April 19, 2007

Habitat pilots new building technology in Romania

Romania is testing out a new type of building technology that Habitat for Humanity is piloting over the next several months that could help reach more families easier and more cost-effectively.

Called the “TermEcon” or “EuraBlok” technology, the method differs from traditional building materials and techniques in that it saves time, money, is earthquake resistant, and volunteer friendly. Alternative Insulated Masonry Systems Ltd. (AIMS), which holds the patent EuraBlok and is based in Isle of Man, sold the blocks to Habitat at cost in support of the partnership.

Earlier this month, Habitat held a block-laying ceremony in the village of Comanesti, Romania, to kick off the event.

“We’re really happy to launch this pilot project this spring,” said Robin Black, construction manager for HFH Europe and Central Asia. “Beginning with just three homes, we’ll be able to assess and evaluate its compatibility with the Habitat model. With such a severe need for more efficient housing solutions for families in need, we’re delighted about this innovative technology.”

The blocks help save time lost to inclement weather as unlike traditional fired bricks of blocks they can be built in any weather conditions.

Another advantage of the EuraBlok is that they allow for a fast build, even in poor weather, by semi-skilled labour with an average of 24 square-metres per day.
A wall with 9,000 blocks, for example, would take 15 days to build with TermEcon blocks.

The technology is more cost-efficient for the homeowner. The blocks are cast from a mix of small aggregate, concrete-quality sand and regular Portland cement, which can be varied to cater to design and availability of local materials. The blocks’ pattern of vertical voids and notches in the cross walls allow room for insulation to be put inside, helping to reduce the heating costs of a modern energy-efficient house by half that of regular costs.

The EuraBlok technology differs from traditional building materials in that it is mortar-less. The blocks are instead joined together by a pattern of vertical and horizontal reinforced beams and columns, shuttered by the central voids in the blocks, provide a high-tensile capacity absent in traditional un-reinforced masonry construction.

This design also makes the final product more earthquake resistant. Romanian authorities reported exceptional results when conducting earthquake tests. This feature is especially important for some of HFH Europe & Central Asia’s earthquake-prone countries such as Tajikistan.

For more information, please contact Zamfir Todor zamfir.todor@habitat.ro in Romania.