Reef House Natural Building System Modular House of Sea-Crete
HOW THE IDEA WAS BORN: Since the construction industry is responsible for 70% of global pollution, and in coastal cities the growth of hotel projects has pushed housing areas to the slopes of the hills; areas which are difficult to provide basic services; moreover, the materials that come from other regions raise their cost. These facts made me consider a project in which low cost and sustainable techniques are at its core. HOUSING: It is a low-cost housing because of the use of recycled materials that come from the region, implementing a new construction system (simple assembly). It is Ideal because it tackles current needs and a future outlook: the issue of space and costs, to meet individual and family needs. (Couples, families and even sports or regular tourism). The reef house is a challenge, which sought to implement the technology sea-Decree bringing it to a level of simplicity thanks to a modular and economic proposal seeking greater flexibility at the lowest cost. LOW POWER GENERATED BY: • • • • • •
Use of photovoltaic panels. Water recycling systems. Water heating by sustainable means. (Black pipes) Liner with air chambers to insulate walls and indoor temperature. A sustainable toilet based on holding chambers. (Cycle 4 months) Night Illumination by LEED.
The project proposes to go further, renewing vernacular architecture techniques merging new building systems made from natural resources which seek to combine: comfort, innovation and simplicity by using SEA-CRETE “a material made of petrified sea salt similar to a coral reef " which is abundant and free. THE ASSEMBLY The building project is characterized by a quick and easy assembly in three days because everything is modular the structure, coatings and finishes. Besides having a construction system from prefabricated panels (slabs) with thermal and acoustic insulation. This is a very good option for permanent relocation of families who were affected by natural disasters. By being above the ground and only having contact points the structure can be adapted to uneven land.
PROCEDURE: A workshop is built near the sea in which molds of the panels are immersed these are connected to a power source which petrifies the salt and carbon, once the panel is manufactured it is finished and are placed in 2.8 x 2.8 containers for transportation.
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM: A structure based on modular panels generated from Sea Crete allows us several possibilities of projects, from an austere isolated house, tourist projects, and housing complexes. -system of 8 cm recycled coated metal tubes frames for the the base of the module and system of Slabs. Slabs which are structural and surrounding (covered and slabs) these are interposed resulting in the needed load resistance to create mezzanines as well as insulation to facades directly affected by the sun creating an insulating chamber.
It is also possible to build salt bricks walls if necessary, a traditional system for specific characteristics. HOUSING PLANS: Distribution of affordable housing , The House would be about 23m2 built. a maximum height of 2.8 meters.
DIFFERENT MODELS FOR DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS: Housing Plans OPTION A: One bedroom, social area, direct access to the terrace, kitchen and a complete bathroom. Possible implementations: Isolated, distribution dock, duplex module 8 houses Housing Plans OPTION B : This option has 2 bedrooms, a studio, and direct access to the terrace, kitchen and two bathrooms. Possible implementations: Isolated, distribution dock, housing or independent.
SELF BUILT Seeks to have sustainable housing as much as possible, because of the simplicity of the construction process is capable to be built by people without prior knowledge, and at the lowest possible cost few additional means are necessary. INTERIOR: Panels were used to generate the spaces of the room and bathroom. Furniture from the same material, characterized by its minimalism.
Both ends of the house have panoramic views one can appreciate the beach landscape alongside curtains and blinds.
In sets of 8 houses (cluster) these houses can be integrate into a system that draws water directly from the sea to be desalinated through a passive solar system.
Housing facilities are equipped with hot water through a sustainable system by means of a grid of black pipes in direct contact with sun irradiation placed the roof, to be used in the shower. COST: Finally, the most striking characteristic of the model is its cost, since most of the material is obtained free, and assembled almost without mortars we have a cost of 8000 usd per house.