

height: condition: function:

1.80m old structure wall of courtyard

height: condition: function:

3.00m old structure (in use) building (dwelling)

height: condition: function:

3.50m old structure (in use) dwelling

planned structures

1000m2

40m

II Analysis:

FANJA IN TRANSITION _ housing units plateau

25m

old existing structures

new existing structures

supposed structures

SITE ANALYSIS

AERIAL VIEW

MOST PROBABLE STRUCTURE OF SOUTHERN PART

Falaj Town gate entrance

N 1:200

III Concept: Concept A: strict rebuild

concepts A + B

GUIDELINES

SHAPE SEARCH

MOST PROBABLE FORMER STRUCTURE

semi-public courtyard (within the family) private courtyard

double entrance

old fence (height 1.80m) => no further structures adjoining?

- rebuild obvious structures - one courtyard shared by several units - approx. 5 units - local materials - users: young families, students, school’s staff

CONCEPT A_OUTLINES

Concept A focuses on the nowadays - visible ruins. In this approach the design is based on the experience and the on-site analysis made, trying to read and regenerate the area’s shape in a useful way. The site will consist of a dwelling unit of approx. 5 appartments. A small community for young families, students or the staff of the Fanja school will have the opportunity to live within the centre of the new planned area. On the northern part the community borders to an open place from the mosque, while to the east it faces the back of the souq. The dwellings should be positioned around one main courtyard, which provides cool air from the west and a view over the oasis.

GUIDELINES

Concept B: new dwellings in old context

- only existing structures forming outer wall to be kept - new structures - use of the whole planing area - semi-public open spaces & several courtyards shared by inhabitants - private courtyards replaced by terrace in 1st floor - approx. 10 units (modular system) - orientation towards west (view & ventilation) - local materials - users: young families, students, school’s staff

Concept B is a completely different approach to the area than concept A. Here The basic idea is not to rebuild according to existing structures but to build with the know-how from the older structures. The only elements to be kept within the site are the parts of existing structures that form the outer wall. Within the site a new arrangement of dwellings will be positioned according to ventilation, views, privacy and shading. The apartments will share a community open space, yet most of them can use a terrace for a more private outside space. In concept B the aim is set at 10 units again for the same users as in concept A.

SHAPE SEARCH

CONCEPT B_OUTLINES

IV Design:

Concept A

FLOOR PLAN

R L

K B

MB MB

R MB

L T

F B

B T

K K

F B

K R

Living Foyer Kitchen Bathroom Room Master Bedroom Terrace

L F K B R MB T

B R

F B

N 1:200

L F K B R MB T

Living Foyer Kitchen Bathroom Room Master Bedroom Terrace

N 1:200

IV Design:

Concept B

FLOOR PLAN

T K F

B B R

high density for shading

L F K B R MB T

encourage view to oasis

Living Foyer Kitchen Bathroom Room Master Bedroom Terrace

N 1:200

Ground Floor modules: - measurments 9/5/3.75 - open kitchen min. 5m - living min. 30m - all modules with ‘double entrance’ foyer - all stairs (leading to private rooms) in back

L F K B R MB T

Living Foyer Kitchen Bathroom Room Master Bedroom Terrace

N 1:200

Upper Floor modules: - measurments 9/5/3 - 2-3 bedrooms & 1 bathroom - 6 of 9 units with private terrace

THEMES WARM A

COOL

COOL A

COOL

WARM

no visible connection to semi-public space

COOL COOL A

WARM COOL

WARM

COOL

A COOL COOL A

COOL

COOL COOL

A COOL

west - east wind direction capture

Unit Typologies Ground Floor

Cool / Warm areas regarding surrounding buildings

Views out of units & ‘private’ walls

entrances

supporting walls

FACADE CONCEPTS

FANJA IN TRANSITIO N _ h o u s i n g u n i t s p l a t e a u Lehrstuhl f체r St 채 d t e b a u u n d L a n d e s p l a n u n g Lehrstuhl f체r Technischen Ausbau & Entwerfen Betreuer: Prof. Rolf Westerheide Dipl.-Ing. Anne Eaton Dipl.-Ing. Jo Ruoff

DESIGN B is chosen for further development...

IV Design:

Concept B

FLOOR PLAN

T K F

B B R

high density for shading

L F K B R MB T

encourage view to oasis

Living Foyer Kitchen Bathroom Room Master Bedroom Terrace

N 1:200

Ground Floor modules: - measurments 9/5/3.75 - open kitchen min. 5m - living min. 30m - all modules with ‘double entrance’ foyer - all stairs (leading to private rooms) in back

L F K B R MB T

Living Foyer Kitchen Bathroom Room Master Bedroom Terrace

N 1:200

Upper Floor modules: - measurments 9/5/3 - 2-3 bedrooms & 1 bathroom - 6 of 9 units with private terrace

THEMES

no visible connection to semi-public space

A B A

west - east wind direction capture

Unit Typologies Ground Floor

Ground Floor Public Upper Floor Private

Views out of units & ‘private’ walls

entrances

supporting walls

IV Design:

Concept B

SECTIONS

SECTION A-A _ 1:200

SECTION B-B _ 1:200

SECTION C-C _ 1:200

CLIMATIC CONCEPTS

nighttime use private spaces daytime use public spaces

10:00

single unit out of adobe brick coated with polymer mesh

WARM

COOL

WARM 14:00 COOL COOL

WARM COOL

WARM

COOL

COOL COOL

warm air exit through air shafts directly under ceiling

COOL COOL COOL COOL

17:30

double ceiling with ventilation pockets

windcatcher with porous water container

THERMAL ANALYSIS

WATER EVAPORATION

SHADING

AIR MOVEMENT

Cool / Warm areas & Uses: Depending on the sourrounding buildings and on the positioning of each dwelling, certain areas enjoy more shade than others. Uses within these areas as well as openings in the facade can be adjusted accordingly.

Falaj & Water ponds: The Falaj is drawn inside the site, filling the three reservoirs and bringing water into the narow streets. The evaporation counteracts the high temperature.

Sunlight & Shading: Narrow streets, unit positioning and height provide shading on pedestrian level. Units also mostly shade eachother due to density.

Air Flow within site: Slice openings in outer wall allow air to enter. Unequally dense spaces between the dwellings encourage air flow.

IV Design:

Concept B

WINDCATCHER

light roof providing shade over main adobe roof layer. adobe ceiling does not collect too much heat during daytime -> house remains cool during night.

down

air sockets allow the wind to enter in between the two roof layers keeping the temperature cooler.

Windcatcher principles with Coandá effect. This system generates significant cooling ventilation within the structure below, but does not reduce temperature enough.

windcatcher 200/150/100 with porous water container & water supply As it is not possible to dig a Qanat into the rocky hill of Fanja the system as seen on the left is not realistic. a hybrid solution is possible. Using the idea of pic.3 with a porous water pot providing enough humidity to effectively cool down the entering air, a container is added to the windcatcher as seen above. A pipe running through the middle of the tower carries the water to the top, allowing the inhabitants to fill the container whenever necessary.

wind

hot air

cooled basement

qanat

The use of a Qanat filled with water brings cool air into the structure tha is being drawn through it by the windcatcher.

hot air escaping from lattice

sun shade

shutters control air movement

evaporative cooling as breeze passes over surface of porous water pot

DOUBLE ROOF

porous water pot

This technique is often seen in dense city structures. A porous water pot is placed at the shaded facade opening cooling the entering air significantly.

adobe ceiling. 20cm

woven palm leaf mat used as holding layer fpr adobe ceiling during construction palm tree trunks used as holding beams.

conventional: heat is absorbed by ceiling infiltrates interior by night

and

shaded roof: ceiling does no get direct sunlight, due to light roof construction + air sockets on either side provide air for cooling

IV Design:

Concept B

FACADE OLD -> NEW

no openings towards street 3,5-4m high under ceiling: slit openings for ventilation parapet

1st floor: living analysis of different visual relations

doors and windows out of local wood facade inspiration elements highlighted

ADOBE WALL REINFORCED WITH POLYMER MESH

more private facade due to height difference

1. traditional adobe construction is not reinforced, making it vulnerable...

2. polymer mesh holds structure together and is a sufficient & cheap solution

first sketch of facade

3 3. first the foundation of concrete and stone is built. the mesh is laid into the concrete, the plinth.

5 5. on top of the wall a wooden beam holds together the structure.

top - wooden beam holding walls together middle - adobe brick wall covered with polymer mesh bottom - concrete & stone foundation with mesh planted inside

4 4. adobe wall built out of adobe bricks and mud mortar.

6 6. the different parts of the mesh are being tied together and connected to the beam on the top.

7. the plaster is applied in several layers of different humidity providing the best connection between the wall and the mesh.

8. example of adobe brick house in Peru. fotos and explanation of Professor Marcial Blondet.

INTERIOR VIEW COURTYARD