New construction technology piloted in ECA

COMANESTI, Romania (April 6, 2007) – Constantly searching for new ways to serve more families in a more cost-effective manner, Habitat for Humanity is piloting a new construction technology in Romania.

When compared with traditional building methods and materials, the HFH Comanesti construction staff has found the “TermEcon”, or “Eurablok” technology to save time, money and are volunteer friendly when training with the blocks.

The TermEcon Romanian product licensee, Amero Industries, has waived their profit margin to support the partnership. In addition, Amero has provided training and technical advice to Habitat’s local construction team. The local name for the block will be TermEcon.

The Isle of Man-based patent company of the block, which is known internationally as Eurablok, Alternative Insulated Masonry Systems Ltd., also waived their royalty fee for the blocks to build three pilot homes in Romania.

A block-laying ceremony for the first home built with this innovative technology is set for April 6th, in the village Comanesti.

Unlike traditional fired bricks or blocks, the TermEcon/Eurablok can be built in any weather, thereby saving time lost for inclement weather. Since this technology employs a ‘dry stack’ system, it can be built anytime. Bonding cement is applied at a later time.

Further, the blocks can save homeowners money. The blocks are cast from a mix of small aggregate, concrete quality sand, and ordinary Portland cement, and designed with a central cavity which is insulated with an expanded polystyrene insulation – greatly reducing the volume of material. The blocks’ internal cavities create air pockets that serve as highly efficient – and natural - insulation. HFH Comanesti is monitoring and evaluating the pilot homes to determine the savings on heating costs, which can be up to 50 per cent when compared to a traditional home built with a timber frame, or brick.

The blocks are volunteer-friendly. Their unique design allows blocks to be easily stacked up for a “straight and plumb” wall and can be done by the most novice of volunteers.

Additionally, the blocks have been tested for earthquake resistance and meet Romani seismic standards. A pattern of vertical and horizontal reinforced beams and columns in the blocks provides the structural integrity necessary for earthquake zones typically absent in traditional, un-reinforced masonry construction. This is an enormous factor in some of HFH Europe & Central Asia’s earthquake-prone countries, such as Tajikistan.

“We’re really happy to launch this pilot project this spring. Beginning with just 3 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,” says Robin Black, Construction Manager for ECA.

About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a nondenominational Christian charity dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. It has built more than 200,000 houses; more than one million people are living in Habitat homes they helped build and own through low-cost, no-profit mortgages. We have positively affected lives in nearly 100 countries around the globe.

For more information, please contact:
Zamfir Todor in Romania, zamfir.todor@habitat.ro , +40 259-321-511