Eco-wall: modular solution for low-cost houses

In this paper we discuss the development of modular solutions for low-cost houses based on a pre-fabricated modular wall system that is environmentally sustainable, socioeconomically competitive and geared towards developing African nations who have a marked housing deficit. This deficit is set to increase as the population continues to grow exponentially and moves to urban areas in search of new opportunities. The response to this problem, from governments of different developing nations in Africa, has proved slow and inefficient clearly showing the need to develop a quick, sustainable and low cost housing solution. The key point for the research of the modular wall solution is that the wall has to be made with local and ecological materials and non-specialized workforce and that it can be adapted to different climates, with good hygrothermal acoustic and mechanical properties and with a competitive cost in local markets. It will fit into the socioeconomic and urban reality of the different countries and should be sustainable throughout its entire life cycle. The modular solution should also offer good safety and interior comfort conditions to its users while maintaining the flexibility to expand the size of the house. African families increase very quickly and subsequently need more living space. To develop an “optimal” wall solution the research goes into the different aspects of construction. Parameters like dimensions, materials and constructive processes of the existing housing stock were studied. Features such as the family size, typology, different uses, common materials, existing regulations, minimal living conditions, safety and comfort have also been studied to find the most efficient solution in terms of construction, use, maintenance and deconstruction.