BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0
PROJECT REPORT 1
COLOPHON in any case, you must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license and indicate if changes were made. Also, if you build upon the material, you must Bambú Social is a foundation with the
distribute your contributions under the
aim to improve the living conditions in
same license as the original. In this way
Nicaragua through the development and
Bambú Social hopes to disseminate
diffusion of sustainable housing made of
knowledge in the most accessible way
local materials.
possible.
Starting in November 2015, team
www.creativecommons.org
Bambú Social 2.0 analysed the achieved results of the foundation, concluding in
DATE
improvement suggestions for the design
September 2015 - January 2016
of a social house.
2
AUTHORS This report presents the results of
Marie-Louise Greijmans
Bambú Social 2.0. The knowledge
Thomas Hebbink
shared in this report is a combination
Sophie Hengeveld
of observations, interviews, literature
Verónica Mejías Reyes
studies and the experience of research by Bambú Social in El Rama, Nicaragua.
PHOTOGRAPHY & ILLUSTRATIONS Marie-Louise Greijmans
The content of this report and all other
Thomas Hebbink
work of Bambú Social, including the design and the details that are used in
CONTACT
the construction, are covered by the
www.bambusocial.com
following license of Creative Commons:
www.facebook.com/bambusocial
ShareAlike 4.0 International. +31 (0)6 25 02 39 43 This means that you are free to share,
bambusocial.tudelft@gmail.com
adapt and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially. But
Delft University of Technology
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
3
CONTENT 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 6 1.1 PREFACE ................................................................................................................. 9 1.2 READING GUIDE ....................................................................................................... 10 1.3 PROJECT SUMMARY .................................................................................................. 12
2. NICARAGUA & THE BAMBÚ SOCIAL FOUNDATION ........................................................... 14 2.1 NICARAGUA ............................................................................................................. 16 2.2 BAMBÚ SOCIAL FOUNDATION .................................................................................... 18
3. BAMBU SOCIAL 2.0 ....................................................................................................... 20
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5
GOAL AND METHOD .................................................................................................... PROJECT STRUCTURE ............................................................................................... PROJECT ORGANISATION .......................................................................................... FINANCES ............................................................................................................... PUBLICITY ..............................................................................................................
22 26 28 30 32
4
4. CONSTRUCTIONAL ANALYSIS ........................................................................................ 34
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... MODEL HOUSE ........................................................................................................ SOCIAL HOUSE ....................................................................................................... IMPROVEMENT SUGGESTIONS ................................................................................... BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................
36 38 62 66 75
5. SOCIAL ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................... 76
5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ THE SOCIAL HOUSE .................................................................................................. TARGET GROUP ANALYSIS ........................................................................................ SOCIAL HOUSING ..................................................................................................... DESIGN SUGGESTIONS ............................................................................................. BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................
78 80 84 102 108 114
PROJECTPLAN BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0
6. IMPACT ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................ 116
6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 118 AWARENESS OF BAMBÚ SOCIAL ............................................................................... 120 IMAGE OF BAMBOO .................................................................................................. 124 IMPLEMENTATION SUGGESTIONS .............................................................................. 128
7. DESIGN & CONSTRUCT ................................................................................................. 132 7.1 DESIGN WITH STUDENTS ......................................................................................... 134 7.2 CONSTRUCT WITH CRAFSTMEN ................................................................................. 146 7.3 BIBLIOGRAPHY ....................................................................................................... 158
8. CONTINUATION ............................................................................................................. 160
8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4
DIRECT IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................ CONSTRUCTIONAL CONTINUITY ................................................................................ RESEARCH CONTINUITY ........................................................................................... CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................
162 164 168 170
X. APPENDICES ................................................................................................................ 174
A. B. C. D. E.
INTERVIEWS ............................................................................................................. UCA DESIGN CASE RESULTS ...................................................................................... ENCUESTA ............................................................................................................... HOMEVISIT STORIES ................................................................................................. BUSINESS MODEL BAMBÚ BUENO ..............................................................................
176 192 196 200 212
5
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 PREFACE .................................................... 1.2 READING GUIDE ........................................... 1.3 PROJECT SUMMARY ......................................
09 10 12
8
PREFACE
1.1
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
From July 2015 until January 2016, we, Marie-Louise Greijmans, Sophie Hengeveld, Thomas Hebbink and Verónica Mejías Reyes had the opportunity to work for the Bambú Social foundation. By the end of October 2015 we delivered our project plan and we left for Nicaragua. During the three months in El Rama we delivered two elaborated research reports and posted three official updates on our progress. Analyses, research and tests have been done and a small bamboo construction was made as an experiment. To bundle all this information, findings and conclusions, this project report was written. In 2013, when Bambú Social was founded, seven students and six professionals contributed to the project. Their aim was to develop a public blueprint for a sustainable and socially accessible house made of local materials, while creating capacities amongst students and local craftsmen. Therefore, the design and construction of the model house was the main objective. Due to a broad collaboration with different parties, multiple side projects were attached. The recycle bins of bamboo and artesian workshops were commissioned by the municipality. The permaculture garden was an expertise of an individual team member. In September 2014 all activities were documented and reflected on. As a next step in the project, an intensive evaluation had to be done. Based on the conclusions of this evaluation, suggestions can be made for the continuity of Bambú Social and future activities. We are team Bambú Social 2.0, existing of four students with different backgrounds and specializations. With a great preparation in The Netherlands (based on the minor programme International Entrepreneurship and Development at Delft University of Technology) and dedicated work in Nicaragua, we hope we got one step closer to affordable, easy-to-build housing of good quality that is fits the various needs of the residents of Nicaragua. We really enjoyed the project as it was an enriching experience for all of us. This report bundles all our information, findings and conclusions, as well as our impressions and experiences. Read and enjoy!
9
1.2
READING GUIDE This project plan is written by team Bambú Social 2.0 for both the educational purpose (minor International Entrepreneurship & Development) as for our client Bambú Social foundation and all the sponsors and supporters. A lot of aspects and topics will be discussed. Therefore a reading guide was made which will make the reading more convenient. The project report consists of four main parts. In the first part (chapter 2 and 3) Nicaragua and the Bambú Social foundation will be introduced. With that the project structure and goal of team Bambú Social 2.0 will be presented. In the method the approach and implementation is explained, which forms the basis for the project, activities and results. The second part (chapter 4, 5 and 6) is the evaluation part and consists of the three evaluation reports. The constructional, social and impact analyses focus on what has been done since 2013 until now. This extensive research was done to learn from the past and, for that reason, concludes in suggestions for the future.
10 The third part (chapter 7) focuses of the implementation of the project, taking the suggestions of the evaluation part into account. Some of these suggestions were executed during the project of Bambú Social 2.0, mainly related to constructing and designing. In the fourth part (chapter 8) future collaboration opportunities are presented. Based on all previous chapters, an answer to the question how Bambú Social can continue living up to its goal and how it can continue contribute to development is given. In this part we also expand on a business culture and the idea of a prefab bamboo company. Recommendations for Bambú Social are presented with our vision on continuation and approach for future teams.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
11
1.3
PROJECT SUMMARY NICARAGUA
Bambú Social 2.0. Our goal was to get one
Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in
step closer to affordable, easy to build
Central America. There is a great shortage of
housing that matches perfectly to the needs
housing and the existing houses have many
and wishes of the people of Nicaragua.
qualitative shortcomings. This makes that
We reflected and analysed the obtained
78% of the population is homeless or lives in
accomplishments of Bambú Social. Based
very poor conditions.
on the knowledge and experience of the last two years, we investigated ways to improve
BAMBOO
the design of a social house.
Bamboo is a strong building material. It can be produced locally, grows extremely
EVALUATION
fast, needs few nutrients and helps prevent
Our first step was to analyse the model
deforestation of the rainforest. Also, the
house on constructional aspects. With the
growth prevents soil erosion and bamboo
help of local craftsmen who were involved
has a high CO2 absorption.
in the construction, the model house was inspected from top to toe, from ridge to
12
BAMBÚ SOCIAL FOUNDATION
foundation. All our findings were collected
Bambú Social is a foundation that aims
in an elaborated report, concluding in
to improve the housing conditions in
constructional design suggestions for the
Nicaragua, by sharing knowledge about the
social house. These new connections were
use of bamboo as a construction material. In
tested in the experiment Techito, Spanish for
2014, a bamboo model house was built in El
little roof.
Rama, as an experiment on using bamboo in a local, sustainable and cost efficient way
We continued our research with a social
in Nicaragua. Based on this model house,
analysis of El Rama, in which we matched
a first design for a cheaper and more basic
the design of the social house to the target
social house was made, taking all previous
group. While visiting people in their homes,
lessons into account.
we asked them to draw and explain their current living situation and their dream house. In this way, we learned about the needs and wishes of fifty families of El Rama and incorporated them to the design of the house. This social analysis concludes in functional design suggestions. The constructional and social analysis
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0
combined form the program of requirements
From November 2015 till January 2016, we
to optimize the design of the social house.
joined the Bambú Social project as Team
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
IMPLEMENTATION
We concluded our project with a final
During a design case that we organised
event in the model house and we met up
at the Universidad Centroamericana in
with the interviewed families, the students
Managua, five architecture students decided
and craftsmen, the local government and
to join us in our journey. Together with
our new partners. By sharing our findings
these future architects, we sat around the
and the two alternative designs with them,
table and turned challenges into solutions.
we hope that we got one step closer to
After weeks of hard work, this resulted in
affordable, easy to build housing, matched
an alternative design for the social house.
perfectly to the needs and wishes of the
The main characteristics of this new design
people of Nicaragua.
are its modularity, its flexibility and its ability for prefabrication. Because we believe that a social house should be accessible to the
Si lo puedes soĂąar, lo puedes hacer.
poorest, while adaptable to the needs and
wishes of the entire target group.
- If you can dream it, you can do it.
2
NICARAGUA & THE BAMBÚ SOCIAL
FOUNDATION
2.1 NICARAGUA .................................................... 16
2.1.1 Housing situation ....................... 16
2.2 BAMBÚ SOCIAL FOUNDATION ........................... 18
2.2.1 Mission ....................................... 18
2.2.2 Bambú Social 2013-2014 ........... 18
2.1
NICARAGUA Nicaragua (officially Republic of Nicaragua)
Health: Malaria and tuberculosis cases
is the largest country in Central America.
continue to increase and one out of three
The six million inhabitants are enriched by
children suffer from chronic malnutrition. 64%
multiple influences over the years. The country
of the population does not have access to
is mainly populated by Mestizo’s (69%), while
sustained sanitation services.
the Atlantic coast is mostly populated by indigenous groups like Miskito’s, Rama’s and
Environment: large scale commercial
Creoles (Index Mundi, 2011). Nicaragua is
agriculture have decimated the forests and left
known as the land of lakes and volcanoes (7.14
the land vulnerable to landslides and droughts.
percent water of total area), and contains a Human Rights: approximately 76,000
variety of climates and terrains.
landmines (left over from the Contra war) still
16
Despite the richness of cultures, climates and
remain in the soil and continue to kill and
landscapes, Nicaragua is one of the poorest
maim hundreds (particularly children).
countries in the world. Over the past decades,
Youth and Education: 29% of the children
the country has been hit by devastating
complete primary school, 5% of disabled
events; both political as economical as
children receive an appropriate amount of
environmental. These have left the nation in
attention.
a precarious development position for this century. Different aspects of the country are
Housing: 78% of the people live in
explained below (FSD, 2015).
substandard homes or do not have adequate housing (record in Latin and South America)
Economy: Nicaragua is the fourth poorest
(IDB, 2012).
nation in the Western Hemisphere. Its economy is based mainly on agricultural
A detailed poverty analysis can be found in the
exports (coffee, sugar, beef, and seafood)
Project Plan of Bambú Social 2.0 (2015).
along with some manufacturing export.
2.1.1
HOUSING SITUATION In order to get a more specific look on the housing problem, downscaling is needed. Therefore local investigation can be done and direct impact could be analyzed. The choice made by our client is to zoom into the municipality of El Rama in the RACCS (South Atlantic Autonomous Region)..
El Rama
Building techniques used in El Rama are not adapted to the local environment any more. The current materials create a warm and
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
43% LIVES BELOW POVERTY LINE humid interior climate and are produced with processes that pollute the natural environment (concrete walls with tin roofs). In addition, the local population is dependent on large-scale central systems for building, electricity, clean drinking water and food. These are systems they cannot always rely on, there is a lack of clean drinking water, there are regular power cuts and a lot of food is imported resulting in high prices. Recent research shows
64% DOESN’T HAVE SANITATION SERVICES
Nicaragua has the poorest quality of housing in all of Latin America and a housing deficit of 12%, 900,000, as mentioned before. In the social analysis (chapter 5) the current housing situation is studied in more detail. The most important reason for these problems on the quantitative side are the high building costs, mainly caused by expensive construction materials. On the qualitative side the lack of infrastructure access (e.g. to clean drinking
71% DOESN’T FINISH PRIMARY EDUCATION
water) and use of poor materials are the main issues (IDB, 2012). This although El Rama is rich in potential resources, like a yearly rainfall of 3000 mm, 2400 sun hours, various bamboo plantations, trees, fruits and a rich traditional building culture. The image of this traditional housing has been damaged by American influences (starting in 1855). Experience and knowledge of local construction materials were lost over the ages.
33% SUFFERS FROM CHRONIC MALNUTRITION
Bambú Social aims to reconnect the people of Nicaragua to one of the widely available resources by linking the continuous housing (health and safety) problem to the widely available material bamboo.
200 HA RAINFOREST DISAPPEARS EVERY DAY
2.2
BAMBÚ SOCIAL FOUNDATION Bambú Social is an educational and
The two foundations together are heading
construction project with the vision to
for an improvement of the social housing
share knowledge and expertise about the
condition, starting in, but not limited to
use of local resources for sustainable and
Nicaragua.
affordable social housing.
2.2.1
MISSION
The foundation works according five
The goal of Bambú Social Foundation is to
principles. It is important that these appear
improve the housing conditions in Nicaragua
in every practice of the project. In the social
by sharing knowledge and expertise about
analysis the principles and how they are
the use of local resources for sustainable
applied on the first design of the social
and affordable social housing. For this, a
house is explained elaborately (page 82).
building method of bamboo social housing is created, by working together with the local community, governmental and non-
PRINCIPLES OF BAMBÚ SOCIAL
governmental organisations and experts from all over the world.
1. Share knowledge and skills 2. Use local resources
18
3. Create local systems
This project can be considered as an
4. Make it environmentally prospering
opportunity is to contribute to the
5. Dare to play, dare to discover
housing problem in Nicaragua. This will be an iterative process that will eventually meet its higher goal: contributing to the
To be able to amplify the impact and
development of Nicaragua.
professionalise the continuity, Bambú Social foundation has partnered up with the
The deliverables of the project Bambú Social
foundation Incombinación, based in The
show that bamboo housing is feasible.
Netherlands.
Bamboo has the potential of becoming a standard building material and be adapted by the architects and universities, who are
“We want to share knowledge
the engineers of the future.
with locals and stimulate the
In Rostow’s theory this movement is called
acceptance of bamboo
transition and will be the first steps of the
as a construction material” Incombinación provides learning and
curve (take-off).
2.2.2
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2013 – 2014
intercultural opportunities, empowers
In 2013 and 2014 seven students and six
solidarity and conscious living, and promotes
professionals contributed to the project
participation in the development of society.
Bambú Social. The aim was to develop a
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
public blueprint for a sustainable and socially
construction of this first bamboo social
accessible house made of local materials,
house step by step.
while creating capacities amongst students and local craftsmen. At the same time, this
In El Rama, Bambú Social set up a
model house functioned as an experiment
sustainable construction course, together
on using bamboo in a local, sustainable and
with the local university and the municipality,
cost efficient way in Nicaragua. Based on this
to share knowledge about a sustainable and
experiment, a first design for a cheaper and
dignified alternative to the available social
more basic social house was made, taking all
housing.
previous lessons into account. In September 2014 all activities were The building method can be practiced
documented and reflected on, which is very
in a completely local manner, with the
important for the continuity of the project.
integration of a decentralized, low-tech, natural water purification and storage system
In 2015 team Bambú Social 2.0 was formed
in order to provide clean drinking water.
to contribute to the continuation of the
The complete method is described in
project. Based on the knowledge and
the manual ‘Un manual de construcción
experience of the first two years, team 2.0
sostenible’. This manual explains the entire
investigated ways to improve the first design
process of bamboo cutting to complete
of the social house.
THE SOCIAL HOUSING CONCEPT BY BAMBÚ SOCIAL
19
3
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0
3.1 GOAL AND METHOD ............................................. 22
3.1.1 Our goal .......................................... 22
3.1.2 Method ........................................... 22
3.1.3 Implementation .............................. 23
3.2 PROJECT STRUCTURE ......................................... 26
3.2.1 Two main phases .......................... 26
3.2.2 Documentation .............................. 26
3.2.3 Activity lines ................................... 27
3.3 PROJECT ORGANISATION ..................................... 28
3.3.1 Team BambĂş Social 2.0 .................. 28
3.3.2 Internal stakeholders ...................... 28
3.3.3 External stakeholders ..................... 28
3.4 FINANCES ........................................................... 30
3.4.1 Fundraising ..................................... 30
3.4.2 Expenses ........................................ 30
3.5 PUBLICITY .......................................................... 32
GOAL AND METHOD
3.1
From September 2015 to January 2016,
In order to do so, we took a step back to
team Bambú Social 2.0 continued the
analyse what has been done by Bambú
previous work of the Bambú Social
Social from 2013 until now. This evaluation
foundation. In September and October
stage consists of a constructional and a
2015 research was done to prepare our stay
social analysis.
in El Rama. Based on this preparation, we defined our goal. In this chapter our goal
CONSTRUCTIONAL ANALYSIS
will be described and will be explained how
The model house built in 2014 was
we want to accomplish it.
investigated on constructional level. This was done by the team itself with the help of
3.1.1
OUR GOAL
students and craftsmen who were involved
In three months in Nicaragua, team Bambú
in the building process. By involving the
Social 2.0 aims to get one step closer
students in the process, we also worked on
to accessible, easy-to-build housing of
our second goal. By the construction of a
good quality that is matched perfectly to
scaled model, the first design of the social
the needs and wishes of the residents of
house was investigated. The constructional
Nicaragua.
analysis concludes in design suggestions to optimize the bamboo social house on
“We want to get one step closer to accessible, easy-to-build housing
that matches perfectly to the needs and wishes
of the people of Nicaragua”
constructional aspects.
SOCIAL ANALYSIS The functional aspects of the social house were investigated in the social analysis. In this analysis, the first design of the social house, the target group and the social housing opportunities in Nicaragua were discussed. In order to do so, we visited 50
This is done by means of two assignments:
families in El Rama. During this homevisits
1. Finding ways to optimize the first design
we learned about their housing needs
of the bamboo social house
and wishes, and incorporated them to the design. The social report concludes
2. Actively involving local craftsmen,
in functional design suggestions for the
students and the target group for social
bamboo social house.
housing in the project. We believe that the combination of both
3.1.2
METHOD
constructional as social analysis form a
The first assignment was to find ways to
good basis for a follow-up, optimized
optimize the design of the social house.
design of the social house.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
3.1.3
IMPLEMENTATION
(Arnold and Bell, 2001) as shown in the
The second assignment is to actively involve
scheme below.
local craftsmen, students and the target group for social housing to the project. In
In this scheme, Bambú Social functions as
order to find ways to do this we investigated
an intermediate organisation. By working
the impact of Bambú Social from 2013 until
together with education and research
now. This impact analysis concludes in
systems and business systems, the
implementation suggestions.
acceptance of bamboo as a construction material can be improved. This means
DIRECT IMPLEMENTATION
knowledge diffusion through these existing
To involve all parties, we think direct
networks.
implementation is fundamental. We approached the implementation according
The goal for Bambú Social is to eventually
to the scheme of national innovation systems
let go of the components so they can
Bambú Social components of national innovation system of Nicaragua Demand Individual families with low income ($2000/year) to high income Public housing (public government investment) Contractors (private investment)
Business System Education and research system
(prefab) Bamboo companies Bamboo farmers - employment - safety
Intermediate organizations Bambú Social foundation
- health - environmental
Local education (BICU) Central education (UCA) (international)
awareness
Research network
Microfinance
Infrastructure
Diffusing through
Subsidies for bamboo research
Subsidies for bamboo
participation groups
(Universities and students)
investements (contractors)
Banking loan support
develop themselves independently of
the design of the social house needs the
the intermediate organisation (external
input of local construction methods and
help). Therefore we want to stimulate the
values. Of course, by working together with
acceptance of bamboo as a construction
these students, we hope they get involved
material.
in the future development of the use of local resources for (social) housing.
With direct implementation, we mean implementation during each step in the
To learn about their vision, experiences and
process of the project.
values, we organised a design case with the UCA (Universidad Centroamericana). Five
DESIGN WITH STUDENTS
students volunteered to join BambĂş Social in
We started this direct implementation
the designing process during December and
with the involvement of students, who
January.
are the engineers of the future. For the improvement of the design of the social
CONSTRUCTION WITH CRAFTSMEN
house, the experience and knowledge of
Through the construction of the scaled
local students is crucial. Because we think
social house (first design) we were able to
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
go deeper into the construction details (e.g. prefabricated wall elements). Some of the new connections were constructed and tested in the experiment ‘Techito’ (=little roof). This was done by the help and experience of local craftsmen and the architecture students. For this, we cut over a hundred bamboo culms, of which the natural treating process was also an experiment.
PARTICIPATING TARGET GROUP Apart from the involvement of craftsmen and students, the involvement of the actual target group is also very important. After the introduction meeting and home visits, we decided to put more emphasize on involving local families with the Bambú Social project. As concluded from the cultural analysis of civil society (Bambú Social, 2015) the citizens could be seen as a cohesive and participating mass. By including the families and sharing each step of the process, we hope to make bamboo housing more accessible. Together with the students, craftsmen and local families we hope to get one step closer to accessible, easy-to-build housing of good quality, matched perfectly to the various needs of the residents of Nicaragua, and eventually, to contribute to the housing situation in El Rama.
PROJECT STRUCTURE
3.2
EXECUTION PHASE (WEEK 10 - WEEK 19)
In the previous chapter, the goal and the method of project Bambú Social 2.0 are explained. The method includes many tasks
Evaluation
and activities, which are structured and
• Constructional analysis
presented in this chapter.
• Social analysis • Impact analysis
3.2.1
TWO MAIN PHASES The project can be devided in two main
Implementation
phases: the preparation phase in the
• Construction with craftsmen
Netherlands and the execution phase in
• Design with students
Nicaragua.
• Involvement local families (target group)
PREPARATION PHASE (WEEK 0 - WEEK 9)
Continuation • Collaboration opportunities
Research
• Criteria for development (from project to
• Technical research on bamboo
development)
• Cultural research Nicaragua
26
Publicity
• Implementation research
• Awareness increasement of the project Fundraising and publicity
• Update sponsors and supporters
• Donation page • Bambú Social night The execution phase in Nicaragua took The two months of preparation took place
three months. This phase consists of four
in September and October 2015. With
main themes; evaluation, implementation,
the help of the programme International
continuation and publicity. The themes
Entrepreneurship and Development (IE&D) at
cannot be separated completely, as many
the Delft University of Technology (DUT) and
activities overlap and are connected with
the Bambú Social foundation, we were able
each other.
to gain the needed background knowledge. Literature studies about bamboo, the culture
3.2.2
DOCUMENTATION
of Nicaragua, sustainable entrepreneurship
To make our work valuable, sharing
and developing countries in general helped
knowledge is not only important with other
us to prepare for the execution phase and
parties, but also within the Bambú Social
make a comprehensive project plan.
foundation we have make sure that gained knowledge and experience doesn’t get lost.
Also fundraising and publicity were very important tasks in this phase, to be able to
Therefore, a continuous task alongside
live up to our plan.
all phases and themes of the project is
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
the documentation. Not only the results
all activities are sorted out in the overview
and findings of our research, but also a
below. Small activities are illustrated as
reflection on our process on both cultural,
stops while milestone activities are shown
organisational and personal level.
as bigger, white stations.
Documentation
All coloured lines stand for different
• Sharing all gained knowledge
themes of activities. In the preperation phase, these themes coincide and have
Reflection
a great overlap. In the execution phase,
• Cultural reflection
they are more seperated and follow their
• Organisational reflection
own course. In the final event all themes
• Personal reflection
come together, as a completion of the execution phase in Nicaragua. The tail at the right can be seen as the settlement and
3.2.3
ACTIVITY LINES
the closure of the project by team Bambú
All tasks are carried out through numerous
Social 2.0. However, the track doesn’t end
actions. From conducting interviews to
in the 21st week. After all, the project is to
posting updates and organising events,
be continued...
ALL MAIN ACTIVITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PROJECT
PROJECT ORGANISATION
3.3
All tasks and activities, that are presented
EL RAMA
in the previous chapter, are carried out by team Bambú Social 2.0. In this chapter can be
• Citizens
found more about the team members, their
Families, participants of workshops Artesanía
background and their responsibilities. Also
& Construcción sostenible
the internal and external stakeholders are an important part of the project organisation.
• Municipality / Local government (Alcaldía) Javier Balmaceda (Director of Planification),
3.3.1
TEAM BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0
Ines Ortega (Local development)
Team Bambú Social 2.0 consists four team members with different qualities and
• Craftsmen
backgrounds; Marie-Louise Greijmans,
Lester Antonio Bermúdez and Angel Theodoro
Sophie Hengeveld, Thomas Hebbink and
Gutierrez
Verónica Mejías Reyes. In the project the the responsibilities were divided to make the
UNIVERSITIES
organisation as efficient as possible, although
28 3.3.2
many of them have a great overlap. The main
• Universidad Centroamericana (UCA)
responsibilities are described on the left page.
Emma Grun (lecturer Urbanism)
INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
• Bluefields Indian and Caribbean University
During the project team Bambú Social 2.0
(BICU)
worked with different parties within the
Rafael Acevedo (principal)
foundation.
BAMBOO PLANTATIONS • Client Bambú Social foundation (assistance in The
• INTA (El Recreo)
Netherlands)
Raúl Santos
• Supervisor on site
• La Fonseca
Henky Borgstein (practical assistance)
Juan Beltran Mendez
• Educational supervisor
FUTURE PARTNERS (OPPORTUNITIES)
Wim Ravestijn (educational assistance) • CEDEHCA Thomas Hellmann, Michael Campbell
3.3.3
EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS The team also worked with various external
• EcoPlanet Bamboo
parties. External (possible) stakeholders and
Fransisco Ferreira
contact persons are listed in the blocks below.
Marie-Louise Greijmans - Bachelor Civil Engineering constructional analysis & report | final documentation | online PR - PROJECT REPORT BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 I’m very glad to be part of the team who will continue the tremendous achievements of Bambu Social. Last three years I have learned a lot about constructions and improved my management skills during the organisation of various (student) activities. Bambu Social 2.0 for me is, not just a next step abroad, but also a challenge to contribute in such a way that my expertise will guide the local people during the development of social housing construction. I hope this transfer ofknowledge would be in both ways and the knowledge must be maintained during the years.
Sophie Hengeveld - Bachelor Architecture, Bachelor Psychology social analysis & report | graphic documentation | photo and video assembly Thanks to the TU Delft I have the opportunity to join the second team of Bambú Social. My passion lies in the social aspect of architecture and design. That is why, apart from architecture, I’m studying psychology. The influence of the built environment on the quality of life is immense and forms the basis of my work. By joining the Bambú Social team I hope to learn about the living conditions and desires in a culture far from my own, and to contribute to the quality of life in Nicaragua by the exchange of knowledge with local residents.
Thomas Hebbink - Bachelor Architecture constructional analysis | construction management | finances Through the minor International Entrepreneurship & Development I came into contact with Bambú Social. The last couple of years I have worked on various building sites in Holland where I learned and gained lot of experience. With this project I hope to gain more knowledge about different building materials (e.g. bambú) under different building conditions. I am very enthusiastic about being part of this project because I think it can make a real difference for the housing conditions in Nicaragua.
Verónica Mejías Reyes - BSc. Tourism MSc. Business Administration social analysis | local PR | spanish translation Thanks to Bambú Social I have the opportunity to be introduced in the world of International Development Cooperation, a pending subject for me that I will face with great desire. During my professional career I especially enjoyed working with people. Carrying out social activities in order to establish, develop, optimize and maintain the relationship between Bambú Social and its public is a challenge that motivates me and will make me enjoy the work. I’m sure that contributing to improve the living conditions in Nicaragua will be an amazing experience and that together, we will turn difficulties into great opportunities.
FINANCES
3.4
This chapter explains how we financed the
organisation that supports developing
project Bambú Social 2.0.
projects organised by students. They covered the construction costs during the
3.4.1
FUNDRAISING
project.
In order to fund the three months of work in Nicaragua, the estimated budget was
DONATIONS
9000 euro’s. The team applied for various
Companies, organisations, friends, family
funds and used different ways to collect the
supported this project through donations.
needed budget. Apart from the preliminary
An online donation page has been opened,
research, fundraising has been one of the
where donating money can be done easily
main activities in the preparation phase of
and in a few clicks through iDeal. During the
the project.
execution phase the donation page stayed online, so people had the opportunity to
PERSONAL GRANTS
keep supporting the project during these
One of our main personal grants is the
months.
International Internship Fund by the TU
www.bambusocial.com/donate
Delft (FIS), that was granted to three team
30
members. In addition, an internship fund (TBI) was granted by the UniversiteitsFonds
By donating 100 euros or more, a bamboo
Delft and a monthly compensation for a
culm could be ‘adopted’, and the (company)
temporary stay abroad was given by the
name was engraved in the bamboo
Ministry of Education (OV stop).
construction.
FOUNDATIONS
FUNDRAISING EVENT
Other foundations, who’s vision is similar
On October 17th 2015, we organised the
to ours, were willing to fund the project.
Bambú Social Night, an open event to
Student4Sustainability is a student
collect money through drinks. Here we had the opportunity to thank all sponsors and supporters. Live music, Nicaraguan Rum and a salsa DJ entertained the guests. The viceconsul of Equador and the founder of the Incombinación foundation gave a speech and we explained the guests about our project plan. The Bambú Social night raised a total amount of 700 euros!
3.4.2
EXPENSES Thanks to all funds, sponsors and supporters, we collected a total of 8130 euros within one
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
month, as can be seen on the next page.
and living costs. All the money was used as
The expenses can be divided into five main
efficient as possible. In this way we managed
topics; preparation costs, construction
to carry out all our plans within the estimated
costs, execution costs, transportation costs
budget.
INCOME
EXPENSES
31
PUBLICITY
3.5
As described in the project organisation
and finances (chapter 3.3 and 3.4) Bambú
On the Bambú Social Facebook, minor
Social has many stakeholders, sponsors and
(weekly) updates on our progress were
supporters. The project is able to run due to
posted. These posts reached around 1000
the financial and practical support of these
people with our personal record of 2467
parties. Therefore, a good communication
views. These are mainly friends, family and
with these people and organisations is crucial.
other involved and interested people, but also
Not only existing stakeholders, but also
potential new supporters, reached though the
potential new partners and supporters of the
existing network.
project are an important audience.
www.facebook.com/bambusocial BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - UPDATE 2
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0
1 UPDATE
2 UPDATE
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0
3 UPDATE
NEWSLETTER Sponsors of Bambú Social who signed up for the newsletter were informed about our progress and milestones through emails that
32
09 / 11 / 2015
17 / 12 / 2015
30 / 01 / 2016
link to the official updates on the website.
FOLDERS WEBSITE
In addition to the online promo, we also
The Bambú Social website is our main
focused on live promo. Information folders
information platform, accesible for everyone.
were personally spread to students and
Important milestones and updates are posted
teachers of the TU Delft and Leiden University.
here. During our stay we published three
These provided a summary of the project and
official updates in PDF format and many minor
information on how to support the project.
updates to keep the audience informed.
EVENTS www.bambusocial.com
To crown the promo plan (as can be found in the project plan of Bambú Social 2.0), the Bambú Social event was organised in October 2015 (The Netherlands). Through the network of supporters of Bambú Social, many people were invited to the event, were they were informed about the project plan. In January 2016 a final event was organised especially for the people of El Rama. Here, the interviewed families, the students and craftsmen, the local government and our
A screenshot of the Bambú Social website
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
new partners came together and were informed about the progress of our team, the outcome of our project and the future of Bambú Social.
The invitations for the two organised events
VIDEOS In the last weeks of our stay we have published two series of short videos. The most important series shows our main activities as team Bambú Social 2.0. The last video, also our last official update, is a project summary in wich the project report of Bambú Social 2.0 is visualized. The other series consists of impressions of El Rama and surroundings, to give people a better and more lively image of the situation on site.
4
CONSTRUCTIONAL ANALYSIS
4.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................ 36 4.2 MODEL HOUSE ................................................................. 38
4.2.1 maintenance and measurements ................ 38
4.2.2 physical analysis............................................. 38
A. Foundation ........................................... 38
B. Columns, beams and trusses................ 42
C. Stability ................................................. 50
D. Roof ...................................................... 51
E. Atmosphere ......................................... 54
F. Electricity .............................................. 56
G. Water system ....................................... 56
H. Sanitary and dry toilet ......................... 56
I. Bio systems .......................................... 60
4.3 SOCIAL HOUSE................................................................... 62
4.3.1 physical analysis............................................. 62
4.4. IMPROVEMENTS SUGGESTIONS............................................ 66
4.4.1 Physical improvement suggestions ............... 67
Strut connection......................................... 67 Foundation................................................. 68 Panel foundation........................................ 68
Connection between folumn and beam .. 69
Outriggers................................................... 70
Rafter connection - jointed....................... 71
Rafter connection - fixed............................ 72
Panel connection....................................... 73
4.4.2 Discussion ...................................................... 74
4.5 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................. 75
4.1
INTRODUCTION Since 2013, Bambú Social does research on local building materials and opportunities in Nicaragua, resulting in the design and construction of a bamboo model house in El Rama. This house functions as an example that shows the various qualities of bamboo which could help improve the image of bamboo as a construction material. Most importantly, the construction of the model house served as an experiment on constructing with bamboo in a local, sustainable and cost efficient way. Based on the construction of the model house and the experiences obtained, a first draft for a social house was designed. The aim of Bambú Social is to create a design of a social house that is affordable for lowincome families, easy to build and of good quality that matches with the culture of Nicaragua. In order to improve the design of the social house, this constructional report discusses the outcome of the experience of last year and the possibilities we see for the future. Together with our local supervisor and three students who participated in the course “Construcción Sostenible de Bambú”, we’ve analysed the constructional aspects of the model house. The design of the social house is investigated by constructing a scaled model by using the “Manual
36
de construcción sostenible” as a guide (draft version). The analyses of these two aspects result in constructional improvement suggestions for the social house and the next step towards physical improvements. The improvement suggestions for the social house are presented to local students from the UCA (Universidad Centroamericana, University in Managua). The students will share their ideas on social housing by creating an alternative design for the social house, while keeping in mind the improvement suggestions we make in both social and constructional analysis. The purpose of this document is not only an evaluation, but also an instrument of discussion, where the proposed solutions are enriched by the experiences locals in El Rama, Nicaragua. By sharing, improving and discovering, Bambú Social will be able to develop towards a design of a bamboo social house in Nicaragua and elsewhere.
LIST OF INTERVIEWEES Henky Borgstein | sociologist, local supervisor, professional carpenter Angel Theodoro Gutierrez | student CS, part-time BICU student Octavio Herrera | student Construcción Sostenible, BICU student Juan Rafael | student Construcción Sostenible, son of local carpenter The interviewees are mentioned as followed: Henky, Theodoro, Octavio and Juan Rafael.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
MODEL HOUSE
4.2
4.2.1
38
In order to improve the design of the
However, because bamboo is a natural
social house, this constructional report
material, it is impossible to prevent certain
discusses the outcome of the model house
irregularities while constructing. Thus, it
and the possibilities we see for the future.
is impossible to know if for instance the
Constructive feedback is given and each part
bending of a beam is caused by forces in
concludes with an improvement suggestion,
the construction or if the placed beam was
in the green boxes.
initially bended.
MAINTENANCE AND MEASUREMENTS
To make evaluation and re-measurements
The model house is situated and owned by
easier in the future, it could be a good
the Bluefields, Indian & Caribbean University
idea to set up a measurement protocol
(BICU) in El Rama. Until November 2015 the
that describes the initial situation of the
house functioned as a university library but
construction so that after a certain period of
from December 2015 and onwards it will
time the beams, columns, rafters and floor
serve as a cafeteria and museum managed
can be re-measured. By comparing these
by the BICU students. Since the construction
measurements you get a good view of the
of the model house in 2014 the BICU
deformation of the construction in time, but
students treated the bamboo with linseed
also of the characteristics of bamboo as a
oil and removed fungus, as is needed.
construction material.
Unfortunately, the original garden has not been maintained.
• Create a measurement protocol • Ensure the protocol performance
An important aspect of an elaborated and complete analysis of the model house is the check of deformations of the construction,
4.2.2
PHYSICAL ANALYSIS
especially in the first year when usually the
This chapter discusses our investigation of
major deformations occur.
the physical aspects of the model house. This includes the (bamboo) structure and the different systems within the house. A
FOUNDATION Concrete Usually the foundation is designed to carry the load of the house; therefore it has to dissipate forces to the underlying ground. However, houses of bamboo weigh much less than ‘normal (concrete) houses’. Furthermore, the ventilation system of the roof causes a suction effect that creates
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Therefore we suggest for the social house using this tension designed foundation only on windward. The social house has one floor so the total height of the house is less Fig 1. Tension load on windward foundations
resulting in lower suction forces, compared to the model house. On page 69 this
forces upwards. Therefore the foundations
suggested foundation is presented.
of the model house should also be designed for tension forces, as showed in the
Connections
illustration above.
In the foundation of the model house, a spherical piece of wood is used as a
A local engineer dimensioned the
connection between the bamboo and the
foundation. Because of the unusual forces
concrete. By using this piece of wood the
on the house, we are unable to calculate and
bamboo is lifted from the concrete which
check if the dimensions of the concrete foot
reduces the risk of water infiltration into the
meet with the forces on the house. What we
bamboo. On page 9 and 11 this connection
did conclude is that the foundation should
piece is illustrated. We believe that this
mainly resist tension forces on the windward
connection is a very inventive in both
side of the house.
constructional and esthetical way.
THE FOUNDATOON OF THE BAMBOO MODEL HOUSE
39
Design The foundation is built up out of three columns that support different parts of the house (roof, beams, and floor). During the investigation some problems were found which are shown on the next page. Fig 2. Detailed foundation with forces
Therefore, some forces are transferred to other columns. Regarding the compression
When applying the connection pieces it is
forces this means that the columns are
important that the screws are placed into
strong enough, to carry the load of two
the wood as far as possible. This way screw
columns, as illustrated in figure 3.
can resist more tension forces and makes the connection more secure.
One advantage of this design is that you can easily correct the height by rotating the
40
By measuring the space between the hose
wooden connection piece up and down. This
clamps (brackets) and the bamboo, the
way the deformations can be corrected later
shrinkage of the bamboo columns could be
on.
measured. Unfortunately some hose clamps have been tightened already by the BICU
Execution
students without documenting. Therefore
A returning observation we found was the
no data regarding the shrinkage of the
tilting and floating of bamboo columns
columns is available. At the time of our
(figure 4), which indicates the uneven load
investigation half of the hose clamps weren’t
transfer. On top of that, it’s really difficult
tightened (yet). The fact that they needed to
to make and place the wooden connection
be, indicates that the bamboo shrinkage is
pieces. These wooden pieces have to be
significant during the first year.
custom made for each column, since the diameter and the wall thickness of each bamboo culm differs. This takes a lot of time and makes the construction more expensive. Besides, to make these connections a tool (lathe) with special additions (mandrel) is needed which is difficult to find in rural areas and difficult to work with, explained Henky. This also doesn’t match with the first principle of Bambú Social to use local resources, as explained in the Project Report of 2014 (BambúSocial, 2014).
Fig 3. Disturbed load transfer between columns
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
NUMBER 13
NUMBER 7
NUMBER 6
Floating: the load of the columns is not passed correctly, or the bamboo shrank too much and is cramped around the smaller part of the wood. Moved: the smaller part of the wood is too small and the bamboo moved due to horizontal forces.
NUMBER 4
Tilted: the column is eccentrically loaded (by taking over the load of the other column). Cracks: wood is overloaded or dried
NUMBER 1
In the design of the social, a different
diameter of 10 cm at the bottom and 5
foundation is used. However, this information
cm at the top (Schröder, Bamboo Species,
may add to future experiments regarding
Gigantochloa Apus, 2014). This bamboo is
this foundation. The general improvements
less conical and tends to bend much more.
for the foundations in the social house are: Bamboo is firm and gets its strength from • Design a new foundation which is easier to
the fibres, directed all in one vertical way.
construct (A1)
The circular shape forms a constructional benefit, because with the same amount of material more loads could be transferred.
B
42
COLUMNS, BEAMS AND TRUSSES
The main connections between columns and
The bamboo used for the columns is
beams are made by drilling holes in bamboo
Dendrocalamus Asper (Asper) with an
culms. These holes could be risky with
average diameter of 20 cm at the bottom
lateral (sideward) loads and has a higher risk
and 8 cm at the top. This bamboo is very
at buckling. The drilling spot doesn’t only
conical with a thickness of 11 – 20 mm
create risks on a constructional level, but on
(Schröder, Bamboo Species, Dendrocalamus
material level as well.
Asper, 2010).
A common observation is the cracks in the columns and beams. Most cracks
The bamboo used for the beams, trusses
occur around connections. In the further
and rest of the structure is Gigantochloa
investigation we analysed the cause and
Apus (Gigantochloa) with an average
severeness of these cracks.
COLUMS, BEAMS AND TRUSSES
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
It is important to keep in mind that the house is not only statically loaded, but also
GAP BETWEEN BEAMS
dynamically, mainly due to the ventilation flow. In the following paragraphs all connections of the main construction are investigated. 1. Connections between beams To be able to resist more load, the beams exist of two double bamboo culms vertically attached. These are connected with dowels, small sticks made of bamboo that are used as pins to keep the two culms together. The
the beams shrink and hereby enclose the
bamboo is perforated and a dowel with a
dowels. It could also be an option to drill a
slightly bigger diameter is inserted through
smaller hole for the dowels so they fit tighter.
both culms.
Keep in mind that cracks in the culms are then more likely to occur.
43
The dowels are applied diagonally so the shear forces are distributed in the most
For the beams we also suggest to use bolts
ideal way. The use of dowels is a very
to connect the bamboo culms. In the model
traditional and environmental friendly way of
house we saw that some of the beams
constructing and overall it works very well.
moved away from each other, leaving a gap
Yet, we came up with some small remarks.
between the bamboo columns. These bolts could help to keep the two bamboo culms
By multiple causes some dowels were
together and hereby create a fixed and solid
slightly moved. The dynamic load for
beam.
example causes small vibrations that tend to move the dowels. Also the irregular
• Apply bolts between every two dowel
shrinkage of the bamboo beams causes the
connection to ensure the separate beams to
dowels to move, as well as the shrinkage of
function as one beam (B1)
the dowels. This resulted in the beams to
• Use completely dry bamboo for the
loosen up.
dowels
In this case, the movement of the dowels is not a major concern, but we do have some
2. Connections between columns and
suggestions that could possibly solve this
beams
problem. We believe it would be best to use
Because of the bigger diameter the beams
very dry bamboo for the dowels so they do
could be easily attached to the columns by
not shrink. They will fit even tighter when
making a slot in which the diameter of the
beams fit. The open spot of the column is secured by hose clamps that hold the two separate parts together. This connection is firm and it enables the beams to transfer the load to the columns. It is not always possible to use culms with
Fig 5. Schematic representation of the roof construction
the same span as the column distance. In the model house the constructors fixed this by connecting the two culms within the beam
We suggest connecting the two culms
mid span.
halfway the span for the load to be ideally transmitted. We advise to look for ways to
In the model house cracks occurred in the
secure the connection.
lower beam. In these beams the upper culms were literally disconnected (moved) as
• Secure that a good load transfer from mid
shown in the picture …… This indicates that
span culms within the beam (B2)
the load is being carried mostly by the lower
44
beam and not transmitted to the connected upper beam. Connecting the two horizontal
3. Connections between struts, rafters
culms to each other must be done carefully,
and beam
as the culms should more or less have the
The connection between the rafters,
same diameter.
beam and struts on the windward side is
CONNECTION BETWEEN TRUSSES, RAFTERS AND BEAM
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
remarkable because a lot of bamboo culms are connected, seven in total.
CONNECTION COLUMNS AND BEAMS
The beam supports the rafter. Attached to them are the struts which entail stability to the roof. A strut must connect the two corners of a square (or quadrangular) to ensure pure force transfer and disables the plain to deform longitudinal. As shown in figure 6, solely tension forces within the strut disable the plain to deform. Green is the deformed plain, red are the resistance forces transmitted towards the foundation. In next
CRACK LOWER CULM
chapter Stability (C) this is discussed in more details. Because the lower struts are connected with the rafter and the upper struts are connected with the lower struts we believe that the current design does not secure the forces to be transferred purely from corner to corner in the rafter plain. Also by connecting the strut with the rafters, the rafters also carry the deformation load which could be avoided if the strut is applied from edge to
towards the foundation, deformations in the
edge.
house would occur less. A ‘shaking’ house would not only affect the liveability, but
If the struts in the model house are able to
also the construction (as explained in the
transfer the forces purely trough the strut
connection between beams). The question is if bamboo is a functional material to use for struts since it is very difficult to create these connections between the columns and the struts. Even though bamboo can resist a lot of tension forces, the strut is only as strong as its weakest point and from what we have seen in the model house the weakest point would be the connection.
Fig 6. Tension forces within the strut
We suggest looking for an alternative
The gap in the connection implies that the
material, such as steel cables which are often
leeward rafter has slided down.
used. This occupies less space and doesn’t have to be connected to the struts and
We concluded that this is not a tight
intermediate rafters.
connection between two different rafters. We think a jointed connection works best to
• Look for an alternative (material and
transfer the load of each rafter directly to the
connection) for the struts (B3)
columns without loading the other rafter. An ideal jointed connection would be one
4. Connections between rafters
bolt connecting the two rafters enabling
The rafters applied in opposite direction
rotation and ensuring support.
to resist deformation between the two roof plains on windward and leeward side. These
• Design a jointed connection (using a bolt)
are connected with the rafters with hemp
enabling rotation and ensuring support (B4)
rope and dowels. The choice made to use as much as local materials, is described in the
46
principles of Bambú Social.
5. Connections between columns and overhang
HEMP ROPE
The rope was applied tightly during
Juan Rafael explained that by removing
the construction but after one year the
a part of the surface, bamboo loses
rope seems to loosen up (due to small
its strength. The connection used for
movements and rotations). Between the two
connecting the column and overhang is
rafters a lot of movement seems to occur.
a piece of wood that is inserted in both
LOSE CONNECTION
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
FIBER DIRECTION OF ASPER
culms connected by one or two bolts. In
encountered proof of this. We aren’t able to
the overhang one bolt is applied and in the
state whether certain curves occurred due to
column two bolts are applied. The piece of
deformation of the house or if components
wood functions as a connecting part but also
were initially bended. We can conclude that
prevents the bolts from tearing out.
during the construction of the model house
Henky and Juan Rafael explained that
there were some difficulties with bended
making this connection took a lot of time
bamboo culms.
and it would be a good idea to find an alternative. The people we interviewed
The bamboo used, Gigantochloa, is a type
appreciated the esthetical value and it adds
that is known to be curved (BambúSocial,
to the appearance of the house.
2014). When working with an irregular material like bamboo it could be helpful to
• Design a cheaper (angular) connection
introduce a very strict selection procedure,
between a column and overhang (B5)
as suggested by Theodoro. This is possible by introducing a maximum deflection over
A possibility is to attach two pieces of wood or steel on either side of the overhang and the column (see Improvement Suggestions). Bamboo curves In general bamboo is a very difficult construction material. The shape is very irregular and it is difficult to straighten it out. When we investigated the model house we Fig 7. Illustrated by Theodoro
47
a standard 3 meters bamboo it is possible to obtain a constant quality of bamboo. It is also that important the deflection only occurs in one plain, which is easier to correct
Fig 8. Illustrated by Theodoro
than when a culm is bended in multiple directions. therefore be positioned correctly and the In the model house we also encountered
orientation checked with the other columns
some bends in the columns. At first sight the
for the alignment of the ridge.
Asper seems to be straight but the longer a piece of bamboo gets, the bigger the
Also when constructing the floor, the
deflection gets. Theodoro explained that
bamboo beams needed to be straightened
this caused problems with the roof. The
with the help of wooden beams.
top of the columns are not aligned straight, therefore the ridge of the roof is not a
• Strict selection procedure of the culms
straight line. This caused a problem while
used in construction
covering the roof.
• Orientation focused on the alignment of
48
the ridge With bamboo it is unavoidable to work with curved pieces. When aligning the columns
General execution
that support the ridge, the deflection
By connecting one culm with another, most
must be in line with the ridge. This is a
have to be cropped to the right size. This
way to manipulate the curves and still use
is often in an angular cut. As Theodoro
the bamboo properly. The column must
explained, the cut is ideal to be on a
CURVES
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
BAMBOO CORRECTED BY WOODEN BEAMS
WOODEN BEAMS SUPPORTING
WOODEN BEAMS SUPPORTING SECOND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR node, as the bamboo fibres are orientated
very little pressure from the user on the drill.
differently. The picture at the bottom of the page illustrates how the fibres split.
Then again, it cannot be said enough that working with any material requires a
The bolts applied with the angular overhang
lot of experience and attention. A lot of
connection, seemed to cause, at first sight,
knowledge and experience has already
(large) cracks. The bamboo is actually
been gained by working with local and
splintered and this happened on site while
international experts (BambúSocial, 2014).
drilling, according to Henky. The splintered
These are minor observations that can
surface has a (minor) negative effect on the
be taken into account in next bamboo
strength of the bamboo and on esthetical
constructions.
level. These are caused by the way the drill is being used. When using a low RPM and
• Place the connection as close as possible
apply too much pressure on the drill these
to the node
splinters occur. It is better to let the drill do
• Use drills with at least 4 HP
the work, so a higher RPM (more force) and
Fig 11. Using bamboo the strongest way (Kleiwerks International, 2013)
49
To secure a plain in stability in both lateral directions, the (singular) diagonals must be applied in both directions. This often results in a cross, ‘/\’ or ‘V’ design. In the model house a combination of these two was used (2). When a plain deforms only one diagonal Fig 9. Strut connections A and B in the model house
extends and tension forces occur, the other one compresses and is not able to transfer
C
STABILITY
any load. Because struts can only handle
The bamboo construction of the model
tension forces (like a loose cord).
house is comparable to an often used steel framework. Usually within the framework a strut connection is applied in x and y direction to provide the stability for the building. The same method is used for the model house.
50
During the construction the stability of the house turned out to be a problem. Even after the struts were placed, the constructors
As illustrated below the second design
experienced movement in the house. They
secures deformation in only one direction.
decided to solve this with rigid walls that provide a secure connection between the
We’ve concluded that this design could be
columns and beams, which indeed made the
improved by using only struts from edge to
house really stable and safe. Nevertheless
edge; therefore the load can be transferred
it is interesting to analyse why the problem
towards the foundation properly.
occurred in the first place. The struts in the model house are applied diagonally, from edge to edge (A) or from edge to strut (B). Initially when applying the strut, no forces occur in the strut. Only when the building tends to deform, the strut expends and tension forces occur within the strut, avoiding the building to deform. Therefore, the strut and its connections must be able to resist a lot of tension forces. The deformation and forces are illustrated with the first strut design as an example (1). Fig 10. Forces on strut connections in model house
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
During the construction two types of struts
Therefore, we recommend using steel
were experimented with. Whole bamboo
cables as struts since this is a well-known.
culms and two split halves (lengthwise) with
The cables can be easily connected with
a wooden connection piece in between.
eye bolts. Using the steel cables also avoids
The connection between the struts and
complicated connections and execution
the columns are similar, comparable to the
errors which make construction easier and
one described between the columns and
cheaper (see Improvement Suggestions).
overhang (5). A wooden connector piece is
When using the steel cables it is not
inserted inside of the strut and placed in the
necessary to add the wooden battens to the
column. This wood is glued and secured by
wall like it is done in the model house. This
hose clamps.
could save a lot of material and it leaves more space for windows.
Because we are not able to test the strength we cannot secure whether this is the
• Design a strut of steel cables which
strongest connection. The construction is
ensures stability of the building (C1)
as strong as its weakest point. Therefore we suggest using a connection that is proven to be strong.
D
ROOF In Nicaragua the people are mostly used to build with corrugated zinc sheets. In the
Last year was concluded that the
model house an alternative more durable
Gigantochloa used for the struts was too
zinc sheet is used. We analysed different
thin (Bambú Social, 2014). We think that this
aspects of the roof.
conclusion is not complete, as some strut designs aren’t correct and the connections
Corrosion
seem too weak.
Because of the humid climate here in
51
Nicaragua, materials have a high risk of corrosion (more in paragraph I; Bio Systems p. 62). Therefore the steel roof is first galvanized and later aluminized. This forms a durable roof, protected against corrosion. The sheets are ordered from ‘Ferromax’ and
or the previous sheet so it doesn´t get in
can be delivered in the desired dimensions
contact with rain water.
(with a maximum of 12 meters). Around some bolts corrosion occurs as well. During the construction the sheets have
This is a natural process and it is difficult to
been cropped to fit them correctly. The
prevent.
cut edges of the sheets are not protected with the anticorrosion layer anymore which
• Treat the cut edges with an anti-corrosive
resulted in some corrosion at these edges.
layer
We suggest treating these edges afterwards with an anti-corrosive layer.
Theodoro gave us a suggestion that could solve some of the corrosion problems. He
52
To reduce the risk of corrosion, it could
states that the banana trees surrounding the
also be possible to place the cut edge of a
house should be maintained so the leaves
sheet upwards so it fits underneath the ridge
and other organic material do not get onto
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
the roof. The dirt is difficult to remove and due to the shadow it retains moist. Even though the sheets have an anti-corrosive layer, the dirt makes the sheets less durable and they will decay faster. Maintaining the trees around the house could help preventing the corrosion of the roof. Leakage After investigating the roof we concluded that it is in a relatively good shape and especially the ridge is constructed with a lot of precision. There are only some small remarks that we would like to make. The manufacturer of the steel sheets claims that the overlapping of only one wave is sufficient to avoid leakage. This was proven to be insufficient because after the construction some leakage appeared. Especially with rain and strong winds, water can be forced upwards between the sheets which can result in leakage or corrosion. We suggest making the overlap sheets with two waves. Even though this is more expensive it could thus prevent leakages. • Connect the sheets with at least one “wave of steel” Around the bolts some leakage occurred as well. The gap was filled with silicone, which can only be a temporary solution, as silicone putrefies when exposing to the sun. Most of the gaps around the bolts are caused by the fact that the hole in the sheet didn’t fit precisely with the wooden outriggers. The bolt is not applied perpendicularly to the
house is alright, mostly due to the semiopen walls and the possibility to open a lot of windows. Between the roof and second floor, there is Fig 11. Ventilation system
a gap of approximately 35 cm and the walls are made of wooden battens. This is perfect
sheet surface and an open spot appears.
for ventilation and entrance of natural light
During constructing the bolts must be
but there is also a down side.
applied directly onto the outrigger and perpendicularly to the surface of the sheets.
We believe that the house lacks privacy. In the current situation the house is located in
E
54
ATMOSPHERE
an open space with a big garden but when
Light, ventilation and openness
it is surrounded by other houses we think
The house is characterized by its roof that
it is too open, affecting people’s privacy. In
stimulates the natural ventilation. This is an
the more rural areas this would be less of
important aspect of the house because of
a problem. Also, the big gap between the
the warm and humid climate. By a lack of
roof and the wall makes it vulnerable for
official measure tools we had to base our
burglaries (security).
findings and conclusions on impression and opinions of the people interviewed.
Furthermore, for the design of social house,
After analysing the inner climate of the
we think there should be a clearer separation
house we concluded that it is a very pleasant
between public and private space in the
and thought through. The natural light in the
house. Theodoro explained that the veranda
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
OPEN SPACE ON SECOND FLOOR
must provide contact with the street and
moist atmosphere is not the first impression
neighbours, but the living room should be
when entering the house. However, when the
private, as analysed more detailed in the
model house was used as library, the books
social analysis. We suggest that in the next
were rotting due to the moist climate inside
design it should be possible to close off the
of the house.
house. What is quite noticeable is the moist air in It is difficult to conclude if the good
the kitchen and washroom. This has mainly
ventilation is because of the air flow from
to do with the concrete floor and walls,
underneath the floor and in the gaps
which attract water from the soil. Water
between the walls and roof, or because of
can easily enter the house during intensive
the open walls.
rainfall, because the floor inside is close to the ground level.
• Provide sufficient privacy without obstructing natural ventilation and light
Humidity in a humid tropic (El Rama) climate stays a challenge in (bamboo) construction.
Humidity
Fungi grow the best in a humid area
In a country with a humid tropical climate,
which can cause decay of bamboo. This is
humidity avoidance is very important. A
explained further in the chapter bio systems
F
ELECTRICITY During our research we also looked at the electricity system. It seemed to be working great and the BICU employees had no remarks on it. The only suggestion we have is to place the fuse box is the driest area of
soil filter). This consists of a basin filled with
the house. In the model house it is placed
stones and tires. Banana trees are planted
in the kitchen which, we believe, is less safe
above the filter. The combination of the
due to the presence of water (see the picture
basin and the roots of the trees remove
on p. 54).
toxins and bacteria’s.
• Design the fuse box in the driest area as
No further conclusions could be drawn
possible
as the water system is not being used on regular basis and the toilet has not been used at all.
G
WATER SYSTEM A decentralized water collection and
56
H
SANITARY AND DRY TOILET
purification system has been developed
The model house was designed to be as
during the construction of the model house.
independent as possible from centralized
The water system analysis also includes the
systems like water, electricity and sewer. This
bathroom with its sanitary facility (toilet).
was one of the main reasons to choose to experiment with a dry composting toilet. The
In collaboration with blueEnergy, BambĂş
compost can be used as a fertilizer in the
Social developed a filter of bio sand which
garden.
is placed inside of the house. The filter has not been used since. This has to do with
However, this toilet has not been used after
the fact that it takes a month for the water
the construction. One of the reasons might
to come out. The house is not being used
be that the visitors confuse this with a latrine,
intensively, therefore it takes more effort
which would be really unhygienic placed
to wait and maintain the filter than to drink the pre filtered water with sufficient quality, states Octavio. The rain water captured in the tank seem very clear, had neither smell nor taste. Visitors of the house drink this water, as people are used to drink rain water in Nicaragua. The dirty water (and urine from the toilet) is drained into a so called bananeras (banana Bananeras
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
inside of a house. Read more about this in
For these reasons, we think that the distance
the social analysis.
between the toilet and kitchen is too small.
Whether to design the toilet inside or
• Do not locate the toilet next to the
outside the house is a complicated
kitchen. Take into account the hygienic risks
discussion. In this chapter only the
around the toilet
constructional aspects will be mentioned. In the social analysis this topic is approached
General dry toilet design
from another point of view.
The general design of the dry toilet can be explained as follows. There’s a division
Location
between the urine and faeces. The urine is
The toilet in the model house is situated
drained into the so called grey water filter.
next to the kitchen with a door to separate
The faeces are captured in a tank that can be
the two. Because of this, the water used
reached from outside.
for cleaning the bathroom can easily get into the kitchen. Also the removal toiletries,
The toilets exist of two separate basins.
toilet paper and other disposals happen
The first basin is used until it’s full, then you
through the kitchen and if the toilet is used
switch to the second one while the faeces in
incorrectly, bad smells will spread and will
the first basin turn into compost that can be
enter the kitchen directly.
used as a fertilizer.
Water cycle
Fig 12. The rainwater is collected in a gutter, the coarse waste is separated by a pre-filter, and the water is inserted at the bottom of the tank. At the top of the tank there’s the oldest water, with the least bacteria’s. This water is used for the kitchen and shower.
57
Fig 13. Current design for the dry toilet
58
VIEW FROM THE KITCHEN
Fig 14. Proposed design for the dry toilet
It is essential that no liquids enter the basin
Theodoro likes the idea of a dry toilet, but
because this influences the composting
he thinks that the one build in the model
process. No faeces must remain lying on the
house could be improved on certain points.
slope to avoid stench (unpleasant odours)
The concrete separator between the urine
coming from the toilet. To prevent odours
and the faeces is constructed too close
from the basin entering the house, a tube is
to the seat and it uncomfortable. There
connected to the basins. This tube is heated
must be a proper distance between the
by the sun and generates an air flow that
seat and the separator. He also explained
sucks air from within the basin, explained
that it is difficult to collect the compost
Theodoro.
because the basin is below the ground. He
VIEW FROM THE TOILET
THE TOILET
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
proposed an alternative design as shown in the illustration. The toilet is constructed outside, as he preferred. It is constructed at a higher level to obtain a steeper slope and the compost can be collected just above the ground. The distance between the seat and the urine separator is also bigger. Detail design As we take a closer look to the toilet, we have a few more remarks. The seat is designed as a wooden shelf with two holes in it. Because wood is porous (even when it is coated), it is not protected against infiltration of bacteria.
59
When the shelf is cleaned with water it cannot be avoided that water enters the dry
Alternative sanitary systems
compost basin. Therefore we think it could
Latrine lavatories and septic tanks are the
be a good idea to install a toilet seat and
current standard of El Rama. The latrines
replace the wood with (tiled) concrete. By
by far the cheapest toilet and can be
pouring the concrete bench with a gradient,
find everywhere (social analysis). A toilet
the toilet can be easily cleaned without
connected to the septic tank is costs more
disturbing the composting process.
and is found mostly with less poor families.
Fig 15. Toilet with septic tank (WHO, 1992)
A septic tank does fit with the principle, of Bambú Social, to use local resources and be independent of centralized systems. However, a septic tank is a wet toilet. This creates a humid area within the house as seen in figure 15. Humidity has a negative effect on bamboo as described in the next paragraph.
Fig 15. Septic tank with two segments (Strathclyde, 2011)
Inside or outside?
The Asper is often encountered darker
Based on the table in which we compared
than it should be. This brownish colour is a
the location and type of toilet, we believe
trace of fungus. At one spot between the
that it’s better to construct the dry compost
column and the second floor a very toxic
toilet outside of the house or a wet toilet
white coloured mould occurred. Aside from
inside of the house.
the fact that this mould is toxic, it is also disastrous for the bamboo and causes decay
60
I
BIO SYSTEMS
(Wei, Schmidt, & Liese, 2013). This has been
Fungus
removed immediately.
While investigating the model house we also looked for fungus, because it affects
On the Gigantocloa we found traces
the durability of bamboo. There were
of fungus with a black colour. This type
some incidents that we encountered but in
of mould (Coniophora Puteana) is less
general the bamboo construction is in good
aggressive (Wei, Schmidt, & Liese, 2013).
condition.
The bamboo used for the construction was not completely dry and the rain during
The bamboo used for the columns, Asper,
the construction had a negative effect on
is known to very strong but less durable in
the drying process. Therefore the fungus
comparison to other bamboo, as concluded
couldn’t be killed completely. The humidity
earlier by Bambú Social (BambúSocial, 2014).
for fungus to grow is around 40 to 80 per
Inside
Dry toilet
Wet toilet
Makes house unhygienic
Makes house less unhygienic Attracts moist in the house
Outside
Design preference: obtain height Saves space in the house Hygienically saver house
Prevents moist in the house
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
PUR FOAM TO FILL UP HOLES
cent (Schröder, Bamboo preservation, 2012). El Rama has a humid tropical climate. They relative humidity is 99% during the rainy season and 95% during the dry season (© Cedar Lake Ventures, 2012), the construction is very vulnerable for fungus. At the second floor no fungus was encountered, we think this is due to the better ventilation. Termites and woodworms The termites in Nicaragua are known
MINI BEES NEST
comejen. These were not encountered last year. The bamboo is treated by a Borax and Borid Acid solution which makes the ingredients unattractive to eat for the animals. Woodworms (polilla), were not encountered as well. Insects, vermin and reptiles During our analysis we did not encounter harmful vermin or reptiles inside the house. Keep in mind that this may changes if the
MINI BEES NEST
model house is going to be used as a cafeteria. The open character of the house makes that vermin and reptiles enter the house very easily. Wasps have been a problem since the construction of the house. To avoid these animals, an attempt has been made to fill up all hollow bamboo culms with polyurethane foam (pur). However, the wasps are able to create their nests also at flat surfaces,
TRACES OF FUNGUS ON A CULM
so not necessarily in the house. We do not encourage the use of pur; UV radiation promotes chemical reactions in foam. Some of which are harmful to the foam structure (Newman, C.R.; Forciniti, D., 2001).
A HOLE IN ONE OF THE CULMS
4.3
SOCIAL HOUSE Based on the design of the model house
up and together with Henky we invented
and the lessons learned during and after the
possible solutions. Some improvements
construction, the architects of Bambú Social
suggested in the previous chapter have
made a design for a social house.
already been improved in the design of the social house. Some are not, but these are
Of course, after everything learned, a lot of
not mentioned again.
aspects of the design of the social house have been adapted. In order to improve
4.3.1
PHYSICAL ANALYSIS
this design, we have analysed the new
Battens (roof)
construction improvements.
Battens are strips that lie on the rafter and on which the roof material is attached. In
With the help of Henky a scaled model
the current design of the social house a
of the social house was built by using
bamboo culm is used as a batten. However,
the “Manual de construcción sostenible”
due to the irregularity of bamboo columns,
as a guide (draft version). During the
we advise to make the battens out of wood
‘construction’ of this scaled model some
like the ridge. The main advantage of
errors practical errors in the design came
using wood is the precision with which you
CONSTRUCTION PHASES
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Ridge
can construct this batten. Furthermore, it
Battens
will be easier to place the zinc sheets on the wooden battens as it would be on the bamboo.
Roof sheeting
• Design the battens out of wood (J1) Column
Rafter connection The rafter construction of the social house
Rafters
Overhang Foundation
looks really solid and strong. However, we think the connection at the bottom corner at the leeward of the rafter isn’t loaded with a lot of force since only dowels were used for the connection. If the rafter would be more
The connection between the ridge and
supportive, the strength and stability of the
beams with the rafter for example, needs
construction would be ensured more.
to be very precise. The beam could differ in size and might bend. A solution could be
• Reinforce the rafter at leeward (J2)
to make the prefabricated columns 50 – 100 mm longer as needed. On site the excess can be cut off.
Columns The prefabrication possibility of the social
For the middle height column, it is important
house is a very important aspect of the
to place the beam before cutting the excess.
current design. It will save a lot of time on
When placing the rafter the beam and the
the construction site, when you have the
middle height column have to be at the
possibility to construct the main parts of the
same level.
construction in a workplace. Besides, it will also lower the chances of mistakes at the
Regarding the connections between the
building site and it makes the constructer
bamboo columns and the concrete we made
less dependent on the weather conditions.
just a small adjustment. In the current design the bamboo columns are placed on wooden
However, we believe that prefabricating
pieces that separate the bamboo from the
bamboo elements can cause some
concrete.
problems. Constructing the prefab elements must be done with a lot of precision. It could
Even with a wooden piece that separates
easily happen that some inadequate pieces
the bamboo from the concrete, some water
do not to fit within the construction.
could always lay on the wood. Because the
63
64
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
bamboo is closely placed on the wood, capillary effects could occur. This way water could infiltrate in the bamboo which could be disastrous for the material bamboo (p. 62 Fungi) Connection between the foundation and column In the current design the connections are made with a reinforcement rod poured within the concrete. The rod is bent around the bolt that comes out of the bamboo column. This functions as a jointed connection (and not a fixed connection). We think this could have major consequences for the stability of the house. • Design a fixed connection between the foundation and column (J3)
Foundation The dimensions of the concrete foundation looks like a foundation used for normal houses in El Rama, states Henky. However, houses of bamboo weigh less than usual houses (of concrete). So we believe also the foundation could be constructed with smaller dimensions. • Improve the foundation dimensions (J4)
65
4.4
IMPROVEMENT SUGGESTIONS With the construction of the model house,
The purpose of this report is to suggest
a major step has been made into the (local)
improvements to even further optimize the
development of bamboo construction. This
design the (future) social house. The following
experiment resulted in a complete new
list summarizes the suggestions we make
design of a bamboo social house adapted to
for the social house. The previous chapters
local values.
support these advises and comments.
GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS • Create a measurement protocol 38 • Ensure the protocol performance 38
PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS Connection improvements
66
• Design a new foundation which is easier to construct (A1)
42
• Apply bolts between every two dowel connection to ensure the beams (B1)
43
• Secure that a good load transfer from mid span culms within the beam (B2)
44
• Look for an alternative (material and connection) for the struts (B3)
46
• Design a jointed connection (using a bolt) enabling rotation and ensuring support (B4)
46
• Design an alternative (angular) connection between a column and overhang (B5)
47
• Design a strut of steel cables which ensures the building of stability (C1)
51
• Design the battens out of wood (J1)
63
• Reinforce the rafter at leeward (J2)
63
• Design a fixed connection between the foundation and column (J3)
65
• Improve the foundation dimensions (J4)
65
Practical and building improvements • Use completely dry bamboo for the dowels
43
• Strict selection procedure of the culms used in construction
48
• Orientation focused on the alignment of the ridge
48
• Place the connection as close as possible to the node
49
• Use drills with at least 4HP
49
• Treat the cut edges of the roof with an anti=corrosive layer
52
• Connect the sheets with at least one “wave of steel”
53
Design improvements • Provide sufficient privacy without obstructing natural ventilation and light
55
• Design the fuse box in the driest area as possible
56
• Do not locate the toilet next to the kitchen (hygienic risks)
57
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
4.4.1
PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENT SUGGESTIONS
mm with woven reinforcement bars with a
During the investigations, we began
diameter of 10 mm. The reinforcement mesh
designing some new connections as an
should be 140 x 140 mm.
alternative for the existing and current ones. These connections will be tested during
The beam widens to a width of 346 mm
the experimental phase of the project. The
at the point where it meets the concrete
connections are therefore not final and they
columns. The reinforcement bars of the
might be improved, by working together
beam and the columns should be woven
with local craftsmen and students.
together. The steel mesh in the floor should also be woven to the reinforcement bar in
J4
FOUNDATION
the beam and the column of the foundation.
In our suggestion the concrete columns
Because of the wet climate in Nicaragua,
of 346 x 346 mm that support the three
we advise to elevate the concrete floor from
bamboo columns have not been changed,
the dirt. We advise to place two layers of
but the concrete beam has. Beam: 200 x 200
stabilisation under the beams. The lowest
67
Section A Section A 346
10200
Section B
1200
Section B
1200
2400
Section C
Section C
346
2387 4774
layer is gravel of 200 mm high and the second layer is a row of sandstone tiles of 100 x 400 x 600 mm. To make constructing
200
easy, layers of gravel and sandstone tiles can be placed beneath the surface while the beam is above ground level. This means that there is 200 mm of space in between the concrete floor and the ground.
200
It would be wise to fill this space with gravel and a top layer of sand. This double layer underneath the floor does not only create a stable surface to construct on, but it also
50
separates the concrete from the dirt. This makes the construction less vulnerable for floods or heavy rainfall. 600
Another factor we have taken into account
900
is the wind. The current design of the social house has a very large roof surface that can
100
catch a lot of wind. The forces created by
200
the wind create a momentum that wants 100
to lift the house at windward while pushing the other side of the house (p. 9). To
200
prevent this from happening, we propose a foot at the end of the three main columns at windward of the house. These feet will absorb most of the tension forces that are caused by the wind. A1
J3
PANEL FOUNDATION Our suggested alternative is to pour a gusset (edged piece of panel) within the concrete. This way a fixed connection is created and the lateral load of the house is transferred to the concrete foundation. The bamboo columns are, of course, connected to the gusset.
007
051
3401
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
346
115 346
69
B3
C1
STRUT CONNECTION The strut can also be applied on the gusset or directly on the concrete column.
70
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
B2
CONNECTION BETWEEN COLUMN AND BEAM This connection is already improved in the design of the social house. We will test and construct this connection in the experimental phase of the project.
71
J1
BATTENS We also came up with an alternative for the
34
ridge and battens that has a small effect on the rafter. The bamboo culms for the ridge and rafters should be cut so the top of the battens lay on the same level.
104
In the illustrations below the new dimensions are proposed. We think that a
70
major advantage of these outriggers is their ability to compensate the irregularities of the bamboo rafters. We think it is therefore easier to construct an even levelled roof.
18
34
18
70
72
34
34
104
104 70
70
100 100
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
B4
J2
RAFTER CONNECTION - JOINTED
fixed connection will be created. The panel
This connection is already improved in the
must be applied perpendicular to the rafter
design of the social house (rafters connected
as maximum tension load could be transfer
with a bolt). This is shown in the figure below
by the panels.
RAFTER CONNECTION - FIXED
B5
PANEL CONNECTION
We think that by strengthening the corner
The same connection as shown in the
in the figure below can be strengthened by
picture below, can be used for the overhang
a wooden panel and some bolts. This way a
connection.
73
4.4.2
DISCUSSION We analysed the model house and (scaled) social house thoroughly to optimize the design of the social house. Most of the topics resulted in constructional improvements. However, with some topics we were not able to conclude what is best for the (new) design of the social house. With the following questions we summarized these design challenges.
Elevated or on the ground • Is it possible to provide enough ventilation in the house if it is constructed on the ground? • How can you provide enough ventilation as well as obtaining privacy and safety? • What effect will this have on the price of the social house? Does this also count for hilly areas? • Is levelling ground an option? Toilet inside or outside • How do you combine wet or dry toilets with the design of the house? • How can you obtain a hygienically safe house? • Is it possible to lower the humidity with a bathroom inside?
74 Replaceable parts • Is decay of bamboo avoidable? How? • When decay occurs, what is the solution? • Is it possible to construct the house with bamboo culms that can be replaced over time? Design priorities What are the design priorities regarding safety, functionality, sustainability, costs and the principles of Bambú Social? 1. Share knowledge and skills 2. Use local resources 3. Create local systems 4. Make it environmentally prospering 5. Dare to play, dare to discover
4.5
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
• © Cedar Lake Ventures Inc. (2012). Average Weather For Bluefields, Nicaragua. Retrieved from https://weatherspark.com/averages/32615/Bluefields-Autonomous-Region-of-the-Southern-Atlantic-Nicaragua • BambúSocial. (2014). Project Report Bambú Social. El Rama: Shortsighted Architecture. • Borgstein, H. (2015, 12). Evaluation Construction Model House 2014. (T. Hebbink, Interviewer) • Herrera, O. A. (2015, 12). Evaluation Construction Model House 2014. (V. M. Reyes, Interviewer) • Newman, C.R.; Forciniti, D. (2001). “Modeling the Ultraviolet Photodegradation of Rigid Polyurethane Foams”. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 40 (15): 3336–3352. • Rafael, J. (2015, 12). Evaluation Construction Model House 2014. (M.-L. Greijmans, Interviewer) • Schröder, S. (2010, January 25). Bamboo Species, Dendrocalamus Asper. Retrieved from http:// www.guaduabamboo.com/species/dendrocalamus-asper • Schröder, S. (2012, November 16). Bamboo preservation. Retrieved from Guadua Bamboo: http:// www.guaduabamboo.com/preservation/how-to-remove-bamboo-mold • Schröder, S. (2014, December 3). Bamboo Species, Gigantochloa Apus. Retrieved from http://www. guaduabamboo.com/species/?tag=Gigantochloa+apus • Strathclyde, U. o. (n.d.). Waste Management. Retrieved from Low Energy Building Design http:// www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EnvEng/Web_sites/05-6/Hotel_exemplar/waste_management.html • Gutierrez, A.T. (2015, 12). Evaluation Construction Model House 2014. (M.-L. Greijmans, Interviewer) • Wei, D., Schmidt, O., & Liese, W. (2013, July 26). Method to test fungal degradation of bamboo and wood using vermiculite as reservoir for moisture and nutrients. Maderas. Ciencia y tecnología. • WHO. (1992). Operation and maintenance of on-site sanitation. • Panel foundation (2005). Development of On-site Sanitation. Retreived from http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/en/d/Jwh09ge/4.2.html
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5
SOCIAL ANALYSIS
5.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................. 78 5.2. THE SOCIAL HOUSE ............................................ 80 5.3 TARGET GROUP ANALYSIS ................................... 84
5.3.1 The target group ............................ 84
5.3.2 Homevisits ...................................... 84
5.3.3 Current situation ............................ 87
5.3.4 The dreamhouse ........................... 96
5.3.5 Financial situation ......................... 98
5.3.6 Target group conclusion ................ 101
5.4 SOCIAL HOUSING ANALYSIS ............................... 102
5.2.1 The system ...................................... 102
5.2.2 The reality ....................................... 104
5.4.3 Social housing conclusion ............ 106
5.5 DESIGN SUGGESTIONS ....................................... 108
5.5.1 Dynamic durability .......................... 108
5.5.2 Prefabrication ................................. 109
5.5.3 Improvement conclusion .............. 109
5.5.4 reflection on first design ................ 111
5.6 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................. 114
5.1
INTRODUCTION Since 2013, BambĂş Social does research on local building materials and opportunities in Nicaragua, resulting in the design and construction of a bamboo model house on site. This model house intends to show the various qualities of bamboo and to help improve the image of bamboo as a construction material. The construction of the model house also served as an experiment on constructing with bamboo in a local, sustainable and cost efficient way in Nicaragua. Based on the model house a first draft of a social house was designed, taking all previous lessons into account. Because the aim is to make a design that is easily applicable on a larger scale, the social house has to be an affordable, easy-to-build house of good quality that is matched perfectly to the needs of the target group. In this research, the first design of the social house was analysed, as well as the target group. The information was gathered by means of interviews, home visits and
78
gatherings with the local people. Their needs and wishes were matched with the features of the social house, as can be read in the following chapters. However, more factors influence the possibility to apply the design on a larger scale. One of them has to do with the social housing legislation and opportunities in Nicaragua. Therefore, a brief social housing analysis was made, aiming not only to summarize how laws and regulations work, but also how they are applied in reality. The result of this report consists of a list of improvement suggestions regarding the functional design of the bamboo social house.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
79
5.2
THE SOCIAL HOUSE Bambú Social intends to improve the quality,
on these five principles. A brief explanation
price and durability of bamboo social
of every principle can be found on the next
housing. In order to do so, it is important
page.
to understand the reasoning behind the design, so in this chapter the most important
THE USE OF BAMBOO
design choices will be explained.
The main challenge of the design is a result of the first principle of Bambú Social; the
THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF BAMBÚ SOCIAL
use of local resources. Since bamboo can
The Bambú Social foundation works
be found everywhere in Nicaragua, the
according the following five principles. It is
main resource of the design was set to be
important that these appear in every practice
bamboo. Apart from the fact it is local,
of the project.
bamboo also has a lot of other advantages. It is incredibly strong, grows extremely fast,
80
1.
Use local resources
2.
Support the environment
3.
Create local systems
4.
Share knowledge and skills
5.
Play, explore and discover
only needs few nutrients and helps prevent deforestation of the rainforest. Also, the growth prevents soil erosion and has a high CO2 absorption, so by using bamboo also the second principle of Bambú Social is compiled (Janssen, 2001).
Both the design of the model house and
Not only bamboo, but also all other
the design of the social house are based
materials should be easy to obtain locally.
FIRST DRAFT OF THE SOCIAL HOUSE (BAMBÚ SOCIAL, 2014)
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
In the selection of connections and ways of construction this first principle played a major role, as described elaborately in the constructional analysis.
A COMFORTABLE CLIMATE Another important challenge in the design was the humid tropical climate, states
Fig 1. Ventilation flow through sectional view of the social house
Max Verhoeven, co-founder of the Bambú Social foundation. The majority of the
Therefore, a comfortable interior climate is
houses in Nicaragua is built out of concrete
essential to create a successful design.
blocks combined with a zinc roof. Perfect for heating up rapidly during the day,
After narrowing down the possible
and staying warm during the night. In the
solutions with Andy van den Dobbelsteen,
tropical climate, these houses could easily
Professor of Climate Design and
pass as human ovens.
Sustainability and head of the Architectural Engineering department of TU Delft,
With an average annual temperature of 27
Bambú Social concluded that the best
degrees Celsius and an average relative
solution to create a pleasant climate within
humidity of 85 per cent, the heat and
the house is by cooling through ventilation.
humidity are unavoidable during all twelve
This is the reason why the design process
months of the year (WetherSpark, 2015).
started in a sectional view.
81
USE LOCAL RESOURCES
1 2 3 4 5
The use of local resources and values is the
basis of sustainable architecture. This method reduces not only the environmental impact, waste and costs, but also, by including the
interests of the local people, creates design
solutions that suit the needs and desires of the
To stimulate the passive ventilation, the roof
user.
contains an open ridge. Warm air can escape
SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENT
on the wind, the shape of the roof creates a natural airflow out of the house, so new fresh air will be sucked in.
Not only is it important to be less harmfull to
In order to stimulate the airflow even more, and
nature, but also to stimulate the environment.
inspired by the architecture of the indigenous
After years of descruction, Bambú Social
people of Nicaragua, the model house was built
believes that the only way to be good, is when
on pillars. However, the fundaments turned out
the environment benefits from our practice.
to be significantly more expensive so the social
CREATE LOCAL SYSTEMS 82
and in combination with the correct orientation
house is designed to be positioned on ground level (Bambú Social, 2014). For the same reason, the social house has only one level, located directly on the ground.
Decentralized systems can be used to
A FUNCTIONAL FLOORPLAN
avoid dependance on often unreliable
Another challenge was designing a floor plan
centralized systems (water, electricity, sewage).
that suited the needs and desires of the local
Decentralization makes the user more
people. Prior to the design process, Bambú
independant and responsible for collection and
Social interviewed five families and visited their
disposal of his own resources.
houses. From this they could conclude that, in
SHARE KNOWLEDGE
It is a common thought that people can
have more if they are willing to share. To
contribute to this thought, all results of the
work and research of Bambú Social are open for public use (Creative Commons).
PLAY EXPLORE AND DISCOVER
As a young and dynamic team, Bambú Social preserves curiosity and the urge to discover, because the only way to innovation is by learning from our own mistakes.
Nicaragua, many people spend a lot of time in front of their house, so the porch became the most important area of the design. A small living room is located directly behind the porch, because it is the least private area of the house. Also the living room was assumed to be less important because people spend most of their time outside. The bathroom, on the contrary, is said to be the most private area, and for that reason located in the back of the house. The kitchen is placed next to the bathroom to combine wet areas as much as possible.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
The remaining space is filled by two bedrooms,
the heavy rainfall is easily made, so with help
both with just enough space for a two person’s
of blueEnergy a rooftop rainwater harvesting
bed and a small closet. Because in Nicaragua
system was integrated in the design.
it is common to sleep with many people in the same room, the wall that separates the two
The dry toilet is also a result of the absence of a
bedrooms can be removed. The total surface of
centralized water system and the desire to have
the house is 47 square meters.
a toilet inside the house.
DECENTRALIZED SYSTEMS
ESTIMATED COSTS
The rainwater and dry toilet system, created in
According to the calculations of Bambú Social,
the model house, are included in the design
this house will cost 7400 USD. To bring the
for the social house to fulfill the aim of using
price down, different versions of the house
local systems, as described in the third principle
were designed. The cheapest version leaves out
of Bambú Social. El Rama doesn’t have a
the rain gutter, the water tank, the kitchen and
centralized water system, but does have a heavy
bathroom equipment and interior walls. Also,
rainy season (of nine months) and an average
the future users of the house have to help in the
annual rainfall of 4318 mm (WetherSprak, 2015).
building process. This version has an estimated
The link between the lack of water system and
price of 4800 USD (Bambú Social, 2014).
bedroom
bedroom
living porch
room
kitchen shower
Fig 2. First draft of the social house (Bambú Social, 2014)
toilet
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5.3
TARGET GROUP ANALYSIS When Bambú Social was founded, the
questions; (1) what are they used to? (2)
intended target group was the bottom layer
what do they wish for? and (3) what are their
of society, the poorest of people who lived
financial possibilities? By comparing the
in nothing more than a small shed. But soon,
answers to these questions we can conclude
it turned out that these people were more
what their needs and wishes are. In the final
difficult to reach than expected. They build
chapter will be described how they can be
their houses out of a few pieces of plastic,
applied on the design for the social house.
zinc and other construction waste. Their homes rarely cost more than a few hundred
The analysis is based on the research carried
dollars. The availability of funds or financial
out by team Bambú Social 2.0, during their
aid for them is not sufficient to be able to
three months in El Rama, Nicaragua (2015-
pay a higher price and even by the use of
2016). The analysis will start with a brief
bamboo, it is impossible to build a decent
description of the target group in general,
house in this price range.
followed by the results of 50 conducted home visits. These will discuss the current
84
However, the definition of a decent house
situation, the dream house and the financial
differs for each person, dependent on what
possibilities of the target group. The analysis
they are used to, what they wish for and what
will conclude in a description of a decent
their possibilities are.
house.
A good and functional design should match
5.3.1
THE TARGET GROUP
perfectly to the needs and wishes of the
Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in
target group, so a target group analysis
Central America. There is a great shortage
is of great importance for the project.
of housing and the existing houses have
For this reason, the main question of this
many qualitative shortcomings. This makes
analysis is about the criteria for a decent
that 78% of the population is homeless
house, according to the target group. This
or lives in very poor conditions (Room for
main question can be divided in three sub
Development, 2012). Speaking generally, these 4,8 million people are in need of a better house and can be seen as the target group of Bambú Social. Together they cover the main part of the pyramid of society, as shown in the figure below. Some of them may have access to more resources than others.
78%
5.3.2
HOMEVISITS To get a realistic image of the needs of the target group, a cross sectional survey was composed, concerning their social and
Fig 3. The target group as a part of the pyramid of society
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
on the most outstanding differences in the drawings, but also to set the respondents at ease and trigger their imagination. The complete survey can be found in appendix C (Spanish). All participants were interviewed personally. In this way we had the opportunity to elaborate on certain topics and we had more control on the proper understanding of the questions. This was important because of the language barrier and the high rate economic environment. The participants
of illiteracy among the respondents. The
were asked to draw their current house and
participants were informed about the
the house of their dreams, and explain their
purpose of the interview after the last
drawings led by our questions. We used
question, to prevent their answers being
this method to be able to get into detail
biased.
ONE OF THE RESPONDENTS DRAWING HER CURRENT HOUSE
GUESTS ARE WELCOME IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
By visiting the participants in their homes, an
The percentage of women among the
observation of their daily environment could
respondents was 84%. This high rate can
be added to the information obtained from
probably be explained by the fact that the
the interview. An impression of the six most
houses were visited during the day, when
inspiring families and their houses can be
most men were working, but also because
found in appendix D.
a great amount of the interviewed families existed of single mothers with their children.
PARTICIPANTS The surveys were conducted at a sample of
5.3.3
CURRENT SITUATION
50 families. They were selected based on
At first, it is remarkable that the front of
their neighbourhood and the appearance of
most houses looks way better than the back
their house. All families were selected in the
or the inside. Often, even the higher class
municipality of El Rama, a rural town in the
houses are only painted or decorated on the
RACCS region in Nicaragua.
front side. On the other sides, the (decayed)
Barrio Nuevo
o
Es
co
nd
id
Rí
o
Es
n co
di
do
o
Río Rama
Rí
Fig 4. Visited houses in the map of El Rama, Nicaragua
100 m
Área1
concrete is clearly visible. From this fact, 16%
we assume that the image of a house is
11% 9%
more important for the ‘public’ than for the residents themselves.
Área1
PORCH AND LIVING ROOM In almost all cases, the transition between private and public happens gradually, even 11% 16% in the poorest areas, plastic chairs are ready to welcome friends, neighbours or strangers 9% for a coffee on the porch/terrain in front of
7%
Patio Patio Kitchen Cocina Porch Porche Corridor Corredor Bedroom Habitaciones Living room Sala Everything Todas
4% 51%
Fig 5. Most important area of the house among the respondents
the house. Also the image of the streets of El Rama gives the impression7% that people spend most of their time on the porch. 4% However, only 7% of the respondents rate 2% the porch as the most important area of their 51% house. The living room, on the other hand,
88
2%
eats. In addition to this, other respondents point out that eating (and especially what is eaten) is private so it is unlikely to see someone eat their meal on the porch.
is said to be most important by 51% of the respondents. Perhaps, this contradiction
KITCHEN
could be explained by the fact that a large
During our homevisits we noticed that meals
majority of the houses have little to no
are not eaten together, and sometimes not
ventilation (71%) and therefore have a warm
even at a table. Everyone comes and goes
and uncomfortable temperature in their
and eats whenever they want, resulting in
living room. Some respondents explained
the gas/wood stove running overtime.
that because of the climate, they prefer to sit outside. They see the living room as the
In the poorest families among the
place where the family comes together and
interviewed, the two pit stove is located in
Fig 6. Examples of the most commonly seen kitchens
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
AN EXTENDED WET AREA IN THE KITCHEN
a corner of the (living) room. Pots and pans
added to the back of the house (separate
hanging on the wall, but a sink is nowhere
construction). Some even have a completely
to be found. “El Rama doesn’t have a water
separated or shared kitchen. The last option
system”, explaines Albertina Gomez, one
is most frequently seen in the more rural
of the respondents. “All water comes from
areas of El Rama.
the well, so it’s more easy to do the dishes outside... also better because water causes rotting and fungus in your kitchen.” Most women agree with Albertina and don’t consider the kitchen as a wet area. Others built an easily replaceable wet area extended from their wall, so the dishwater
TOILET
can drain out and doesn’t stay in the house.
To come across a separate toilet is way
However, some of the less poor families
more common. In fact, only four out of 50
have a kitchen with an integrated pump and
people had a toilet inside of their house; the
running (grey) water. Others, mostly bigger
same houses that had an integrated water
families, have a more spacious cooking place
system. A toilet with a flushing system is a
toilet. It is the difference between clean and unclean, as explained by Albertina Gomez. For the same reason, the shower gets often combined with the washing area, next to the well. In most cases, the shower has space for one person and a bucket. Of course it also needs some privacy. Mostly obtained by a plastic sheet or canvas stretched between four poles, as can be seen in the on the next luxury, also because a septic tank is needed.
page. Also the interviewed families on the
Due to the absence of a sewage, the
south side of the Río Rama, who do have
predominant sanitation system in El Rama is
running water, only use the faucet to fill their
the latrine. “Here in El Rama, everyone has
bucket, as can been seen in the first picture.
their bathroom outside. It would be really
90
unhygienic to have it in your house. How
As explained in more detail on page 94,
would you be able to empty it?” questions
the World Bank attempted to give El Rama
Petrona Lopez, while holding up the plastic
a water system, working up from the more
sheet to give us a glimpse of her toilet. She
rural areas in the south. But they stranded at
is right, the hole in the ground is visible next
the riverside. In the near future, the prospect
to the wooden toilet seat, and the smell isn’t
of a well-functioning water system at the
too fresh either...
north side of the river is still not in sight (El Nuevo Diario, 2013).
SHOWER According to our observations, there seems
BEDROOM
to be no direct connection between the
As mentioned before, the living room is the
shower and the toilet. In the shower you
place where the family comes together. Yet,
use water, you get clean. A toilet is just a
the bedrooms shouldn’t be underestimated.
Fig 7. Different verions of a latrine, the most commonly seen toilet
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Fig 8. Different versions of the most commonly seen shower
Usually bedrooms are shared with at least
income goes up. Families with a little more
half and sometimes even the whole family.
wealth not only have more rooms, but also less children, generally speaking.
This brings us to the average family size, or rather, the number of people living
Like Jusnielca, we noticed that more young
in a house. To the greater part of the
people who do have an income tend to
respondents this number was difficult to
move out and build their own house/
say, or even questionable, because the
room on the plot of their parents. Sharing
word family has a broad meaning. Some
bathroom, washing place and sometimes
people live in the house only part-time. Most
kitchen makes privacy more affordable.
houses are the home to parents, children, grandchildren, (second) cousins, in-laws and
One of the elaborated home visits in the
an orphan or two.
appendix tells the story of Yanina, one of three sistes who bought a plot together,
The number of people in the interviewed
share their bathroom but have their own
families varies from 1 to 19 and the average
little house and kitchen.
number of bedrooms is 1.8. It seems that personal privacy is a rare thing, confirmed
A frequently seen solution among the
by Jusnielca del Carmen. She explained us
houses of the respondents, is the addition of
that before she built her own house at the plot of her parents, at night only drapes and mosquito nets formed the barrier between beds. However, our data tells us that the number of people per room goes down as soon as the
91
one or two little bedrooms to the back or the
by the sun, resulting in a warm inner climate.
side of the house. The construction might be
Also, due to the humid climate in El Rama,
completely decayed, but they do have some
the durability of zinc is questionable, as
privacy and they still live under the same
corrosion makes its way through the material
(zinc) roof.
within a few years.
ROOFS
WALLS
By far the most common construction
In a few houses even the walls are made
material in El Rama and the rest of
out of zinc sheets. But in the center of El
Nicaragua are sheets of corrugated steel
Rama, where most shops are located and the Paredes1
(mostly called zinc). Used as roof covering it is an all-time favourite, but zinc can also be used as a material for walls, fences or doors.
7%
The biggest advantage of these sheets is
92
Also, you can it 2% apply it to the roof in no 4%
time. This7% made that a full hundred per cent of the visited families used this material to 9%
construct their roof. However, zinc also has 49% up easily its disadvantages. The zinc heats 29%
BEDS ARE SEPERATED BY DRAPES OR MOSQUITO NETS
2%
9%
the price; 250 c贸rdobas (9 euros) will buy you a new and shiny sheetParedes1 of 3 by 1 meters.
4%
49%
Madera wood Minifalda minifalda wood and zinc Madera y zinc concrete Concreto zinc Zinc wood and Madera y bamboo bamb煤 Fig 9. Wall construction material
29%
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
wealthier people seem to live, the majority of the buildings have walls built of concrete. As soon as you get to the areas just outside the center, tropical hard wood slightly takes over as a construction material. First, this is done in the shape of the so called minifalda construction, as shown in the pictures on the right. The term minifalda (= miniskirt) refers to the walls, which consist of concrete blocks in the lower part, while the upper part is made of wood. Many minifalda houses were donated after a hurricane destroyed El Rama in 1987. In the outskirts of El Rama, more and more houses can be found that have the walls
93
constructed out of wood completely. In general, it could be said that the more rural the area, the more wood is used. Half of the homevisits took place in a house completely constructed out of wood, while 30% was a combination of wood and concrete (minifalda). Our data indicates that the material used for walls is also strongly related to the income of the household. Only 7% of the houses in the interviewed group is built out of concrete; we observed that the wealthier the family, the more concrete was used in the construction. Untreated bamboo and zinc were more present in the poorest families.
FLOORS Also in the material used for floors we observed differences between location and wealth. In location, the biggest differences were seen between houses in urban (more
MINIFALDA CONSTRCUTIONS WITH ZINC ROOFING
resulted in a water system for around 1000 households. According to official data in El Nuevo Diario the municipality of El Rama has a rural population of over 36.5 thousand people, plus the 21.5 thousand living in urban areas. This means that out of the 58 thousand inhabitants of El Rama, only 1.7% than 1000 people per square mile) and rural
is connected to a water network. However,
(less than 1000 people per square mile) areas
especially in the summer, this network does
(Census Bueau, 2015). The floor of most
not function as desired (El Nuevo Diario,
urban homes is mostly made of concrete,
2013).
although the less poor families usually have a tiled floor. In the rural homes around El
The electricity network does function on
Rama an (elevated) wooden floor or a dirt
the north side of RĂo Rama, although many
floor is more commonly seen.
households installed their own connections and the power cuts off regularly, as we were
94
In the table below, the target group is
told. The south side of the river, like most
roughly devided in an urban and a rural
other rural areas, does not have access to
group. But also in three groups of wealth,
electricity at all.
according to their saving capacity. The really poor families, who have difficulties in
LIFESPAN
covering their basic needs, the poor families,
Regardless of the age of the respondent,
who just cover their basic needs and the less
78% of them thought it was obvious that
poor, who have (little) savings capacity. The
they were going to live in their current house
predominant type of floor is shown for each
forever; siempre (=always) was by far the
group.
most common answer. Only 22% thought of moving to a place of their own, but mostly
Floors
Rural
Urban
Less poor
concrete
tiled
Poor
wood (elevated)
concrete
Lelys Leiba, who inherited his house from
dirt
his parents, explained that most people are
Really poor dirt
on the same plot of their parents.
born in the house where they live the rest of
WATER AND ELECTRICITY
their life. Houses, if they last longer than one
Most citizens of El Rama rely on their
generation, are passed on to the next one.
(poorly) digged wells, though some of them invented a way to collect rainwater. At
VALUE
the south side of the river, a project of the
During the homevisits we observed that
World Bank in collaboration with Enacal, the
most people didn’t buy their house.
Nicaraguan Aqueduct and Sewer enterprise,
Instead, they inherited it or but built it over
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
time. Because of this, little to none of the
donated materials. Therefore, the obtained
respondents had a clue about the value
data about the value of the visited houses
of their current house. Another important
says little about the true value.
reason for this lack of knowledge is the donation of houses after the hurricane
CONCLUSION
that destroyed El Rama in 1987. Many
Regarding the current situation we conclude
families were supplied of a new home, only
that, generally, even within the target group
having to pay for the working hours of the
exist great differences based on wealth and
construction, explaines MarĂa Vargas.
location.
In addition, some interviewed families
Especially construction materials depend on
were given a plot by the government for an
these variables, but even though the front of
extremely low price, live on a plot without
the house can look really good, the facilities
ownership or built their houses out of
in the back mostly lack in basic living
ONE OF THE RESPONDENTS DRAWING THEIR CURRENT HOUSE
standards (privacy, safety, security, hygiene,
Among the interviewd houses, all roofs are
comfort, etc.). The most important findings
made of corrugated steel (zinc), which causes
and observations for all individual topics are
an uncomfortable climate in the house. The
listed below.
material used for walls is strongly related to the income of the household; the wealthier
About the porch and living room can be
the family, the more concrete used. The
said that the transition between private and
floors show great differences between rural
public is very important to all households.
and urban areas, in which respectively dirt
In the poorest ones, the transition is really
and concrete are the most common.
gradual while the less poor houses have a more abrupt transition from private to public,
At the north side of the river, water is
so more fences and less openness. The
only accesible through digged wells, but
kitchen doesn’t necessarily need water but
electricity is available for everyone. At the
a two pit stove is essential. Toilets have to
south side of the river the opposite facilities
be as far from the house as possible, unless
are available.
they are flushable, but this is only reserved
96
for the less poor people within the target
The durability of a house is really important
group. Showers and wash place are located
since it is passed on generation to
next to the well. Bedrooms are generally
generation, and for this reason (amongst
overcrowded and most respondents report a
others) the value of a house is difficult to say.
lack in privacy. But more income goes hand in hand with less persons per room.
5.3.4
THE DREAM HOUSE After drawing their current situation, we asked the respondents to draw their dream house, as explained in paragraph 3.2 (p. 85). The topics below follow the order in which most respondents described their drawings, since we assume this says a lot about the importance of the characteristics. All the respondents told more or less the same story while describing their dream house. After all, you can dream as wealthy as you want, regardless of your income or location. However, it is remarkable how modest most dream houses are...
SIZE The majority started to describe their dream house as a one story building, small but
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
could be beautiful.. very beautiful!” says Lina, like 76% of the respondents. “What I like about bamboo? It looks pretty, and I think it is really fresh.” But also, like many others, Lina is not fully convinced yet about the advantages of bamboo. More about the image of bamboo can be found in the Impact Analysis in the Project Report of Bambú Social 2.0.
FACILITIES Most people we interviewed dream of comfortable. They wish for a number of
having all necessary facilities inside. A
bedrooms that suits their family; couples
kitchen with running water, a bathroom
together and one for each child. According
with shower inside and a baño hygiénico,
to most respondents, privacy is the thing
(= a toilet with a flushing system) within
that lacks most in their current situation. It
their house. But without water, the toilet
is the first thing they mention about their
should be far away from all other facilities.
dream house.
Functionality, especially in terms of hygiene, is what most respondent dream of when it
MATERIALS
comes to facilities. The shower should be
The second characteristic described is the
easy to reach for everyone without lugging
material. Most respondents would like to
around with buckets of water, and have
have concrete walls. Ramón Isidro explains that this is because it gives people a safe and secure feeling. Not only against burglary or violence, but also against the weather and natural disasters. “I would love to have at least a minifalda construction, to prevent that the water comes in during the rainy season” says Ramón. Also as a floor covering, concrete is the most popular choice. It is easy to clean, and bare concrete is relatively cheap. When asked, a clear majority of the respondents smiles when they think about living in a house made of bamboo, but they don’t bring it up themselves. “That
97
enough privacy. Also the kitchen should be
couple of hundred córdobas per month
easy to clean, and the stove should be in
from a family member. Jesmi and her sister
sight, while keeping an eye on the activities
work in a daycare on ‘voluntairy basis’. Both
in the rest of the house.
get a compensation of 2000 córdobas (70 euros) a month. If it weren’t for them, the 17
CONCLUSION
members of their household would only rely
Enough privacy, safety, security, hygiene and
on the fluctuating income of their brother in
comfort is the modest dream of the target
law.
group. If they start dreaming a little further, running water would be lovely to have
“Aquí en Nicaragua no hay trabajo”. Here
(especially to flush the toilet). Functionality
in Nicaragua are no jobs, is how most
is what the respondents like. Their dream
respondents explain their situation. The ones
house is simple, comfortable and easy to use
that do have jobs, found them in education,
and construct.
construction work or took over the farm of their family. Most of them have difficulties
5.3.5
98
FINCANCIAL SITUATION
to cover their basic needs, or just manage
Poor, poorer, poorest. Within the 78% of
to cover them. Some of them even have
the Nicaraguan citizens that are in need of
little saving capacity, but they run into other
a better house there are great differences
difficulties; most of them do not have any
in financial situation. Some of the poorest
trust in the banking system.
rely on governmental aid, consisting of an amount of rice, beans and oil. Others get a
One of the reasons for this distrust could be the result of the financial crisis of 2001, when the banking system of Nicaragua was virtually bankrupt, explains Borgstein. The country had 15 times less banking resources than its neighbours, with only six commercial bank branches compared to the average of 107 per country in Central America (Foundation for Sustainable Development, 2007). Since Nicaragua didn’t have a law to protect bank clients, these bankruptcies were desastrous for people who had their money on the bank. Only after the crisis a client protection law was approved, under which the Deposit Guarantee Fund (FOGADE) was created to reduce the fiscal impact when a
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
99
Interest Interest Rate Active Rate Active / Passive / Passive
bank would go bankrupt. In spite of these
Cumulative Inflation Rate Active / Passive Fig 11. Interest
15 %
15 %
Source: Central Bank of Nicaragua
15 %
regulations, the faith in banks is far from
8%
what it once was.
12.5 %
8%
12.5 %
12.5 %
Active Active 2014 Active Passive Passive 2013 Passive
6%
revolution, when the new government
4%
4%
7.5 7.5 % % 2%
5%
5%
2.5 %
2.5 %
devaluated the córdoba by 50.9 percent
6%
2012
Percent
7.5 %
10 % 10 %
Percent
happend right after the Nicaraguan
Percent Percent
Another incident that is still not forgotten
Percent
10 %
2%
5%
0 % 2.5 %
against the dollar in state-controlled exchange houses. According to the New
0%
York Times, this devaluation aimed at
-2 %
0%
0% Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
making the exchange houses competitive with black-market rates (New York Times,
the other hand, is extremely expensive”,
1990). Of course, this skyrocketing inflation
he explains. Official active interest rates
rate was a tragedy for all Nicaraguan citizens
around 15% are usual (Central Bank of
who had saved an amount of money.
Nicaragua, 2015) but can get up to 25% after reading the fine print, says Rudys
100
At this moment, the córdoba has a
Miranda of CEPRODEL, the Center for
fixed exchange rate to the dollar of 5%
Promotion of Local Development. These
devaluation per year (Rogers, 2014).
percentages are fatal for those who try to
Nevertheless, during our homevistits, we
climb the ladder of society. “In 2014, the
noticed that saving money is still known to
government approved amendment to the
be unreliable.
Housing Act and provided a subsidy of 2.5% in the interest rate for mortgage loans that
“When people save their money, it could
are not greater than $32,000” states Ricardo
Cumulative be worth half of it the next day”, is how Inflation Melendez, president of the Chamber of Source: Central Bank of Nicaragua
8%
Fernando Echeverria, viceconsul of Equador,
Builders in El Nuevo Diario (ElNuevoDiario,
puts it into words “Lending money, on
2014). Some banks offer accesible loans, but
8%
Cumulative Cumulative Inflation Inflation none of them really help for those who need Cumulative Inflation
Source: Source: Central Central Bank of Nicaragua Bank of Nicaragua it the
6%
2014Source: Central Bank of Nicaragua Fig 10. Cumulative Inflation
88%%
Source:2013 Central Bank of Nicaragua 2012
8%
8%
4%
0%
0%
0% -2 %
-2 % Jan
Mar Feb
-2 %
Jan
May Jul Sep Nov 12 14 16 18 20 22 Apr Jan Aug Oct Dec 13 15 17 19 21
Jan
Mar
Feb Feb -2 -2%%
2% % 4
4%
CONCLUSION 2%
Percent
2%
2%
4%
Percent
Percent
Percent
ensure that they have repayment capacity.
2012 2012
2 02% %%
4%
6%
6% 6% make a big difference for those who can
6%
Percent
Percent Percent
4%
2014 2014 2014 2013 2013 2013 2012
Percent
Percent
4%
2014 2013 2012
24% %% 4
00%%
8%
Percent
6%
-2 %
8%
If the situation is favourable, they could
4%
6 6%% 6%
2%
6% most. Companies like CEPRODEL and
8% INVUR (p.102-103) have a more social input.
8%
Sep -2 %Oct
0 % Jan Mar May 14 2015 16 18 20 22 2014 2015 Jul 2015 Sep2015Nov201512 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 Dec Jan Dec Apr Feb Jan Jan Mar Feb Mar May Apr 13Jun May15 Jul Jun Aug Jul Sep Aug Oct Sep Oct Feb Aug Apr Oct Dec 17 19 21 2014 2015 2014 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015
From the results of our research we can 2% 2 0% % conclude0 %that the target group can be divided in0three different segments: those % 0% -2 %
-2 % May Jul Sep Nov 12 14 16 18 20 22 May Jul Sep Nov 12 14 16 18 20 22 Apr Jan AugAugOct Oct Dec 15 1317 15 19 21 Apr Jan Dec 13 19 21 17
Mar
-2 % Jan Jan Mar Mar MayMayJul Jul Sep Nov Sep 12 Nov 14 12 16 14 18 20 16 2218 20 22 Feb Feb AprApr Jan Jan Aug Aug Oct Dec Oct 13Dec 15 1317 15 19 21 17 19 21
-2 %
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
who have difficulties to cover their basic needs (segment A), those who are able to
A
cover them (segment B) and those who have saving capacity (segment C). Together the subgroups can be seen as one huge ‘bottom of the pyramid’, in which segment C is on its
B
way to climb the social ladder to the middle class. With an average income of 11000 córdobas, the people of segment C could
C
be eligible for some of the more socially orientated loans.
Fig 13. Average income of the target group segments
Segment B earns 6000 córdobas a month, on average. For them, this is just enough
Analysis). After all, these options are
to cover their basic needs. Without saving
essential for reaching all segments of the
capacity it is impossible to pay back loans
target group.
with a high interest rate, let alone to give any security for the payment of the debts.
5.3.6
TARGET GROUP CONCLUSION
Therefore, in terms of living situation, this
The main question of this analysis is about
group completely relies on donations of
the criteria for a decent house, taking the
(inter)national projects.
needs, wishes and especially the possibilities of the target group into account.
For segment A, with an average income of 2500 córdobas monthly, the same applies.
Based on their financial situation, the target
The different possibilities are discussed in
group can be divided in three segments
more detail on page 102 (Social Housing
(p. 98). We believe that, to reach all three segments, the design for the social house should be accessible for the poorest, while adaptable to the needs and wishes of the entire target group. Only then, the social house can be called a decent house. Based on the current situation, the dream
C
house and the financial situation in combination with the first draft of the social
B
house and the results of the social housing
A
analysis, this report will conclude in design
Fig 12. The target group-segments in the pyramid of society
suggestions on the functional design of the social house (chapter 5).
101
SOCIAL HOUSING
5.4
Nicaragua has one of the highest housing deficits in Central America. The deficit is both qualitative and quantitative. Aside of the need for 20,000 new houses per year, the country also lacks infrastructure for more than 50 per cent of its existing houses. According to the Central Bank of Nicaragua, there is “..a
housing which offer really basic houses. The
housing deficit of over 900,000 new houses
main purpose of these programs is to provide
and home improvements and only 50 per
accommodation that is affordable to people
cent of the total need is covered between the
on low or moderate incomes.
private and public sectors” (Inter-American Development Bank, 2014). The other half is to
INVUR
be filled by social housing.
One of the government programs is the Institute of Urban and Rural Housing (INVUR)
5.4.1
102
THE SYSTEM
who offers subsidies in which the interest
The term ‘social housing’ commonly refers to
rate is lower in case you want to build a
rental housing owned and managed by the
social house. These subsidies are requested
local authorities, by non-profit organizations,
through financial institutions for Nicaraguan
or by a combination of the two. Homes
citizens.
should be built using a single criterium – lowest cost– but also with consideration of
The mission of INVUR is to restore the right
comfort, beauty, sustainability and cultural
to decent housing to Nicaraguan families,
continuity.
following the new law on low income housing (INVUR, 2015). The recent modification of this
At present, the government of Nicaragua
law (no. 667) raises the ceiling for subsides
has different policies and programs on social
for mortgages. The maximum value of the house goes from 19 thousand to 32 thousand US dollar. According to Ricardo Melendez, President of the Nicaraguan Chamber of Developers, that would enable developers to construct 1000 more low-cost houses above the 4000 projected for 2014. (Nicaragua Network, 2014) The government subsidy, funded by the Social Security Institute, cuts off 2 to 3.5% of the interest charged by banks, with the greater reduction going to the most affordable homes. Expanding the subsidy will
Fig 14. Families that live in poor quality houses (IDB, 2012)
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
create more demand and on its turn, more
there is a fairly high percentage arrears
demand will create more jobs and reinforce
(delayed payments). The goal is not to
the housing industry even further, states the
expropriate homes but cancel the debts. In
superior council of private enterprise Jose
January they expect to start financing for
Adan Aguerri in El Nuevo Diario (El Nuevo
the construction of new homes and home
Diario, 2014)
improvements (Rudys Miranda, 2015).
CEPRODEL INVUR also has alliances with other foundations or institutions, for example, with the Center for Promotion of Local Development (CEPRODEL). This microfinance foundation supports social housing for the people of Nicaragua. They
This housing finance is provided to families
currently offer the lowest market interest rate
with a minimum household income between
(from 13 to 18%), which can vary a lot during
7000 to 10000 córdobas monthly. That is,
one month of time (Rudys Miranda, 2015).
between 250 to 350 US dollar. If families run out of those resources, the national
CEPRODEL funds come from an American
government in coordination with INVUR can
NGO (DGHI) who has a portfolio of 8 or 9
subsidize a portion of the housing finance as
million córdobas. Unfortunately, this year
a donation, as for example 2000 US dollar for
they suspended funding in El Rama because
a total of 6000 US dollar.
A SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT BY INVUR
103
ALTERNATIVES Other government policies for social housing possibilities are exceptions or reductions of tax (15%) on construction materials and negotiate lower prices with some companies. Another possible alternative is the advance of the liquidation of an employee who has accumulated
Fig 15. GDP of Nicaragua and Honduras between 1960 and 2010
incentives and wants to pay a premium for building a house.
5.4.2
104
THE REALITY
The amount of housing construction projects
Like the GDP, employment has shown a
Nicaragua receives from other countries
positive growth throughout the decade,
decreases over the years. Many bilateral
closely following the growth of the total
European aids do not longer support
labour force. However, productivity and
Nicaragua, because numbers show that the
real earnings have stagnated, states
gross domestic product (GDP) is growing
Celestia Gonzalez of the World Bank.
rapidly. However, some countries keep
Self-employment (with lower average
donating zinc roofing through Plan Techo
earnings) has grown, which brings the
every year (Techo, 2015).
official unemployment rate to only 5.3%.
Fig 16. Housing statistics in Latin America (IDB, 2012)
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
The average annual income per capita stays 430 US dollar. At the same time, the unemployment rate for educated youth is around 30%, three times higher than the average youth unemployment (The World Bank, 2012). Even if people have a job, covering
Fig 17. Exchange rate Nicaraguan córdobas and US dollar in 2015
the costs of their basic needs is far but guaranteed. “Minimum wages in Nicaragua differ by sector” explains Henky Borgstein,
family needs an average income of 12,223
sociologist who has been living in Nicaragua
córdobas (420 USD) monthly to cover their
since 1987. According to the Ministry of
basic needs like rent, electricity, food and
Labour, the minimum salary for the industry
clothes (INIDE, 2015). Therefore, not only
sector is 4594 córdobas (160 USD) per month
people without employment, but also those
(WageIndicator, 2015). As a comparison,
who do have a job have to cut on these basic
in the industry sector, a monthly salary
necessities.
105
of more than 6000 córdobas (205 USD) is considered well paid. However, according
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs,
to the Instituto Nacional del Desarrollo, a
even within the basic needs, the necessities
decent house, by saving money on their plot. However, 83% of the respondents living in Barrio Nuevo, reported that they still don’t Fig 18. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Rosen, 2011)
have saving capacity and therefore they are not eligible for any fund or other financial
like food and water need to be covered
aid. Examples of houses in Barrio Nuevo can
first. To help the people also cover their
be found on the next page.
safety needs like housing, the municipality of El Rama started the Barrio Nuevo (= new
5.4.3
SOCIAL HOUSING CONCLUSION
neighbourhood). In this area the municipality
It is true that Nicaragua is growing
permits occupation of land by families to
economically but most of the capital stays in
keep them from living on the street.
large enterprises, states Borgstein. The fact that the GDP is growing rapidly and laws are
To get the official document of permission,
being improved, does not necessarily mean
they have to pay 1400 córdobas once, says
that families earn significantly more money
Fusto Espinosa Alemán while showing
or live in better circumstances.
the documents he received recently. The
106
program aims to give the poorest people
Although social housing funds in Nicaragua
of El Rama the opportunity to build a more
do exist, many are still unreachable for the
THE DOCUMENTS AND THE HOUSE AND KITCHEN OF A RESPONDENT LIVING IN BARRIO NUEVO
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
concerning families. The fact that applying for these funds is only possible if your income is above minimum proves that the families who need it the most are not included in the programs of national housing organizations. We can conclude that Bambú Social is unable to provide affordable housing to the people of segment A and B of the target group. If people have difficulties to cover their basic needs and are not eligible for any subsidy, it seems impossible to build a house within their budget. So to be able to reach the entire target group, including segment A and B, Bambú Social would have to look for ways to provide financial aid, apart from
107
delivering a decent design. One of the possibilities might be setting up or working together with an existing microfinance organization which focuses on social housing, so Nicaraguan families will be able to construct their own houses with (foreign) aid provided on micro level. In this case, even though the aid may be foreign, the chain of local entrepreneurship and employment will be stimulated while, at the same time, the demand for (bamboo) housing will increase. Bambú Social can start with building bamboo houses for the higher segment within the target group (segment C) by working together with the existing national organizations, which definitely has an added value in the first step of the implementation.
HOUSES IN BARRIO NUEVO
DESIGN SUGGESTIONS
5.5
The series of design suggestions on the
Our research has revealed that a house in
functional design of the social house is based
Nicaragua usually stays with the same family
on the target group analysis and the social
for generations (p. 94). Therefore we believe
housing analysis. These suggestions aim for
the social house should be dynamic (i.e.
a design that is affordable, easy-to-build, of
flexible, adaptable) and able to grow along
good quality and matched perfectly to the
with its residents in order to be durable.
needs of the target group. The most important aspect of a dynamic According to the target group analysis, the
house is that it is easy to expand or adjust
design should be accessible for the poorest,
after construction. We believe the easiest way
while adaptable to the needs and wishes of
to do this, is by a modular design. A modular
the entire target group (segment A, B and C).
design is made out of components that, by the use of a grid, can be assembled in a variety of
From the social housing analysis can be
arrangements.
concluded that making it accessible for
108 108
segment A (the poorest) depends on the
Among the interviewed households the
financial aid of external parties. But surely, a
number of residents had a great variety (p.
lower price of the house increases the financial
80). Of course also the budget can be quite
accesibility.
different from family to family (p. 98). With just one modular design, different families
5.5.1
DYNAMIC DURABILITY
can choose how many rooms they want,
The first principle of BambĂş Social is the use
dependent on the size and the income of the
of local resources as the basis of sustainable
family. The size of the house adapts easily to
architecture to, among other reasons, reduce
the needs of the user.
environmental impact, waste and costs (p. 82). In order to be sustainable, a house should
Also, living in a dynamic house means that the
benefit from the lifespan of materials as long
birth of a new child or a relative moving in,
as possible (durability). After all, the longer
doesn’t necessarily mean a decrease in privacy.
materials can be used, the less waste and costs
The house can grow simultaneously with the
are made.
family. As shown in the target group analysis, for most respondents privacy is the most important aspect of their dream house (p. 97). A dynamic house can not only grow simultaneously with the size, but also with the saving capacity of the family. This resolves the problem of unreliable savings and harmful loans, as explained in the target group analysis (p. 98). Because as soon as a family saved a
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
relatively small amount of money, they can
to be outside (p. 25). But also, a different
invest it in a new part of the house.
little toilet unit could give interesting opportunities in sharing with neighbours or
5.5.2
PREFABRICATION
relatives on the same plot.
Combining a modular design with a prefabrication process makes it even more
The same applies to a seperate shower
easy to change the house (dynamic). Also,
and/or washing place (wet area) next to the
it can drastically reduce the working hours
well or even a seperate kitchen. In the most
on the construction site, which can reduce
simple version of the design however, the
the price. On top of that, the construction of
kitchen could be just a two pit gas stove in
the house is not limited to the only three dry
the corner of the living room (p. 16).
months (in El Rama), and the construction on site fastens up. In this way the risk of the
MATERIALS
bamboo getting wet during constructing can
The first draft of the social house uses a
be reduced.
minifalda construction with concrete and bamboo. This construction will make use
Prefabrication could also have a huge
of a local resource (first principle of Bambú
impact on the implementation. The barrier
Social) while satisfying the wishes of the
of knowledge transfer gets reduced to the
target group, concerning hygiene and
craftsmen, who can make bamboo their
security (p. 96). Also, in case of the more
speciality. Specialization, on its turn, also has
rural areas, concrete columns could be easily
a positive effect on the working hours and
used to elevate the minifalda construction
thus the price of the elements.
and level even the most uneven plot.
FACILITIES
In this minifalda construction, the upper
We believe that not only the space should
part of the construction (skeleton) is made
be adaptable/expandable, but also the
out of bamboo, but the material of the wall
facilities of the house. A young couple, for
elements has not yet been determined. We
example, could have the wish for their own
believe that a very basic but safe and secure
little house. They might have the budget
(prefab bamboo) wall element, which later
for a basic house with enough rooms, but
can be finished-off with more layers, would
can’t afford their own water collection
be the perfect solution. In this case, even the
and purification system yet. The design
wall elements are adaptable to the budget
should be made in a way that even (a few
of the family at first, and easy to expand later
years) after the house is built, a water and
on.
electricity system can be added. What makes it slightly more difficult, is that the
5.5.3
CONCLUSION
preferred type of toilet and kitchen depends
The overarching suggestion for the design
on the water system. A dry toilet is preferred
of the social house is to make it a highly
109
dynamic building, so it is sustainable and
safety, security, hygiene, privacy and comfort
can last for years, decades and generations.
into account. The first ‘stage’ should be
Based on our results, we suggest to start
both the smallest and the most basic house
with the design of an extremely basic house
available.
that is accessible for the poorest, and make it expandable to fulfill the dreams of the
• lowest possible price
entire target group.
• minifalda construction (bamboo) • easy to close off
This could be achieved by making a modular
• concrete floor
design that can be arranged according to
• good ventilation
the wishes of the family. We believe that,
• living room is most important
in order to prevent losing the overview of
• gradual transition private to public
possibilities, the most important part of this
• interior basic kitchen
design should be the grid. Also, to keep it
• exterior toilet
simple, the amount of modular elements
• exterior wet area
shouldn’t be excessive and the most basic house should be expandable without taking
110
important parts down.
ADD-ONS For the intermediate options, it is important
An other option is making a series of
to remember that size and comfort/luxury
consecutive designs. In this case the house
are not necessarily related. The first stage is
can be expanded step by step. Even
both the smallest as the most basic house.
before the construction of the first stage,
But the next stages can be either bigger,
the possible extentions can be taken into
extra comfortable or both. The house should
account. In this case, we can imagine a (one-
be able to grow in size without having to
page) menu that summarizes all different
become extra comfortable, but also be able
options, with a ‘shopping list’ that specifies
to extand in comfort without growing in
all necessary (prefabricated) elements for
size. That is why, apart from growing in size,
each option.
it should be possible to add the following elements.
CRITERIA BASIC HOUSE The criteria for the most basic house are
• integrated water system
based on the current situation (needs),
• (interior) flushable toilet
combined with the dreams (wishes) of
• (interior) kitchen with wet place
segment A of the target group. Based on
• integrated electricity system (e.g. solar)
the results of our reseach, we weighted
• hinged interior doors
the needs and wishes against each other,
• wall finishing (stucco/color)
resulting in a list of criteria that make it as
• floor finishing (tiles)
financially accesible as possible, while taking
MODULARITY We believe that BAMBÚ theSOCIAL beauty 2.0of- modular PROJECT REPORT architecture is the possibility to add or remove any component (module) without a lot of effort. Making a good and functional modular design, unfortunately, isn’t that easy. Each solution brings up new questions which must be taken into account. The construction is important, of course; in every stage the design should be stable and strong, and the added roof shoudn’t leak, for example. But also other functional aspects are of great importance. The house should be adaptable to its surroundings, in order to have the right orientation on the road, the sun and
CRITERIA EXTENDED HOUSE
the wind. But also the direction in which the
The criteria for the most extensive design
house will expand should be kept in mind; is it
of the house are based on the needs and
adaptable to different plot sizes? and how is the
wishes of segment C of the target group.
accessiblility managed?
This house should be affordable, pay attention to safety, security and hygiene, and in particular to privacy and comfort. • lowest possible price • minifalda construction (bamboo) • easy to close off • concrete floor • good ventilation • living room is most important • gradual transition private to public • private bedrooms • porch • integrated water system • (interior) flushable toilet • (interior) kitchen with wet place • integrated electricity system (solar) • real hinged interior doors • wall finishing (stucco/color) • floor finishing (ceramic)
5.5.4
REFLECTION ON FIRST DESIGN The first draft of the social house meets almost all criteria for the extended house, as summed up in the box on this page. The estimated costs for this house are 7400 USD.
111
A cheaper design was made by leaving
Apart from this conceptual suggestion, we
expensive parts out. In this way the costs can
would like to reflect on the main differences
be brought down to 4800 USD, as explained
between our findings and the design
on page 11. In short, the first draft of the
solutions of the first draft of the social house.
social house is adaptable to a different budget of the customer.
PORCH AND LIVING ROOM The designed floorplan of the social house
However, because the first principle of
is based on the assumption that the porch
Bambú Social is about sustainability, we
is the most important area of the house,
suggest a small but important change in
because people spend most of their time
concept.
outside. However, in our research, the living room is said to be most important
112
Based on this target group analysis, we
by 51% of the respondents. On page 88,
suggest to design a house that isn’t only
we explain this difference by the fact that a
adaptable at first, but more importantly, able
large majority of the houses have little to no
to grow along with the family and its needs
ventilation (71%) and therefore have a warm
and wishes over the years. We think that
and uncomfortable temperature in their
focussing on the flexibility/modularity of the
living room.
house is the best way to make it durable and sustainable (p. 108).
Since the first design of the social house has a well functioning ventilation system
Also, in case Bambú Social aims to reach
the interior climate of the house will be very
the entire target group (including segment
comfortable (Constructional Analysis, 2016).
A and B), we suggest to start the designing
In this case, we assume, the porch could
process with an extremely basic house. In
have less priority in the design.
our opinion, this basic house should be as financially accesible as possible, but
BEDROOMS AND PRIVACY
expandable to fulfil the dreams of the entire
The order of privacy-sensitive areas of the
target group, instead of the other way
design corresponds with our observations.
around.
Only the social house has just one or two bedrooms. As confirmed by our data, bedrooms in Nicaragua have a high occupancy. However, most respondents wish for a number of bedrooms that suits their family; couples together and one for each child. Since some households are quite big (p. 90) this would mean that the possibility to add more (small) rooms is recommendable.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
BATHROOM
combine this first principle with the needs of
In the social house, the dry toilet is placed
the target group, extra attention should be
inside, next to the shower and the kitchen.
payed to the secure feeling and the ability to
From our research we conclude that people
close-off the house.
would love to have a toilet inside, as long as it is flushable. A dry toilet, on the other
DESIGN PRIORITIES
hand, is not desired inside the house.
After all, where to set priorities regarding safety, security, hygiene, privacy, comfort,
SAFETY AND SECURITY
functionality, sustainability and costs is very
Most respondents attach great value to
important. In the first draft of the social
safety and security. Not only against burglary
house these priorities are mainly based on
or violence, but also against the weather
the five principles of Bambú Social.
and natural disasters. They said to prefer concrete as a building material to give
With this social analysis, we hope to provide
them a safe feeling. However, based on the
insight into the priorities of the entire target
first principle of Bambú Social, the social
group, so the social house can also be
house is made mainly out of bamboo. To
matched perfectly to their needs and wishes.
113
ONE OF THE RESPONDENTS DRAWING THEIR CURRENT HOUSE
5.6
BIBLIOGRAPHY • Bambú Social (2014). Project Report Bambú Social 2014. El Rama: Shortsighted Architecture. • Balmaceda, J. (2015, 12). Governmentnal aid. Personal interview. • Borgstein, H. (2015, 12). Social Housing opportunities. Personal interview. • Census Bureau (2015). Urban and Rural. Retreived from http://cber.cba.ua.edu/asdc/urban_rural.html • Central Bank of Nicaragua (2015). Economics Indicators. Retreived from http://www.bcn.gob.ni/en/ • Inter-American Development Bank (2014). Preferential Interest Rate for Housing loans. Retrieved from http://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/home/Nicaragua_Preferential_Interest_Rate_Housing • ElNuevoDiario (2014). Créditos hipotecarios serán más accesibles. Retrieved from http://www.elnuevodiario. com.ni/nacionales/319808-creditos-hipotecarios-seran-mas-accesibles/ • Foundation for Sustainable Development (2007). Micro-enterprise/Microfinance Issues in Nicaragua. Received from http://www.fsdinternational.org/country/nicaragua/mfissues • INVUR (2015). Misión. Retreived from http://www.invur.gob.ni/index.php/invur/mision
114
• INIDE (2015). Poverty results 2015. Retreived from http://www.inide.gob.ni/Emnv/Emnv14/Poverty%20 Results%202014.pdf • Janssen, J. (2001). Designing and building with bamboo. Retreived from http://www.inbar.int/ publications/?did=58 • Rogers, T. (2014). Nicaragua seeks to de-dollarize economy. Retreived from http://nicaraguadispatch. com/2014/05/nicaragua-seeks-to-de-dollarize-economy/ • New York Times (1990). Nicaragua Devaluation. Retreived from http://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/28/ business/nicaragua-devaluation.html • Nicaragua Network (2014). Nicaragua News Bulletin (April 8, 2014). Retreived from http://www.nicanet. org/?page=blog&id=25898
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
• Miranda, R. (2015,12). Social Housing opportunities. Personal interview. • Techo (2015). Qué es Techo. Retreived from http://www.techo.org/paises/nicaragua/techo/ • WageIndicator (2015) Salarios mínimos en Nicaragua. Retreived from http://www.tusalario.org/nicaragua/ portada/derecho-laboral • WetherSpark (2015). Average Weather For Bluefields, Nicaragua. Retreived from https://weatherspark.com/ averages/32615/Bluefields-Autonomous-Region-of-the-Southern-Atlantic-Nicaragua • World Bank (2012). Better jobs in Nicaragua: the role of human capital. Retreived from http://www. worldbank.org/en/country/nicaragua/publication/better-jobs-in-nicaragua • World Bank (2015). Unemployment, total (% of total labor force). Retreived from http://data.worldbank.org/ indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
¡Gracias por su contribución! Bambú Social 2.0 wants to thank all the respondents of the homevisits for their contribution to the project: Lilliam Henriquez
Jesmi
Lina
Fusto Espinosa Alemán
María Vargas
Carlos
Robin Ballesteros
Dácil
Inginia Holez Calderón
Irasel
Melisa
Fuana Pastora García
Lelys Antonio Leiba
Alba Humphreys
Sofía Ruiz
María Elena
Vargas
Dora Isabel Soto
Miriam Rejuez
Pedro
Ramón Isidro Ocón
Luisa
Antonia
María
Claudia
Albertina Gomez
Edelina
Nubia
Louisa Campos
Jusnielca del Carmen
Petrona Claudia López
Esther
Yanina Morales
Alicia Pulido
Catalina López
Llurisma
Marina Antonia
Sheila
Mercedes Machado
Giovanny
Nuvia Navas
María Isabel
Yanina
María Fajadro
Haytalina
Dominga
115
6
IMPACT ANALYSIS
6.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................... 118 6.2. AWARENESS OF BAMBÚ SOCIAL ............................ 120
6.2.1 Model house .................................. 121
6.2.2 Bambú Recicla.................................. 122
6.2.3 Environmental impact ..................... 123
6.3 IMAGE OF BAMBOO ............................................. 124
6.3.1 Bamboo as a constr. material ...... 125
6.4 IMPLEMENTATION SUGGESTIONS .......................... 128
6.4.1 Four groups of focus ...................... 128
6.4.2 Conclusion ...................................... 131
6.1
INTRODUCTION The Bambú Social foundation has been sharing knowledge and expertise about the use of local resources for sustainable and affordable social housing, aiming to contribute to a solution for the housing problem in Nicaragua. Until now, this resulted in eleven subprojects that all can be seen as steps in the direction of the main goal. The involvement of the locals, students and experts who were working with Bambú Social and the transition of this involvement to other people is essential for the implementation of the project. Not only on local and national, but also on international level, great effort is done to keep people involved in the project. Simultaneously, Bambú Social is looking for ways to continue delivering to their main goal in the future. For the continuation of Bambú Social in the coming years, it is important to know what the social impact of the project has been until now. Therefore, the the awareness of Bambú Social will be the first topic in this analysis. According to the Bambú Social foundation, stimulating the acceptance of bamboo as a
118
construction material is the first step of implementation. “We want to share knowledge with locals and stimulate the acceptance of bamboo as a construction material”. To get an image of the impact of the project, it is also important to analyse the current image of bamboo (as a construction material) among the people of Nicaragua. We’ve organised an introduction meeting where opinions of involved people were captured, followed by interviews with the municipality and local and national bamboo experts. Also during the home visits the people of El Rama shared their opinion about the project Bambú Social and about bamboo as a construction material. With the gathered information, we looked for ways Bambú Social could continue living up to the main goal. By focusing on how to do this, this analysis concludes in implementation suggestions.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
6.2
120
AWARENESS OF BAMBÚ SOCIAL The exchange of knowledge and expertise
Great effort has been made and an
with local craftsmen and students has been
important element has been injected in El
a main objective of Bambú Social. They also
Rama: the construction material bamboo
involved public (municipality, BICU, UCA)
has been re-invented and new building
and private entities and many other citizens
techniques discovered. Now, the question
(future beneficiaries). The construction of
arises what has become of the activities after
the model house was one of the eleven
the team of Bambú Social left Nicaragua.
projects done in 2014. By the help of many
What has become of the impact of Bambú
people that participated in the project they
Social and the aim to create and share
delivered to the result either passively or
knowledge of bamboo construction? In
actively. The eleven projects of Bambú Social
this analysis we’ve focused on two visible
in 2014 in chronological order can be found
projects: the model house (point 2 and 5)
in the scheme below.
and the recycle waste bins (point 9).
1. Organise workshops and lectures with the community of El Rama and local farmers to promote sustainable construction, the use of bamboo as a construction material. 2. Design a model house of bamboo in collaboration with the local community. 3. Develop and integrate of a decentralized water collection and purification system in collaboration with blueEnergy. 4. Set up a bamboo infrastructure for cutting, treating, cleaning and transporting. 5. Constructing the model house with local craftsmen and students. 6. Design and develop a permaculture garden in collaboration with students from BICU. 7. Organise the course ‘construcción sostenible’ in collaboration with the BICU with local students and craftsmen. 8. Facilitate the course ‘artesania con bambú’, initiated by the municipality for the community of Esperanza. 9. Develop bamboo wastebins for the community of El Rama. 10. Design a social house as a more affordable version of the model house. 11. Guide further development of bamboo structures in collaboration by the Universidad Centroamericana.
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
6.2.1
MODEL HOUSE A contract has been signed by the BICU and the municipality which describes the parameters for the freedom. The function of the model house has to be public and thus open for visitors. Until November 2015 the house has functioned as a university library. Recently, the BICU choose to change its
yes no Do you know the BambĂş Social foundation?
function, as the inner climate of the house was too humid for the books (Constructional
We doubt the accessibility and the public
Analysis). Also the library was not visited
function of the house which may have
often anymore and the computers with
affected the social impact.
internet not used as much as before, stated the librarian.
During the home visits, families were asked whether they know the model house.
During our time in El Rama we found the
The existence is evident in El Rama. We
house often closed-off and we had to
concluded that a great majority of the
contact the principal to open up the house.
people interviewed, at least knew of the
PRESENTATION DURING THE INTRODUCTION MEETING IN EL RAMA
121
very high Alto high bien alto Más medium Más bien bajo low Bajo
existence of the model house next to the local university, the BICU. However, none of the interviewed people entered the house.
Alto Más bien alto Más bien bajo Bajo 2% 2%
20%
Many explain us that they didn’t know the 2% has a public function and is open for 2% house visitors.
76%
The officials of the municipality explained 20%
during the introduction meeting, that one of the results of the model house was that
What is your first imporession of the model house?
the bamboo construction triggered local
122
curiosity within the community. Via multiple
Rafael Acevedo, principal of the BICU.
information and communication channels
The homevisits confirm that respondents
the construction and existence of the house
don’t bring up a bamboo dreamhouse by
has been spread. They also explained that
themselves. But when asked, a clear majority
foreigners (from outside El Rama) came to
of the respondents smiles when they think
visit the house. 76%
about living in a house made of bamboo.
Although many people have been curious
Apparently, the model house is not
to see the house, the introduction meeting
accessible enough for the local families.
explains us that there is a missing link
Whether this has to do with the
between the ‘real’ families (the target
implementation, the function of the building,
group) and the model house. “The families
or the appearance, is something we cannot
need to be able to touch the house and
draw any conclusions of, but it is important
see other families live in it, in order to start
that this is not going to result in the feeling
dreaming of a bamboo house” explaines
that bamboo housing in general doesn’t lie within their reach.
6.2.2
“BAMBÚ RECICLA” Another project conducted by Bambú Social was the design of a recycle wastebin made of bamboo as a part of the recycling campaign being undertaken by the municipality of El Rama. The task to produce fifty recycle bamboo wastebins was appointed to Don Samuel, a local craftsman who has spent many years working
FAMILIES IN THE MODEL HOUSE (FINAL EVENT)
with bamboo and has a technical bamboo certificate. Contrary to expectations after
Page 1
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
two years only thirteen of those wastebins
of bamboo has improved but also the
have been finished, due to a mistake in
awareness of Bambú Social.
the estimated budget (Samuel, 2015), (Balmaceda, 2015).
6.2.3
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The impact of all these projects isn’t only
However, unlike the model house, these
limited to a social conscience, but also
wastebins are distributed throughout the
consists of an environmental aspects. We
community. Some of them are located in
believe that the model house and the
popular areas such as the local municipality,
wastebins have a positive impact on the
the BICU campus, the Central Park, etc.
environment of El Rama, thanks to their
allowing people to, literally, get in touch with
functionality.
bamboo. In the model house, the used water is “People have to touch bamboo” explains
cleaned by the ‘Bananeras’ and re-used for
Ines Ortega. As we concluded from the
irrigation (p. 57). Also, as said during the
introduction meeting, having real life
introduction meeting, people really use the
contact by touching bamboo contributes
recycle wastebins. This motivates the people
to its image and its possible potentials as
of El Rama to contribute to a cleaner city
a building material. Not only to the image
and recycling.
ONE OF THE RECICLE WASTEBINS IN EL RAMA
6.3
IMAGE OF BAMBOO In all projects by Bambú Social, bamboo
HANDCRAFTS
has been (re-)introduced as a construction
INTA (Instituto Nicaragüense Tecnología
material. The (general) image of bamboo is a
Agropecuaria), the farm at El Recreo, is
crucial factor for the project.
currently exporting bamboo to Masaya, a city in Nicaragua, where a lot of handcraft is
The tradition to construct with natural
made of bamboo. “In Nicaragua only certain
materials (like bamboo) has been lost over
sectors of the economy fully realise the
the years. Michael Campbell, representative
usefulness of bamboo. The foreigners who
of CEDEHCA, explained that this has to do
voice the appreciation of the material and
with the foreign influences that affected the
are expression their willingness to buy crafts
construction culture and mind-set about
made from bamboo” said Don Samuel.
using local resources, which has had a major effect on the image of bamboo.
GOOD EXAMPLES Appreciation for bamboo grows worldwide
124
“Nowadays bamboo is seen as a material
repidly. EcoPlanet Bamboo is a good
for the poor”, said Javier Balmaceda,
example. This is a multinational organisation
corroborated by many others. Bamboo is
that recently invested extensively in the
used to cover houses or sheds. The rest of
bamboo industry in Nicaragua (see chapter
the houses often exist of wooden poles, zinc
8). EcoPlanet Bamboo owns a bamboo
sheets and plastic (Social Analysis). It is clear
farm stretching from El Rama along the Rio
that these people do not know about the
Escondido to La Fonseca (1100 acres). The
benefits of bamboo. From our observations
local impact is hard to put a finger on, but it
we can state that bamboo is often neglected
seems that the appearance of this bamboo
as a qualitative construction material, but
company contributes to the local image of
seen as a cheap alternative to provide some
bamboo, by showing the recogniton of the
extra space instead.
material.
TOURISTIC TRADEMARK It appears that the image of bamboo changed among all parties in the project, from the administrative part at the mayor’s office (municipality) to the potential beneficiaries. In fact, the local municipality has made plans to exploit bamboo as a tourist attraction. They want to distinguish from other towns in Nicaragua and use bamboo as a trademark. They wany El Rama to be identified as a bamboo city. “We think that bamboo can be a trademark because
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
6.3.1
it is originally from the area which is not
families were investigated for the Social
the case in many other municipalities in
Analysis. Also their opinion about bamboo
Nicaragua”, affirmed the director of urban
as a material for construction and about the
planning in El Rama, Javier Balmaceda.
built model house were asked.
BAMBOO AS A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
A clear majority of the survey respondents
To get an idea of the acceptance of bamboo
smiles when they think about living in a
as construction material we combined
bamboo house, but they do not bring it
both the current situation of local families,
up themselves. “That could be beautiful,
their view on bamboo and the vision of
very beautiful!” said Lina, like most other
Emma Grun, a representative of the UCA.
respondents who have seen the model
Concluding from this, we came up with
house before (76%). Compared to the
suggestions that might contribute to the
people that didn’t know about the model
image of bamboo.
house or never heard of Bambú Social before, who more often disliked the material.
LOCAL FAMILIES
“What I like about bamboo? It looks pretty,
During fifty home visits, the current housing
and I think it is really fresh.” But also, like
situation and dream houses of the local
many others, Lina thinks the process of
DON SAMUEL AND THE BAMBOO TABLE HE MADE
Si
Si
Si No 9%
of bamboo and the material is seen as a knows100% Bambú Social
100%
fall-back solution for the poorest. But even
does not know Bambú Social
though 25% of the respondents state that
91%
they don’t have a really high impression of yes Si no No
bamboo as a construction material, 83% does imagine their dream house be built out of
Would you like to live in a bamboo house?
bamboo, and 97% said they would like to live in a bamboo house.
curing bamboo is difficult and expensive. “It must be for a reason that so many bamboo houses rot away fast...”
Page 17
Page 17
Page 18
From the people that said they already knew the model house, hundred percent stated that they could imagine themselves living
Most bamboo that is used as a construction
in a bamboo house. While of the people
material in Nicaragua is untreated, and
that didn’t know Bambú Social before, ten
thus, falls apart easily within a few years.
procent stated that a bamboo house was
For that reason, people like Lina are not
not an option for their family. Even though
fully convinced yet about the advantages
it is a small percentage, it indicates that
Page 18
THE MODEL HOUSE BY THE BAMBÚ SOCIAL FOUNDATION
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Bambú Social did make a difference in the
natural resources. This implies that we must
perception of bamboo as a construction
radically change our methods of design and
material. The positive aspects we heard
construction; from the choice of materials to
most ofthen during the homevisits have
the amount of waste and lack of reuse.”
something to do with the economical advantage, or that bamboo is more beautiful
Students do get educated about the use of
than wood and concrete. Also qualitative
alternative materials. Emma thinks bamboo
characteristics are recognised. People like
is one of many alternative materials that
that it’s durable and, if it is treated well, they
must be explored in the region, and is
say it doesn’t seem to deteriorate. They call
proven itself on structural strength and
bamboo fresh, comfortable and affordable.
architectural quality.
The most commonly heard negative aspect
At the moment the UCA does not have a
is that the process seems difficult, or they
study specialisation or specified courses
don’t know how to use it in the right way.
in which students learn about bamboo as
Also, some say, its seems expensive.
a construction material, yet. Students do have the opportunity to specialise through
UNIVERSIDAD CENTROAMERICANA
internships and their thesis.
During an urbanism project of the UCA in El Rama, students and urbanism lecturer Emma Grun had the opportunity to visit the model house. “The model house is aesthetically beautiful, structurally strong and very thought thorough with details”, stated Emma.
In Emma’s courses about urbanism, there is a focus on sustainability and mitigating environmental risks, e.g. to reduce the extraction of fossil fuels and CO2 emission by lowering the energy consumption. “We have to find a balance in the use of renewable
COMMONLY SEEN USE OF BAMBOO
IMPLEMENTATION SUGGESTIONS
6.4
We can state that Bambú Social gave
and their wish for maintenance, expansion
an enormous boost to the awareness of
or a new house. During the home visits, the
bamboo inside and outside of El Rama. A
interviewees were very positive about the
few examples are the involvement of local
appearance of the bamboo house. However,
craftsmen and students and the UCA in
direct contact between well-constructed
Managua and the sudden interest of the
bamboo and the families is missing. The
municipality in the exploitation of bamboo
most essential concern for the target group
as a touristic attraction.
is to (literally) get in touch with bamboo; this will promote its image.
As stated before, the success depends on
128
long term processes like constructional
According to the introduction meeting it
continuity and research continuity (source
will contribute to the demand if people
Projectplan Bambú Social 2.0). Based on the
see a family living in a bamboo house. Also
brief impact analysis, we can conclude that
organising meetings in which the families
there is a significant awareness of Bambú
get actively invited will promote bamboo
Social. At this point the image of bamboo
as a construction material. By sharing
and especially the opinion of the local
information and feeling welcome, we
families about bamboo as a construction
believe that the families will feel involved
material need to be focused on.
in the project and will be open to bamboo housing.
6.4.1
FOUR GROUPS OF FOCUS To do this, we distinguished four groups
Also, the effect of distributed, minor projects
which Bambú Social should involve.
(like the bamboo wastebins) also seems to
The bullets conclude in implementation
have effect to the image of bamboo.
suggestions. • Organise meetings with local families to
TARGET GROUP
promote bamboo
To improve the image of bamboo, families
• Invest in minor projects
have to be convinced of the reliability and durability that bamboo could have. After all, they are the future beneficiaries. For
LOCAL CRAFTSMEN AND ENTREPRENEURS
them the benefits of using bamboo should
If the families are convinced and interested
be clear and there needs to be a demand
in constructing with bamboo, knowledge
for housing. If this is not the case, the
must be available and distributed among the
construction and implementation of bamboo
people. Information about bamboo (how to
houses will not have a prolonged effect.
cut it, treat it and prepare it for construction) must be available. Bambú Social is working
In most interviews, the families told us
on a construction manual explaining how to
about their precarious housing situation
construct a bamboo house. If this manual
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
is accessible for the target group it seems
craftsmen. This way, local bamboo experts
to us a solution for approachable bamboo
are created and bamboo construction can
construction.
get more accessible for the families. These craftsmen can become entrepreneurs who
After all, to promote the bamboo image,
set up (local) companies that for example
more bamboo constructions have to be built
produce prefab bamboo elements. In
and therefore the craftsmen must know how
the business plan Bambú Bueno more
to construct with bamboo, explained Lester
entrepreneurial opportunities are described.
Antonio Bermúdez a local craftsman. In this
Specialisation also has a positive effect on
process of sharing information started by
the working hours and thus the price of
Bambú Social, craftsmen are closely involved
the elements. As it adds to the image and
by exchange experience and knowledge, to
accessibility of bamboo, Bambú Social can
create applicable techniques.
support these kinds of initiatives.
By outsourcing the bamboo techniques
• Share education about bamboo
and by making prefabricated (prefab)
construction
construction elements, the barrier of
• Support local bamboo companies
knowledge transfer gets reduced to the
STUDENTS We must be aware of the fact that the target group’s families often do not have resources to cover their basic needs. There are families dependent of national or international housing projects as described in the Social
THE TARGETGROUP
Analysis. In these projects, which are centrally tendered, architects are involved. Architecture and engineering students are the designers and builders of the future. For bamboo to be a country’s next standard construction material, students have to get educated and gain experience of the use of bamboo. Bambú Social could help and promote the process of including the bamboo courses in the architecture and civil
130 LOCAL CRAFTSMEN
engineering curriculum. Besides this, the involvement of students through internships and theses, contributes to both experience and knowledge of the students and of Bambú Social. • Promote bamboo courses at universities • Organise internships and thesis projects
SUPPLIERS, CLIENTS AND ENTREPRENEURS All over the world bamboo is an upcoming material. The beneficial characteristics of
STUDENTS
bamboo are being discovered and new techniques for this multi-functional material are explored every day. The environmental revolution also has influence on entities and results in greater investments of renewable natural resources (Online, 2015). Bambú Social can use this positive development to anticipate on local as
SUPPLIERS AND CLIENTS
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
international initiatives. There are projects
group, local craftsmen and entrepreneurs,
throughout the country who want to invest in
students and bamboo suppliers, clients and
the use of natural resources, for example a
entrepreneurs.
national organisation CEDEHCA. This could be a way to promote and improve the image
By involving these parties as described
of bamboo.
above, the process of up scaling and upgrading can improve and will contribute
If Bambú Social wants to anticipate on
to the success of the project. So it is
these kinds of projects, there has to be a
important that this is continuous during the
bamboo supplier. Also for housing projects,
whole project. Therefore these groups must
a functioning bamboo infrastructure is
be involved in every step of the project. We
necessary.
call this direct implementation.
Bambú Social does not have to set up this
TO BE CONTINUED
infrastructure itself, but can collaborate with
With the implementation suggestions,
(local) bamboo farms to supply bamboo for
the constructional and functional design
future projects. This is possible through local
suggestions, we can continue with the direct
farm owners and with international invested
implementation. In the next chapters will be
farms, like EcoPlanet Bamboo.
described how we did this as team Bambú Social 2.0 and how this could be continued
Not only suppliers, but also constructors are necessary for housing projects. A construction infrastructure is needed which includes a prefab bamboo companies (mentioned in Local craftsmen and entrepreneurs). It is important that these companies match the scope of tendered projects. Bambú Social can support these (local) companies during the process of up scaling and upgrading. • Anticipate on future projects • Collaborate with (local) bamboo suppliers • Collaborate and support (local) prefab bamboo companies.
6.4.2
CONCLUSION To optimize te impact of the project, Bambú Social can focus on families of the target
in the future.
131
7
DESIGN & CONSTRUCT
7.1 DESIGN WITH STUDENTS ..................................... 134
7.1.1 Gaining knowledge ....................... 134
7.1.2 The internship ................................ 136
7.1.3 Concept design phase .................. 136
7.1.4 Functional design phase ............... 138
7.1.5 Constructional design phase ........ 139
7.1.6 The design ..................................... 140
7.2 CONSTRUCT WITH CRAFTSMEN ............................ 146
7.2.1 Natural treatment ......................... 146
7.2.2 Points of improvement .................. 149
7.2.3 Experiment Techito ....................... 150
7.2.4 Recommendations ......................... 153
7.2.5 Points of imrpovement .................. 153
7.2.6 Feedback on the connections ...... 154
7.2.7 Experiment continued ................... 155
7.2.8 Involvement of craftsmen .............. 156
7.3 BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................... 158
DESIGN WITH STUDENTS
7.1
Architecture and engineering students are the future constructors of the country. Experiences and knowledge gained during
BAMBÚ SOCIAL
your study, inspires ones future occupation.
REPENTINA
REPENTIN
Bambú Social aims to share knowledge and
18 DE NOVIEMBRE
18 DE NOVIEMB
expertise about the use of local resources for
TALLER S2 UCA
TALLER S2 UC
sustainable and affordable social housing. We do that by the involvement of students. Our aim is to improve the design of the social house, by suggesting a second design of a social house. Combining both Nicaraguan as Dutch expertise can result in
134
an enhanced / a profound design method.
the designing method and values of
This resulted in an extensive design of a
architecture students. We organised a
bamboo social house, which Bambú Social
design case (repentina) for the architecture
can either use as an improved design, or as
students of Universidad Centroamericana
an alternative design.
(UCA) in Managua, capital of Nicaragua. This repentina was organised together
7.1.1
BAMBÚ SOCIA
GAINING KNOWLEDGE
with Emma Grun, urbanism teacher at the
In order to share knowledge and combine
UCA. Thirty energetic third and fourth year
expertise, it is important to understand
architecture students participated.
One of the results of the UCA design case
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
After three hours of intense brainstorming, drawing and constructing, six groups of students presented their ideas of how bamboo could be matched with social housing. Through drawings and ‘maquetas’ (scaled models) they explained what aspects of social housing are important and how bamboo can be used. The design case was to design a social house with the following criteria: • attractive appearance • bamboo as main construction material • social character, affordable to low-income families
135
• good ventilation All students were eager about the use of bamboo, as it enhanced their designs. Constructing with bamboo was also interpreted as the social character. The designs were inspiring. Some interesting ideas are presented below: • prefabrication by a fold-up design • one design demonstrably at every angle • reversed roof for a central water retention • hexagon shape to obtain maximum surface area with the least perimeter • a standard of 7 m2 per person In appendix B, all designs are presented with a small summary. During the design case we had the opportunity to get to know the work style
THE UCA DESIGN CASE
and mental steps. We did not experience
7.1.2
THE INTERNSHIP
any major differences in the designing
The design case with UCA was an
method and thought it was comparable
opportunity to learn from future architecture
to architecture at the Delft University of
of Nicaragua. It also served as an opportunity
Technology (DUT).
to get in contact with them and involve them in the designing stage of the project. Many
The involvement of these students would
of the students showed interest to do an
definitely contribute to Bambú Social.
internship with Bambú Social, of wich we
We were able to share a design case
selected five that were available within our
about natural construction materials, the
time in Nicaragua. Others are recommended
opportunity for a bamboo design case. The
for in a later period.
mission of Bambú Social was shared and
We set up a three week programme for
spread around the architecture faculty. But
the internship; one week in December and
Bambú Social also benefits from the input of
in two weeks in January. The aim was be
the students as they contribute to the design
to involve them in making an alternative
of a bamboo social house.
design of a bamboo social house. In december, we introduced them to the
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The students had the opportunity to sign-up
project and the results of the social analysis
for a possible internship with Bambú Social.
and constructional analysis. In this way
Five of the students volunteered to join the
our reseach could form a basis for the
Bambú Social during December 2015 and
new design. In this forst week we turned
January 2016. Although it is not an official
challenges into solutions and put together a programme of requirements (PoR) and and a concept design for a bamboo social house. After the christmas break, the design process was contunued, resulting in a detailed design. The students could present this design on our final event.
7.1.3
CONCEPT DESIGN PHASE Four students were introduced to El Rama and Bambú Social. We presented the social analysis by showing them the actual housing situation in Barrio Nuevo and at the south
internship, the base for a future official
side of the river, and illustrating the report by
internship has been made, by establishing
real life examples. By explaining the physical
this contact. More information about the
aspects of the model house and showing
possibilities for future internships can be
the scaled model of the social house, the
found in the continuation chapter.
constructional report was presented.
Armando Manzanares, 21, Matagalpa Originally from Matagalpa and I study architecture at the UCA. I’m interested in community work, arts and crafts. I hope to develop in the 2.0 specialties BAMBÚ SOCIAL - PROJECTas: REPORT bioclimatic architecture, social architecture and urbanism. With these practices I want to improve the quality of lives of people of Nicaragua. Connecting with the families fills me with passion.
BSc. Beatriz Rueda, 21, Managua I have worked in the design of two multi-families houses and have worked for over a year now with PRODEMEX, a Mexican construction company. I worked on tasks as calculating costs and budgets, as an architectural craftsman and as a designer. My experience working with Bambú Social has been one of the best. It is interesting to share my opinion and my personality as an architect with colleagues from my country and abroad, such as the Bambú Social team. Not only as architects but as people who have the same vision, the same goal which is to help provide and solve a problem that is latent in all of Nicaragua. There is a housing shortage and lack of income to have a decent home, wich we all are entitled to have. It’s nice to share and combine different opinions. It’s great to be part of Bambú Social 2.0!
Katherine Obando, 22, Managua I am a fifth year architecture student at the UCA. I am fascinated by natural landscapes. My field of interest in architecture is the social part. Involving people, learning about their culture, traditions and lifestyles and see how this influences the design is the most interesting part.
Dania Parrales, 22, Managua I’m in my last year of architecture at the UCA. I love nature, photography, voluntary work and blogs. I am passionate about social architecture. With my work, either architecture or other, I want to look for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. The last two years I have focused on this mission by working with Raleigh Nicaragua (2014) on a voluntary based natural resource management in a rural community in Nicaragua. During the internship at Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua (2015) I worked on (new) designs. From 2015 until now I volunteered at the rehabilitation of building heritage with Nicaraguan Associated Constructors CONIASA (2015-present).
Nilda Rodríguez, 22, Chinandega I’m a lover of life itself, art and design. I’m a feminist and have free spirit. My life is to explore, to volunteer, to devote to the architecture and be happy in the process from the little things that usually go unnoticed but which I fill my life. My focus is the social architecture, what my country needs the most.
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With a brainstorm, the new information was
7.1.4
FUNCTIONAL DESIGN PHASE
put together and resulted in a list of criteria
In December, both students and the project
for the social house. By arranging the criteria
team gave their input for possible solution.
in topics and combining these, some design
During January the students returned
discussions were created. In teams of two
to El Rama and had the opportunity to
solutions were searched for these topics,
elaborate on the concept design. Together
resulting in the list of criteria and the design
we discussed the design dilemmas and
topics as can be found on the next page.
added some aspects. The students had the opportunity to finalise the functional design
The next step was the set-up for a concept
themselves.
of the social house: one progressive design accessible for each target group segment.
CHALLENGES
This consists of 3x3 m modules, with
• How to make each construction phase as
prefabricated elements and expandable to
comfortable as affordable for each target
meet with the requirements of the families.
group segment? The initial four construction phases were extended with a cheaper and
With the new impressions and ideas, the
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more expensive version.
conceptual design was made. The final PoR is defined in the next chapter, where the
• What are the transition possibilities from a
final result of the bamboo social house is
dry toilet outside towards a wet toilet inside?
presented.
LIST OF CRITERIA: • price and material use: easy to produce, low costs, local material and lasting materials • security: resist burglars • adaptable functions and designs before construction: modular • adaptable functions after construction: multi-functional areas, progressive, modular, sustainable areas (investment for life) • adaptable construction: replaceable parts • hygiene and toilet: dry toilet, separate kitchen and washing place, easy to construct and to clean • sustainability: independent of central systems, self-supportive, water collection, organic filter • atmosphere and inner climate: natural lighting, fits to climate, ventilation in every room, floor isolation (moist) • room functions: comfort and privacy, porch included, ≥ 2 rooms, safe and private, storage area, semi-open kitchen, shared functions (kitchen and dining room) • environmental safety: resist forces of nature • implementation and education: implementation eco-latrine (dry toilet) includes education programmes of use
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
DESIGN TOPICS: • adaptable functions and construction:
o modules: combined areas (kitchen and dining room, storage in bedroom under the roof),
3x3 with the basic needs, connected kitchen, living room and dining room, privacy is more
important than space
o walls: use of unsupportive walls are easy to remove, distinction of basic and finished walls
• hygiene and sustainability
o ‘dirty’ areas at sun side
o rain water collection through gutters and tank
o well water
o permaculture garden to clean used water
o re-use of water (e.g. flushing the toilet)
o water tank constructed at certain height to obtain water flow (pressure) without a pump
o basic design with dry toilet outside, expensive design with wet toilet inside
o wet area together (wet toilet, shower, washroom)
• inner climate and security
o roof inclination of 45° where struts can transfer the load towards foundation
o mobile inners walls of bamboo mats or cellular bamboo
o openings at bottom (and top) for ventilation
o transparent roof sheets, roof shutters
o single roof eave, instead of two
o use of decoration blocks (open) for ‘minifalda’ (social analysis)
o orientation of roof adaptable to wind and sun direction
• ‘bueno, bonito y barato’ (good, nice and cheap)
7.1.5
o durable and safe, attractive, cheap and little maintenance
o prefabrication lowers the costs, expertise improves appearance nd provides maintenance
o decent and cheap is the basic, as people climb the ladder of society, they climb towards a
nicer and extra comfortable home
o façade is most important for appearance
o bed rooms have a high privacy rate, kitchen and bathroom could be shared
o minimum amount of outer walls
CONSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN PHASE
and companies. The field experience of
Also during this phase we were able to
our local supervisor, Henky Borgstein,
exchange knowledge and experience. The
also added a lot to the final design as well
students have a lot of knowledge about
as the earlier constructional suggestions
construction materials used in Nicaragua
(Constructional Analysis).
due to work experience with other projects
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CHALLENGES:
house. The target group is described in
• How to isolate the floor from the ground?
detail in the social analysis by Bambú Social 2.0. We made a corresponding
• Whether to use bamboo in some elements
programme of requirements with which we
or not?
want to improve the most precarious living conditions.
With the constructional design the costs were estimated by the students. Despite the
Part of our motivation to contribute to the
consulted experience and local research,
project is the involvement of local families
the budget estimation was a real challenge,
in both design and construction. By their
especially with the calculation of the working
drawings in the social analysis we learned
hours.
about their basic needs. It became clear what their current situation is and what
7.1.6
140
THE DESIGN
they would like to change. The people
During December and January, the students,
want to move forward. This is our constant
the team and our local supervisor worked on
motivation to provide solutions for the
this optimized design of the social house.
needs of these families.
In the following paragraphs the design will be explained by the students involved in the
Social housing projects in Nicaragua
internship.
are getting sober and the amount of (international) projects decrease. It turns
INTRODUCTION
out that there’s a lack in execution of the
People might think that architecture is a
reformed ‘Special Law for the Promotion
luxury and that it is only for the people
of Housing Construction and Access to
who can afford it. We think it should be
Affordable Housing’. Furthermore, social
accessible for everybody.
houses have become unattractive for these families, as the only aim is to save on
As architects, our challenge and
construction materials. By sacrificing the
professional ethic is to innovate and
quality of materials, lives of families can be
provide solutions for those in need. The
at risk.
best satisfaction is the feeling that our contribution can help these families and to
In our opinion, even in social housing
see how even little things can change their
we are required to meet with building
lives.
standards established in our country. Therefore, we prefer to reduce the surface
Our design is a proposed solution for
area and maximise the characteristics of
families who do not have the sufficient
available construction materials. Large
resources to buy or construct a (big) house.
scale housing production has always
It is the design of a progressive social
been a challenge and many times caused
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
problems. We think a lot can be improved in the research and management of these projects. For Bambú Social our assignment is to create a multifunctional design for progressive social housing, accessible for the poorest while adaptable to the needs and wishes of the entire target group. We hope by this we can contribute to solution for the housing deficit of Nicaragua.
CONCEPT The concept of our design is based on adaptable functions and construction. The social house must be transformable and have multi-functional areas. This brings us to three criteria. Within each criteria is explained how this is applied on the design of the social house. Affordable: choice of material (bamboo, lumber, concrete, Plycem*) • minimum dimensions • (re-)use of recourses as water, bamboo, sun, wood and air Sustainable: • natural lighting • cross-ventilation Progressive: • transformable and expandable along with the necessities and income of the families • clear definition of areas (public and private, multi-purpose areas) • 3x3 m modules
141
*Fibrocement Plycem: an existing
• The design of the house consists of
technology for over 51 years which is
3x3 m modules. INVUR uses an area of
patented by the company Plycem. The
36 m2 for social housing. This is used as
cement is a totally versatile, modular,
a reference. By a modular design, the
lightweight and durable and is comparable
social house is expandable up to 70.5
to materials like cement. It provides
m2. Families can expand at any stage,
resistance to impact like moist, pests and
depending on their income.
fungi. In addition, it is fireproof and has a
• Multi-purpose spaces are used for
high durability and life (Plycem).
public areas of the house, this way public and private areas are divided.
With these characteristics we hope to
• The design contains a wet module
fit the design to the Nicaraguan phrase:
outside the social house, where the toilet,
‘bueno, barato, bonito’, which aims for a
shower and laundry area available.
decent, cheap but beautiful design. We
• Group C is based on an average
think it is....
monthly income of 11,000 córdobas.
• …good when people have a safe and
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secure feeling.
The proposed design is based on applying
• …cheap if it is built with local
the needs and wishes of the target group
materials, because you safe on transport.
taking into account the materials, exterior
Prefabricated elements also lower the
as interior ability to close off, in situ
costs, and makes the house easy to
recourses and durability, resulting in an
construct.
inexpensive social house for the people of
• …beautiful if the target group considers
El Rama.
the house as a progress and if they would love to live in it.
A ‘minifalda’ construction is used. The masonry prevents water from entering
GUIDELINES AND DESIGN CHOICES
during the rainy season. The concrete
• Some design elements are the same as
floor was popular among the families,
the model house built in 2014.
because it is easy to clean and relatively
1. Proper use of natural lighting and
inexpensive. People also have the ability
ventilation (cross-ventilation) as a way to
to tile the floor.
avoid moisture inside the home and avoid deterioration of materials.
The house was designed on ground level
2. The use of bamboo as a structural part
and not on piles, mainly because of the
of columns and beams.
concrete ‘minifalda’ structure. This is
• To provide progressiveness the
cheaper if it is constructed on ground level
design was made in a grid. This way an
and also easier to construct. However,
arrangement of areas fits with each target
the design can be adapted based on the
group segment.
terrain location (e.g. hilly areas).
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Using a fairly steep roof with wide eaves and allows protection of the materials and elements to provide durability (e.g. bamboo, wall elements). Also for the installed rainwater collection system, the large eaves are beneficial.
7.1.7
ONE DESIGN, SIX PHASES Below the 3D impression of the first phase of the social house is shown. This is the smallest, most simple version of the house. All six phases of the design are shown on the next two pages. Illustrated by UCA students Armando and Dania during their internship with BambĂş Social.
143
PHASE 1
PHASE 2
144
PHASE 3
PHASE 4
PHASE 5
145
PHASE 6
CONSTRUCT WITH CRAFTSMEN
7.2
In the evaluation stage, the constructed
documentation about the results and
model house and the first design of
experience can be found. We will use a
the social house were investigated on
natural treatment; a traditional Columbian
constructional aspects. The constructional
technique that has minimal impact on
analysis concluded in design suggestions
the environment and uses no chemical
that could improve the design of the
treatments. The bamboo is cut at a farm in
social house. To test these suggestions
La Fonseca (two hours driving from El Rama
we constructed and experimented these
along the river Río Kama).
techniques. The aim is to deliver to bamboo development of which the constructional
CUTTING THE BAMBOO
aspects of the social house can benefit. The
The treatment starts with the cutting of
constructional aspects include the whole
bamboo. The knowledge was gained in the
process of preparation and constructing.
preparation phase, through an interview with Fernando Echeverría, vice-consul
146
7.2.1
The first experiment has to do with the
of Ecuador and expert on bamboo. The
harvest of bamboo. The second experiment
bamboo we cut is Guadua Amplexifolia.
is the construction of the Techito (little roof
Mature bamboo (three to four years) is ideal
in Spanish), in which all new connectiona
to use for construction. If the culms are too
are used. Both experiments are carried
young or too old, the amount of fungi and
out together with local craftsmen and the
insects inside the bamboo is harmful for the
students of the UCA.
material.
NATURAL TREATMENT
Bamboo is a natural material, so we have
As with regular wood, most bamboo
to take the rules of nature into account.
species have low resistance against insects
With full moon and new moon, the bamboo
and other biological degrading organisms
culms contain a lot of water due to the
once they are cut. Without any protective
gravitational forces of the sun and moon.
treatment, most bamboo species have
The water itself and the fact that it attracts
an average durability of less than 2 years
even more fungi and insects are harmful
(GuaduaBamboo, 2015). The most common
for the material. Six to eight days after full
way to treat the bamboo is in by submerging
moon the bamboo is ideal to cut, as shown
the poles in large tanks with non-toxic boron
in the illustration on page 149. Due to the
preservatives. The same technique was used
trouble in finding a farmer, we had to cut the
during the construction of the model house
bamboo only four days after full moon.
in 2014. When the bamboo is cut, the stumps (lower Bambú Social 2.0 experiments with
part of culm with roots) have to be cut in an
another natural technique. Even though
angle just above the node. This way (rain)
it is an ancient technique, little to no
water that enters the stump can flow away
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
MOTOSIERRISTA JULIAN
LESTER
FARMER JUAN BALLESTER
so it doesn’t affect and kill the roots. With machetes the thorns of the bamboo were removed, so that the culms were accessible for the ‘motorsierrista’ (man with the chainsaw) to separate the bamboo culm from its roots.
NATURAL DRYING REACTION According to the columbian technique, the culm has to be placed back on the stump so it does not touch the ground, after the bamboo is cut. The water transport from the roots to the leaves is obstructed, while the leaves continue to evaporate water. This means that the leaves start to evaporate the remaining water that is stored within the culm and slowly the culm dries itself out. During this drying process the sugar that is stored in the bamboo is transformed into alcohol. This alcohol functions as a natural insecticide that protects the bamboo against termites and other insects. This process takes three weeks.
COLLECTING THE BAMBOO Two and a half week later we returned to the farm to collect the bamboo. During these weeks it has rained a lot (due to the prolonged rainy season). The culms were covered with mud up to a significant height as the water level of the river raised above the river bank. This indicates that the lower open parts of the cut culm has been in contact with water, which is fatal for the drying reaction of the bamboo. Drying bamboo turns yellow in the process. However, the bamboo culms we cut were still green. Also, while pulling the bamboo out of the bush and cutting it in pieces of
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
approximately three meters, water got out of
DURING CONSTRUCTION
the cavities in the bamboo.
Before constructing, the bamboo was scrubbed and washed to remove all
Because of these bad circumstances, this
superficial traces of fungus and dirt. It was
method did not work for us and we cannot
clearly visible that places where the bamboo
conclude if it has been effective or not.
was covered with mud were further with its
We can say that it is important to take the
drying process because of the clear yellow
location of the bamboo, and the wether
colour (mud extracts water).
prospections in mind for a good harvest. During the construction it was unavoidable
DRYING CONTINUED
to protect the bamboo from the sun. By
A total of fifty culms have been cut, resulting
direct sunlight, the drying process of the
in over a hundred three meter pieces. These
bamboo goes too fast and in an irregular
were stored for three weeks in the Bambú
way. Rapid shrinkage was visible and some
Social workshop protected from the sun
cracks appeared.
with the presence of ventilation, ideal for a further drying process. The (hopefully)
7.2.2
POINTS OF IMPROVEMENT
sufficient alcohol will kill the remained
• Due to a tight planning we did not have
biological organisms.
enough tolerance in time to and cutting opportunities. It took a while to find a farm
Three weeks later, the colour of the bamboo
with the right bamboo in the right condition.
changed significantly, but the present green
In the end we only had one choice left to cut
layer still indicated that the drying process
the bamboo before construction.
has not been finished yet.
Phases of the moon in relation to the water circulation in plants
149
• Apart from visible observations also
design of the roof we used the column
measurements should have been done.
and connection that we suggested in the
For example investigate the shrinkage over
constructional analysis. You can find a
time could say something about the drying
detailed drawing of this connection. For the
process, even though the experiment was not
gravel we used a mixture with the following
optimal.
ratio´s cement:sand:gravel = 1:2:3. After the concrete was poured it had to harden for a
• When we started the construction, the
couple of weeks.
drying process didn’t finish yet and in
150
fact the bamboo culms were not ready
Day 20: bamboo selection
to be constructed with. This means the
After two weeks the concrete was hardened
construction will deteriorate faster than
and we started with constructing the
hoped-for. However, we decided to continue
scaffolding and preparing the bamboo
with the experiment.The detoriation time
elements. In the Bambú Social workshop we
doesn’t affect the rest of the experiment and
selected the best bamboo pieces for the
in this way the new connections could be
construction. For the columns we used the
tested. The owner of the techito will replace
strongest culms which had a small distance
the culms if they start to deteriorate.
between the nodes. The smaller node distance gives the bamboo more strength
7.2.3
EXPERIMENT TECHITO
(because of its ability to transfer more shear
The construction of the roof had as
forces). As described in the constructional
purpose to test the new connections that
analysis, the culms that we used had to be
we suggested in the constructional report.
straight. Because we cut more bamboo
By constructing these connections their
than needed, we had plenty of choice.The
functionality and reliability can be tested.
straightest pieces were used for the beams.
After the construction we analyse and give
Because every beam is constructed out of
feedback on the constructed connections so
two culms it is important to find two pieces
they can be used in the design of the social
that are a good fit together.
house or in other future projects. Day 22: prefabrication
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
Before we started with the construction we
To sketch the construction process, a day
prepared all the elements that we needed
to day documentation was done. The
in the workplace. For making the dowels we
construction began in the third week of
used the equipment shown on the next page.
December.
The beams were drilled and connected with several dowels. After the preparations we
Day 1: pouring concrete
transported all the prefabricated elements
The construction of the roof started with
to the construction site. There the first three
pouring the concrete columns. For the
bamboo culms were placed on the concrete.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Day 23: placing the columns The next day the other columns were placed. The construction of these columns was relatively easy. The most difficult part was to place the columns straight. However, during the construction it was possible to straighten out small deflections or bends because the bamboo was not entirely dry. When drying process of the bamboo is completed, it is more difficult to do that. Day 24: placing the cross-beam After that the columns were constructed the cross-beam was placed. The next step was preparing the struts. These struts took a little more work because they had to be connected to the already existing building.
152
Because this connection is not used in the social house, it is not suggested in the constructional analysis. Day 25: placing the rafters The next step was placing the rafters. The rafters are placed onto the cross-beam and the middle high column. For stability the strut is connected to the highest column. We will refer to this connection as a Rietveld connection as the bamboo culms come together in x, y and z direction, as can be seen on the next page. After the rafters were placed the battens were constructed. These battens were suggested in the constructional analysis. They enable the constructors to straighten out any irregularities in the rafters which make placing the zinc sheets a lot easier. In the constructional analysis you can find a more elaborated description of these battens and their purpose.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Day 26: placing the struts
and on a large scale. Using such tool could
The skeleton of the construction was
save money on labour costs and speed up
standing. Now we started to give it more
the construction process.
stability. We placed two wooden struts which are connected to the Rietveld connection
• When constructing with bamboo it is ideal
and the existing structure. The last step was
to finish every bamboo beam or column
placing the zinc sheets onto the battens.
at a node because it closes off the culm for insects. Because the required length
Day 27: placing the zinc sheets
doesn’t always correspond to the distance
We continued placing the final sheets the
between nods, this is not always possible.
next day, as it took more time than expected
Therefore, we decided to close off the open
to fit them to the shape of the existing
culms with a very dry cement-sand mixture.
building.
It is preferable to apply this mixture when the bamboo is completely dry because the
7.2.4
RECOMMENDATIONS
shrinkage of the bamboo can crush the
During the constructions we made some
mixture.
decisions which had a positive effect on the process and the final result. We would like
7.2.5
POINTS OF IMPROVEMENT
to share these so future projects have the
During the construction we encountered
possibility to use them to their advantage.
several problems and difficulties. We would like to share these difficulties and our
• During the construction we had the
proposed solutions so future projects won’t
possibility to choose from a very large
encounter the same problems.
amount of bamboo. Because we cut more bamboo then we needed we could select
• Start constructing with dry bamboo and
the best parts and create very straight beams
keep the bamboo out of the sun as much
and columns. Since the price of bamboo is
as possible. During the construction of
relatively low we believe it is a good idea for
the Techito some elements were already
future project to buy 20-30% more bamboo
constructed in place and could not be
as needed so you can select the best pieces.
protected from the sun. The exposure to
The remaining bamboo culms can be used
the sun made the bamboo dry to fast which
to make dowels, wall elements or bamboo
resulted in some cracks.
mats, for instance. • Sharpen the drills at a regular basis. When • We used a special tool to make dowels
making the beams we noticed that the drills
(see pictures on the left), instead of using
blunt very fast due to the high concentration
only a machette. By hitting a piece of
of silicon in the bamboo. In some cases the
bamboo through the holes, starting with the
blunt drills caused the bamboo to crack or
biggest hole you can produce dowels fast
split while drilling it. We tried to prevent
153
the bamboo from splitting by drilling with
7.2.6
FEEDBACK ON THE CONNECTIONS
a very high RPM and use less force but this
COLUMN CONNECTION
did not guarantee that it wouldn’t split. We
This first connection can be found in the
encountered the same problem in the model
constructional analysis. It connects the
house. By sharpening the drills at a regular
bamboo culms to the concrete column.
basis this might be prevented.
To construct this connection we used an iron angular gusset that connects all the
• Try to make a good estimation of
three bamboo culms together. The gusset
the needed materials, to speed up the
is poured into the concrete where it is
constructing process. Going to the shop
connected to the steel reinforcement. The
many times took us a lot of time and delayed
strength of this connection is that it not
the process.
only connects the culms to the concrete but it also connects the culms to each other
154
• For the concrete columns use gravel
what provides more strength and stability.
with a maximum size of 20 mm. The gravel
In our opinion this connection is a major
we used was too big which was difficult in
recommendation because it is relatively easy
combination with the iron reinforcement.
to construct and the result is very strong
After removing the wooden mould we
and stable. We did experience that it can
encountered several gravel pockets that had
be difficult to drill through the two bamboo
to be filled up after the mold was removed.
culms and the predrilled hole in the gusset
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
at the same time. Therefore we suggest fixing the bamboo culms into place with several clamps.
RIETVELD CONNECTION This second connection connects the column, cross-beam and rafter (as shown on the next page). We experienced that this connection is very easy to construct because it allows you to place the three elements step by step. This gives you the opportunity to straighten out any irregularities in the bamboo before placing the next element. The result is a very strong connection that also provides a lot of stability to the overall structure. We think that the use of this connection can be a huge improvement to bamboo structures and we really recommend it.
BATTENS The battens that support the zinc sheeting we suggested in the constructional report are also tested. It turned out that these battens gave us the opportunity to create an even levelled roof onto which we could place the zinc sheets. See the constructional analysis for a more detailed explanation of these battens.
7.2.7
EXPERIMENT CONTINUED The Techito experiment is an on-going project at the moment of writing. The fact that natural treated bamboo is used and currently exposed to sun, rain and other natural conditions, means that it has to be checked every year. Also, the bamboo that is left over will be used for future experiments. Experiments
155
like prefab wall elements with windows or shutters can be tested in the structure of the techito as well. Earlier invested money (see page 164) will be used to buy Bambusa Múltiplex and Guadua Inermis to experiment with struts for the Techito and for lightweight structures.
7.2.7
INVOLVEMENT OF CRAFTSMEN In the design chapter, the involvement of the students has been the main objective. In this chapter the involvement of local craftsmen has been less than we wished for. The scope of the experiment was mainly about testing the earlier mentioned connections in the constructional analysis. In this analysis, recommendations of the interviewees were
156
taken into account, but these did not result in new connections. In the process of bamboo cutting we got help from a local craftsman (Lester), the ‘motorsierrista’ (man with the chainsaw) and the students of the UCA. Although none of us had experience with cutting bamboo beforehand, we made a great and effective team, learning from eachother. When the bamboo has to be collected and transported to El Rama, the students of the UCA also had the opportunity to work with bamboo for the first time. Simultaneously with the construction of the Techito, the students were working on an alternative design of a social house. This resulted that the students were tightly involved with the experiment and they could use the gained knowledge directly in the
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
design. Because of their field experience
COLLABORATION EXPERIENCE
(see Design chapter), they could show
We see the students as future architects of
us how to make concrete as it is done in
Nicaragua and the craftsmen as potential
Nicaragua.
bamboo experts and entrepreneurs. Interaction between these two groups
Further on in the construction, the students
could be very promising. We found that the
helped in every step. Also Theodoro,
opportunity where the students and local
previously involved in the construction of the
craftsmen met in the field was of a significant
model house, came to work with us.
importance of the project. We hope by documenting all our findings and reflections
During the whole process of harvesting
this knowledge adds to Bambú Social and to
bamboo until the final step of the
the development of bamboo constructions.
experiment, our local supervisor has
Furthermore, we hope that the interaction
played an important role. Henky’s lifetime
between students and craftsmen pays off
experience as a professional carpenter, also
by inspiring both groups to work together
locally practised in El Rama, was of a major
on the development of bamboo as a
value to the exchange of knowledge.
construction material in Nicaragua.
THE TECHITO
7.3
BIBLIOGRAPHY • GuaduaBamboo. (n.d.). Bamboo Poles. Retrieved from Guadua Bamboo: http://www. guaduabamboo.com/bamboo-poles/ • Plycem. (n.d.). Technología. Retrieved from Plycem: http://www.plycem.com/contenido/ tecnologia/ • BambúSocial. (2014). Project Report Bambú Social. El Rama: Shortsighted Architecture. • BambúSocial. (2015). Project Plan Bambú Social 2.0. The Netherlands.
158
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
159
8
CONTINUATION
8.1 DIRECT IMPLEMENTATION .................................... 162
8.1.1 Four groups of focus ....................... 162
8.1.2 Bringing them together ................. 163
8.1.3 Continuation processes ................. 163
8.2 CONSTRUCTIONAL CONTINUITY ............................ 164
8.2.1 Bamboo suppliers ......................... 164
8.2.2 Bamboo clients .............................. 165
8.2.3 Bamboo prefab company ............ 167
8.3 RESEARCH CONTINUITY .........................,............. 168
8.3.1 Universidad Centroamericana ....... 168
8.4 CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENT ........................ 170
8.4.1 Development through business .... 170
8.4.2 Business minded foundation ......... 171
8.4.3 From project to development ....... 172
DIRECT IMPLEMENTATION
8.1
The goal of Bambú Social Foundation is to
opportunity to build a personal connection
improve the housing conditions in Nicaragua
and actively invite them all to our final event.
by sharing knowledge and expertise about
By sharing information and feeling welcome,
the use of local resources for sustainable
we believe that the fifty families feel more
and affordable social housing. Throughout
involved in the project and might be more
our project we concluded that direct
open to bamboo housing in the future.
implementation is most needed to get to this goal. In the Impact Analysis four groups
STUDENTS
of focused are defined. As for our project,
Since the execution phase, students have
we already tried to focus on all four groups.
been involved during the designing process.
The activities with and involvement of the
Among thirty architecture students we
four groups of focus are summarised below.
shared our thoughts about bamboo housing during the UCA Design Case. Later five UCA
8.1.1
FOUR GROUPS OF FOCUS
students actively contributed to the bamboo
TARGET GROUP
development by finalising the design of an
During the home visits there was a
alternative social house. This house can now
direct contact with the target group and
be integrated in the future plans of Bambú
Bambú Social. Because of this we had the
Social.
THE FINAL EVENT IN THE MODEL HOUSE
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
CRAFTSMEN
results of the last three months including the
Through interviews, local craftsmen helped
two designs of a social house. The families
us with the constructional analysis. With this
saw that their opinion was of great value in
input, we came up with recommendations
our research, which put a smile on their face.
and new connections. These were tested in
At the end of the presentation, all visitors had
experiment Techito which was built with the
the opportunity to experience the bamboo
help experienced bamboo constructors, and
house. For many of them, it was the first
of which the bamboo was cut with the help of
time they have been in a (well-constructed)
craftsmen.
bamboo house.
BAMBOO SUPPLIERS
By bringing all parties together, we brought
In our search for bamboo we explored where
all parties into contact with each other, a
we could find the right bamboo and on what
first step towards collaboration with each
farms. During business meetings we learned
other. As described in the Method and
about future collaboration opportunities for
implementation, the goal for Bambú Social is
Bambú Social, with both bamboo supplier
to eventually let go of the groups of focus, so
and future clients.
they can develop themselves independently of external help. By sharing our findings and
8.1.2
BRINGING THEM TOGETHER
the two designs, we hope that little by little
According to the introduction meeting it will
bamboo housing becomes more accessible
contribute to the demand if people see a
to all people of Nicaragua.
family living in a bamboo house. This is not possible yet, as the design of the social house
8.1.3
CONTINUATION PROCESSES
is not final yet. But, by organising meetings
In the project plan (2015) we defined two
in which the families get actively invited will
processes of continuation: the constructional
promote bamboo as a construction material.
continuity and research continuity. The
By sharing information and feeling welcome,
students contribute to future research,
we believe that the families will feel involved
and the craftsmen and bamboo suppliers
in the project and will be open to bamboo
contribute to the constructional continuity.
housing. In the coming chapters, further During the last week of our stay in El Rama,
implementation steps are suggested. These
we organised the final event of Bambú Social
are ordered by the continuity process
2.0. The interviewed families, students of the
of which Bambú Social can focus. In the
UCA, craftsmen, the local government and
final chapter these processes are brought
partners were invited in the model house
together in the national innovation system for
constructed by Bambú Social in 2014. In this
Nicaragua.
final event, we presented our progress and
163
CONSTRUCTIONAL CONTINUITY
8.2
The constructional continuity includes all
durable compared to the Guadua species
opportunity in the chain of bamboo, from
(see Constructional Analysis).
harvesting the bamboo to the construction itself. In the process of constructional
When we arranged the bamboo cutting,
continuity collaboration opportunities with
it was cancelled by the farm, because the
eventual bamboo suppliers and clients are
right tools were missing. Because of a tight
discussed. In the final part the business
planning and reckoning with the moon,
model of a bamboo prefabrication company
we start looking at other possibilities. We
(Bambú Bueno) is presented.
also understood that the farm currently focuses more on experimenting than on
8.2.1
BAMBOO SUPPLIERS
selling agricultural products. On page 32 is
In 2014 Bambú Social experienced for the first
described how the invested money will be
time the process of harvesting bamboo. At
used.
the end of the project, it was recommended
164
to buy the bamboo that we needed at a
The second option was a farm in Magnolia
farm owned and run by INTA (Instituto
along the river of Río Escondido (one hour
Nicaragüense Tecnología Agropecuaria) in El
driving from El Rama). When we contacted
Recreo (thirty minutes by car from El Rama).
the farmer to arrange a meeting, we found out that the bamboo was burned down from
Before our arrival in El Rama a prepayment
the river banks, as the very fertile soil was
has been transferred for a total of fifty
more useful for other crops.
bamboo culms of Guadua Amplexifolia. In November, this bamboo was in very bad
The third option was a farm at La Fonseca
condition and little amount. A species where
along the river of Río Kama (two and a half
we looked at was Dendrocalamus Asper,
hour driving form El Rama). We met with the
with a significantly bigger diameter and less
farm owner Juan and he was cooperative and excited as his bamboo on his farm was never bought before. In two following trips to La Fonseca, the bamboo was cut and collected. For our experiment Techito, the amount of fifty cut culms was enough. For future project where more bamboo culms are necessary, some further exploration of bamboo farms must be done.
ECOPLANET BAMBOO MEETING ECOPLANET BAMBOO
This is a worldwide organisation that recently has invested extensively in the
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
bamboo industry. They are focusing on the production of pulp and paper, textiles, bioenergy and engineered timber. For like this it is important to maintain their local image. In November 2015 we met with the general manager, financial manager and other board members. They own a bamboo farm stretching from
MEETING CEDEHCA
El Rama along the river to La Fonseca (1100 acres). For Bambú Social it would be interesting to partner up with EcoPlanet
For EcoPlanet Bamboo we need a business
Bamboo. In the process of up scaling Bambú
contract. The company benefits from us,
Social needs a farm that can guarantee to
because of their good local image, and
have enough bamboo.
Bambú Social can benefit from them because of a fixed low bamboo price. Keep
Right now (end of 2015) they’re focusing on
in mind that for this company, the profit over
producing charcoal/active coal and pallets.
processed bamboo is higher than over raw
They will start harvesting in 2017 until now
material.
they’re experimenting with the productions. At the moment they have about 1100
8.2.2
BAMBOO CLIENTS
acres, and they will keep expanding each
For Bambú Social it is very interesting
year with about 25% until 2022. On their
to cooperate with local businesses and
property they have Guadua Aculiata and
foundations because of their knowledge
Guadua Amplexifolia available. They are also
of the country and culture Nicaragua. By
planning to plant Guadua Angustifolia, but
partnering up, we hope to collaborate with
this species is flowering at the moment.
parties who could help us to stimulate the social acceptance of bamboo.
They have this principle: not only getting revenues but also socially correct. In South-
CEDEHCA
Africa (for example) they’re investing in
CEDEHCA stands for Centro de Derechos
education and health of their employers.
Humanos, Ciudadanos y Autonómicos
After March 2016 the world-wide board will
and its mission is to contribute to the
decide how to invest their funds in 2017.
empowerment of indigenous people, Afro-
Therefore during February/March we have
descendants and Misquitus at the Caribbean
to deliver a draft plan of the project and the
Coast of Nicaragua through education
demand of the coming years.
and defence of Human and Autonomous
165
Rights and influencing public policies that
very strong, local and durable construction
strengthen their cultural identity.
material that could be used on a large scale. Bambú Social is interested in constructing
We visited the farm in Bluefields where
several houses on the farm because it helps
they set up an agriculture program for
the foundation to scale up the project and
young people in the region. Together with
promote the use of bamboo.
the program PREVENIR, Prevención de la Violencia Juvenil en Centroamérica, courses
We believe that the farm is a very good
are provided for vulnerable youth to secure a
match because of the importance of
better future. Last year the first group arrived
education for both parties. Bambú Social
and got an official degree in agriculture of
puts a lot of effort is exchanging knowledge
INATEC (Instituto Nacional Tecnológico).
with local students and craftsman. Sharing knowledge is a really imported step towards
166
Coming years more students will arrive so
the implementation and acceptance of
that they are empowered to be able to start
bamboo. The construction process on the
their own small business in agriculture and
farm could even be used as an educational
farming. Michael Campbell, representative
process so the youth (potentials for the
of CEDEHCA, explained that the housing
future) gets involved in this ‘new’ kind of
conditions on the farm should be improved
material and introduces it into society.
so they are able to facilitate the educational
Michael mentioned that creole people
program. By using bamboo as main
are used to working with bamboo, but the
construction material, CEDEHCA could send
knowledge has been lost over the years.
a good message for sustainability. The farm
It would be nice if this knowledge could
could become a model farm, an example for
be reintroduced and add to the living
small producers. Furthermore, bamboo is a
standards. For further collaboration it is important that CEDEHCA sets up terms of reference for the buildings on the farm so Bambu Social can see how they can help. During our meeting CEDEHCA wishes the farm to be ready next year January – March 2016 to receive the students. However, before the construction on the farm there should be an analysis of the area. In combination with the Program
MEETING CEDEHCA
of Requirements designs can be made. The construction itself process (including
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
During our stay, we did not notice any entrepreneurial activities focused on bamboo. We think this has to do with the harvesting and treating the bamboo) would
current image that bamboo has. “The image
at least take six months. We concluded that
will improve, if people start working with
the construction is not feasible in 2016.
bamboo. I have never heard of the idea to offer prefabricated construction elements,
It would be possible to supply a course on
but it sounds attractive as it saves time and
bamboo (and sustainable construction) as
money”, explained Lester, local craftsman.
a first introduction of bamboo. During the course the students could get practical
“I think that a modular prefabricated
education by working in a workshop and
construction system is a pragmatic process
making prefabricated construction parts that
that could contribute the housing projects.
could be later used for the construction of
Each family or applicant can control the
the buildings on the farm.
stages and complexity of construction. The costs however, have to be kept low, so it will
For Bambú Social it is important to discuss
be accessible for social housing programs”
what we can deliver, taking into account the
says Emma Grun.
supply of bamboo and the availability of skilled people. We are very content about
In October 2015 a business plan for a prefab
the meeting, and we believe that CEDEHCA
bamboo elements producer was written.
is an important partner for the future.
This prefab company, named BambúBueno, is an important factor for achieving the
8.2.3
BAMBOO PREFAB COMPANY
mission of Bambú Social, to improve the
As explained earlier, Bambú Social is working
housing conditions in Nicaragua by creating
on a manual for an affordable prefabricated
a sustainable, affordable and comfortable
social house. The manual will explain step
house. This company is needed for the
by step how to connect the prefab elements
continuative process of up scaling and
and how to build the social house. The
upgrading. In the chapter Contribution to
distribution of the manual enables craftsmen
development is described how Bambú Social
in Nicaragua to build their own house or for
and this prefab bamboo company can work
other families. These craftsmen can become
together.
entrepreneurs who set up (local) companies that can for example produce prefab
The business model canvas is based on The
bamboo elements. Specialisation has a
Startup Owners Manual (Blank, 2004) by
positive effect on the working hours and thus
Steve Blank. This is presented in appendix E.
the price of the elements. As it adds to the image and accessibility of bamboo, Bambú Social can support these kinds of initiatives.
167
RESEARCH CONTINUITY
8.3
The research continuity consists of
and thesis topics, but also with workshop,
everything that has to do with the
forums and many other ideas.”
development and innovation of bamboo construction.
By supplying official internships, Bambú Social contributes to the curriculum of
8.3.1
UNIVERSIDAD CENTROAMERICANA
architecture and civil engineering students.
Architecture and engineering students are
Like this more students gain experience
the designers and builders of the future. The
and knowledge about the use of bamboo in
involvement of students is very important for
constructions, so they can be inspired to use
Bambú Social (see chapter 7.1: Designing
it in their future work as well.
with Students). The internship during December 2015 to
168
“Knowing that there are organisations
January 2016 was not officially recognised
Bambú Social who are willing to contribute
by the university. Bambú Social did provide
to the expertise of students, to improve
recommendation letters. In the future,
sustainable construction processes, is
official internships and thesis projects are
amazing”, said Emma Grun. “We must
a nice opportunity to contribute to the
continue to explore how to take advantage
research continuity.
of opportunities, not only like internships
STUDENTS PRESENTING THEIR IDEAS ON BAMBOO HOUSING
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENT
8.4
As described in the Method and
Until now, this process of upgrading resulted
implementation, the ultimate goal for Bambú
in two possible designs for an affordable and
Social is to eventually let go of the groups
sustainable social house.
of focus, so they can develop themselves and the bamboo industry in Nicaragua
1. Entrepreneurial Activities
independently.
2. Creation of adaptive capacity 3. Knowledge diffusion through networks
We have described the groups of focus and
4. Demand articulation
how Bambú Social can work together with
5. Market formation
these groups to get to their goal. In this
6. Resources mobilization
chapter these groups of focus are discussed
7. Creation of legitimacy
in the bigger picture with one goal in mind: to
8. Infrastructure networks
contribute to the development in Nicaragua.
170
We do that by the help of functions of
In the Impact Analysis is concluded
Innovation Systems by Van Alphen (Project
that Bambú Social can stimulate local
Plan, 2015). For the overview a scheme with
entrepreneurs. However, to comply with
the social housing components of national
a constant creation of adaptive capacity
innovation systems of Nicaragua (Arnold and
(improving the image of bamboo), it is
Bell 2001) is presented.
important to anticipate on big projects, for example like the CEDEHCA project in
8.4.1
DEVELOPMENT THROUGH BUSINESS
Bluefields. In these projects, the product
In this paragraph is investigated how
(social bamboo housing) fits with the demand.
Bambú Social can anticipate on a country’s
We think that, to continue enhancing this
innovation.
demand, Bambú Social has to be able to live up to the size of these projects, in
FUNCTIONS OF INNOVATION
other words, to scale up. For this, a market
Bambú Social is an educational construction
infrastructure is needed, in which the whole
project with the vision to share knowledge
chain of bamboo construction is included.
and expertise about the use of local resources for sustainable and affordable social housing.
In the next paragraphs, these functions are combined in the innovation system of
If we look at the functions of Innovation
Nicaragua.
Systems, we can conclude that Bambú Social’s main focus has been the knowledge
To make the loop complete, to bring change
diffusion through networks. This has been
in the components, Bambú Social should also
done through courses, workshops, etc. where
focus on the business system: entrepreneurial
knowledge has been exchanged. While doing
activities, demand articulation and market
so the project also started creating adaptive
formation.
capacity: improving the image of bamboo.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
We have divided two different processes: the
Knowing that the demand is increasing,
constructional continuity and the research
the Business System has to grow. In the
continuity. With the research continuity,
Constructional Continuity, we have sketched
Bambú Social can focus on the Education
the current situation of the bamboo
and Research System. In the constructional
suppliers and prefab bamboo company
continuity the bamboo prefab company
(which does not exist yet).
and the bamboo suppliers can be reached
8.4.2
through the Business System, while the bamboo clients fit in the Demand.
BUSINESS MINDED FOUNDATION We think that in the near future, it would be useful if Bambú Social focusses on the
Until now Bambú Social has functioned as
Business System. Through a prefab bamboo
an intermediate organisation, influencing
company, projects can be executed which
the Education and Research System and
improves the image of bamboo, and like this
stimulating the Business System. However,
knowledge creates (local) experts specialised
for the Business System to fit the Demand, it
in the use of local resources for construction.
has to function well.
Bambú Social components of national innovation system of Nicaragua Demand Individual families with low income ($2000/year) to high income Public housing (public government investment) Contractors (private investment)
Business System Education and research system
(prefab) Bamboo companies Bamboo farmers - employment - safety
Intermediate organizations Bambú Social foundation
- health - environmental
Local education (BICU) Central education (UCA) (international)
awareness
Research network
Microfinance
Infrastructure
Diffusing through
Subsidies for bamboo research
Subsidies for bamboo
participation groups
(Universities and students)
investements (contractors)
Banking loan support
The aim of this company is to let the
knowledge with local craftsmen, so that
bamboo construction industry become
families will not get dependent on the
a self-supporting market. It delivers to
company.
the demand (social housing projects, individual families and private projects) and
As an official company, Bambú Social could
education and research systems (exchanges
also apply for governmental subsidies and
knowledge and stimulates innovation). By
banking loan support (Infrastructure) and is
combining these processes of up scaling and
not only limited to sponsor aid. This money
upgrading, we think Bambú Social can live
will be invested as initial capital to start
up to their goal.
up the company. A more continues money stream can be created by partnering up with
This company could fit within the Bambú
a microfinance company.
Social foundation. The objective is not to
172
make profit out of social housing, but the
So by sharing knowledge and expertise, an
company should be self-supporting. Over
innovative self-supporting company can be
private projects a higher margin of profit
created, which articulates on the housing
can be made, which supports social housing
demands.
projects, by selling construction elements with a lower price. The revenues could be
A complete business plan is presented in the
reinvested in innovation and education to
appendix and expands on all the business
offer an affordable and sustainable social
components.
house for the people of Nicaragua. By running such a company, awareness about
8.4.3
FROM PROJECT TO DEVELOPMENT
the use of local resources and the benefits of
The final question is how the project Bambú
constructing with bamboo, will increase.
Social contributes to the development of Nicaragua. The development of a
If, over time, Bambú Social changes
country is a very extensive definition,
its function in the national innovation
which components are all related (housing,
system of Nicaragua from an Intermediate
education, health, safety, etc.).
Organisation towards a Business System, it can act directly on all other components. It
In this chapter we defined two processes
enables Bambú Social to anticipate through
on which Bambú Social should focus to
the market so it can serve directly to the
continue living up to their goal:
target group (up scaling). The exchange of
• Upgrading through the research continuity
knowledge and expertise will not get lost,
• Up scaling through the constructional
because this can still be the main principle
continuity
of the company. It can continue stimulating bamboo education in within the Education
We concluded that it is better if Bambú
and Research System and continue sharing
Social takes part in the Business System,
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
instead of only supporting entrepreneurs.
which Bambú Social haa a great contribution
Like this Bambú Social can anticipate
to the development of Nicaragua.
directly on new innovations and increasing demand, which both support affordable and
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 3.0
sustainable social housing.
We hope that by our research and results during November 2015 until January 2016,
The goal is to stimulate a self-supporting
we got one step closer to affordable, easy-
bamboo housing market, focused on social
to-build housing of good quality that is
housing. This means that it should be
matched perfectly to the various needs of
independent of an organisation like Bambú
the residents of Nicaragua. Our work has
Social. This does not mean that Bambú
mainly focused on the upgrading process.
Social should not start this business, because it will stimulate entrepreneurial activities and
We think the next step for Bambú Social is to
innovation in the bamboo market, especially
focus on up scaling through entrepreneurs.
when it is done in collaboration with local
This can be done, for example, by getting
craftsmen. So eventually, the company will
one step closer to a prefab bamboo
run independently of the help of Bambú
company. More reseach is needed to
Social in a self-supporting bamboo housing
investigate the business culture and
market.
opportunities in El Rama.
This company’s product is composed of local
Finally, entrepreneurial activities can be
as international expertise, and revenues are
stimulated in a lot of ways. As concluded
reinvested in innovation in a social sense. It
in third part Design & Construct, the
may form an example on how social housing
interaction between craftsmen and students
can be realised and on how a business
can be of significant importance for the
minded company lives up to its social
project. Combining both parties might bring
values. Such a company will contribute to an
a valuable dynamic in the project. So, to the
effective business culture.
next team of Bambú Social we would like to repeat the fifth principle of Bambú Social:
By doing so, the housing deficit in Nicaragua decreases and the knowledge diffusion of an easy-to-build house and the use of local resources increases. This way, safety and health, due to decent housing, and education, due to sharing knowledge and expertise, are stimulated. `Concluding from our findings and experiences, we think this is the best way in
Dare to play, dare to discover!
173
X
APPENDICES
A INTERVIEWS .......................................................... 176 B UCA DESIGN CASE RESULTS .................................. 192 C ENCUESTA ........................................................... 196 D HOMEVISIT STORIES ............................................. 200 E BUISINESS MODEL BAMBÚ BUENO ......................... 212
INTERVIEWS
A
A.1
DON SAMUEL - 03/11/2015
DRYING AND TREATISE
PRODUCTS
El bambú se cura con un producto químico
Artesanía (tejidos) y muebles (archivadores,
ácido que lo quema -> Borax
esquineras, sillones, mesas,…)
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
DON SAMUEL
TRAINING
La única ayuda fue la del proyecto de Bambú
Certificado en técnico de bambú.
Social.
DEMAND
WASTEBIN PROYECT
3ª y 4ª región de Managua. La gente local de
(PART I): Propuesta y diseño.
El Rama no tiene aprecio al bambú, no valora
(PART II): No tuvo beneficios con las primeras
el producto.
trece papeleras.
SELECTION AND CUTTING
IMAGE OF BAMBÚ
Bambú de calidad apto para cortar ->
En todo Nicaragua son pocos sectores los
maduro (casi seco, verde). Cuando la luna va
que aprecian el bambú, no miran la utilidad
bajando no cuando está llena (3/4 días antes
que tiene. El extranjero es el que dice ‘me
o después).
gusta, me encanta’.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
“La gente sólo piensa en cemento, en arena, en piedra o en bloque. No piensan en hacer algo bonito con Bambú”. “La persona de escasos recursos aprecia el bambú, pero otra cosa es que los precios son muy elevados y no pueden comprarlo.” “La madera no en lujosa y hay tipos de madera que son lujosas pero que son carísimas, por ejemplo tenemos la madera
THEODORO
del Kaoba.” “En un tiempo no muy lejano, cuando ya no haya madera, entonces las personas tendrán
TIPOS DE BAMBU MAS GRANDE
que comprar bambú.”
Dendrocalamus asper (columnas). Mas fuerte es el guadua gigantacloa (vigas). Si no es
A.2
THEODORO 12/11/2015
buen guidado no presentación completa. No
“Trabajo en la casa de mi papa en una finca
es un buen desarolla, mas débil. Por falta de
agropecuario, el año pasado me relacione a
desarrollo y cuidado.
trabajo en la casa de Bambú Social. Me gusta la construcción de la vivienda.
En eso puede ver un efecto, se plantio usarse
En Nicaragua hay muchas familias con una
dos bambu de viga, pero el bambu era muy
vivienda no digna. Este cause piloto, es como
débil. Quisas poner tres, enforcar. Porque el
un posible solucion, la falta de viviendas.”
bambu no tiene la sección muy desarollada.
EL USO DE BAMBÚ
LA IDEA DE BAÑO SECO
Bambú es un material que desarrollo muy
Uno de los detalles en el banco no es muy
rápido, no tiene tanto años de crecimento. Es
bien. Es muy cerca de la persona. La persona
muy sostenible. Mientras contruimos la casa,
no logra sentirse comodo. Eso parte se
el bambú crece por reparaciones en el futuro.
quedo muy cerca de su punto de asiento, la distancia no es adecuada. El parte un poco
LO HARIAS DIFERENTE
mas abajo, no puede hay contacto con la
La exigencia de los detalles, mas precición.
persona. Esos son detalles en la construccón,
Ambiente funcional totalmente. Quisas no
quisas el diseño es bien, pero construcción
sacrificar algunas cosas. Bambú: necesita
no, o no plania bien eso punto.
prueba de flexion. Si flexionarse, se guarantisa que la construccion queda en el
Tanque recolector está bajo de tierra. Esta
mismo sitio.
dificulta la extracción que seca para hacerlo
177
organico. Quisas le hizo asi para la parte
de extraer aire, una función aeromica, no
dentra de la casa. Mas bien para hacerlo
holor.
encima de la tierra.
MAS DETALLE Una distancia consiberable para no hay
Las linias del techo, no es en un linia.
contacto ningun momento con el usuario, si
Error en la construccion fue las columnas
no, no sirve. El desiño distancia adecuada.
no quedaron en un linia. Especial esta
Es posible sacar de eso por aquí. Una
columna del parte sur, esta produce mucha
puerta pequeño, puede sacar facilmente.
problema.
Para el urin, un filtro para agua grise. Quisas
La viga de aquí que soporta el techo, a
un poco cerca de la casa, pero en general
corro por acá, esta se elevanta. Porque las
el filtro esta bien. Un poco mas separado
columnas no queda en un linia total.
de la casa es de preferible. Otro opción para usar el urin en filtro tierral porque
Hay que trabajar mas tecnicamente para
tiene potasio.
lograr. Tal vez hay errores porque la mayoria de las personas de los alumnos
178
No le hecho construido en mi casa, creo
no eran personas personal cualificados.
que es un opcion muy efectivo.
Entonces esos resultan en errores de
Tubo metalico, recibir calentamiento, ayudo
construcción.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Bambu tiene mas dificultados, dificultado
DISPONABILIDAD
principal que el bambu no es recto. Quisas
Hay pocos productores de bambu, menos
es muy difícil pero la opcion de este vigas es
accesible por la bajo produción. Si hay
un taco de madera, quedo mas en linia. Se
material local, sale mas barata. Debe que ser
tiene esta tacita de madera, y un vara recta,
un punto de construcción, y un lugar donde
resulta en una mejor vista de la casa.
se pueden acarrearlos (distruibir) el bambu.
Ser mas selectivo para seleccionar las varas. No participé en el corte etc. Organización
EL DISEÑO GENERAL
de la construcción. No mucho orientado, no
Cada persona es diferente, entonces
se elaboro en en tiempo. Poco educación,
no solo un formato de vivienda, varios
necisitó dedicación.
personalisados. Varias casas, hacer diferente diseño, pero que tenga lo mismo
PERSONA A CARGA
sostenibilidad como la ecosistema. Sean
Laurens, Henky en algun momento, Diana en
iguales se función. Ventilación pasiva,
el jardin, no recorda mas.
eluminación.
Me gusta mas construir casas que en
Más diseño, no solo un formato pero
muebles. La construcción de este casa es
siempre la funciona ecologico.Tengo que
primera ves que trabaja de bambú? Sí.
separar zona privada de la zona pública. Separar lo que es mantener lo espacio
Quiere trabajar más con el material bambu?
optimo. Funcialidad de ecológica. La vista
Si, por el posible solución de la problema
de la calle, la fuente de dirección del aire,
de la vivienda, necesito de saber mas. Con
posición del sol.
un precio asequible para los habitantes que puedan pagar los costos, pueden mantener
Todos los necisidades del familia. El
su vivienda digna.
planteado es difícil. Si la sala dega de
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esta en el norte, y la entrada siempre en
with wood or concrete. I felt motivated
el calle, cocina sol directo (zona humido).
because i never had an experience like this
-- explicación de la casa -- La casa buen
before.
desiñado, todo los funcionas. Cocina al dormitorio, fácil.
Were you agreeing on the decisions made? Yes the person in charge are
Veranda es bastante importante, para una
architects and engineers, therefore I trust
casa pequeña es importante. Zona semi
them on the decisions.
privada. Casas mas grande: sala publica y sala privada.
Were the opinions of the students asked for? With one person from Holland, only his
La gente se gusta la parte privado. Cocina
opinion counted, everything has to been
por sol -> zona húmida, también el baño.
done that way. This had a bad vibe around the team.
House needs to become as cheap as
180
possible, without affecting the basic needs.
Did you feel part of the team? Yes it
The walls for example were expensive.
felt like a family. The whole week I was
Alternative: “electropanel”, cheaper.
collaborating, on Saturdays I was studying.
Design must be simple and cheap, sometimes you must sacrifice the sustainable
Was it useful for your study? Yes of course,
part.
it was a curricular activity and we received an official certificate.
A.3
OCTAVIO 4/12/2015 MOTIVATION
MY RESPONSIBILITY
I wanted to learn and be involved in
Everything. I helped in the garden, cutting
something new, not only in constructions
and treating of bamboo. I did not have a specific area (work field).
GARDEN Huge investment (time and money) but a failure, unfortunately. We came up with the drainage system.
NICE EXPERIENCE That the experience was shared and together you could see how the house was being finished. What the team accomplished
OCTAVIO
is beautiful. I’m proud of my name on the bamboo.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
SUPERVISION The supervision was good and I almost never had to work alone. Most of the members were available. The vibe with Max, Juan and Laurens in charge was good. Afterwards another man came and the ambience changed immediately. He had a strong and serious character.
PREFAB IDEA
JUAN RAFAEL
The workshop was meant for the project. I thought the tools would be given to the students who were involved to continue the experiments, but in the end the workshop
EXPERIMENTS
was closed and we didn’t know where the
There were a lot of experiments. With the
tools went.
faeces and sawdust (baño seco). I doesn’t serve and a lot of money was waisted.
181
FUTURE OF THE HOUSE The thing I knew that it is a library for the
I would like to continue with working with
BICU. The idea of the library was good, but
bamboo.
the internet became more accessible for everyone, so people didn’t have to come to
A.4
JUAN RAFAEL 6/12/2015
the library to get internet. So the idea of the
Perforating columns make them weaker.
new cafeteria is good for the house, more
In general there lacked some coordination
people would visit the house.
from the manager, the time was not used efficiently and the people worked slowly.
What would you have done differently?
He has some comments on the design, but
The roof, second floor is too close to the
he didn’t want to tell them.
roof. With zinc plates absorb a lot of heat, the second floor is therefore unbearable.
(maybe create a more trusted environment
The guy said it was good for the ventilation,
to get feedback from the trabajadores).
but I don’t believe that, it is way too close to
Juan Rafael experienced good coordination,
the floor. The material is good, but it must
every day he had a task and there were
be constructed higher.
meetings in which the changes were discussed. I would like to make the roof
What else? Make it cheaper. Doesn’t fit
higher, so there is space for a balcony. For a
economically. With the economy like this,
social house the roof is too high.
people aren’t able to save money. A good price would be 30.000 – 50.000 C$ (2000$).
A.5
JAVIER BALMACEDA 9/12/2015
y con eso poder pagar una prima para la
Imagínese que usted gana 2000
construcción de una vivienda.
córdobas al mes, ¿podría decirnos qué oportunidades tiene para construir una
¿Y en cuanto a las políticas que
vivienda para usted y su familia?
promueven otras instituciones como
No tendría capacidad para construir una
CEPRODEL (Centro de promoción del
vivienda.
desarrollo local) o el Instituto de la Vivienda Urbana y Rural (INVUR)?
182
A día de hoy, ¿de qué manera puede
Son parte de las políticas de gobierno. En
colaborar el gobierno en proyectos de
el caso de INVUR, ofrece algunos subsidios
viviendas de interés social? ¿qué políticas
o eliminaciones de impuestos. De acuerdo
y prácticas innovadoras está promoviendo
a la demanda de la población, también
para impulsar la construcción de viviendas
hay algunos programas como cooperativas
sociales?
para acceder a algunos recursos propios
En la actualidad, hay subsidios en los que
del gobierno (por ejemplo, un lote de
la tasa de interés es más baja en el caso
cemento). En el caso de CEPRODEL, las
de que se quiera construir una vivienda de
tasas de interés son mucho más bajas para la
carácter social.
construcción de viviendas.
Existen posibilidades de eliminar o
¿Cuáles son los requisitos que se exigen
disminuir el impuesto de los materiales de
a las familias que quieran solicitar esos
construcción o negociar precios más bajos
subsidios?
con algunas empresas. Otra alternativa
Para el tema de financiamiento de viviendas
es el adelanto de la liquidación de una
se exigen familias que tengan unos ingresos
persona trabajadora que tenga incentivos
familiares de entre 3000 a 6000 córdobas
acumulados para una liquidación temprana
como salario mínimo. Es decir, unos ingresos promedios familiares de 8000 córdobas. Si la familia no tiene esos recursos, el gobierno nacional en coordinación con el grupal puede subsidiar una parte de la vivienda, no como financiamiento sino como donación . ¿Qué relación tiene la Alcaldía con La Palma de Kukra y la Palma de San José? ¿Cuál es el plan? En el caso de esas empresas hay donación de servicios o de cobro de impuestos
JAVIER BALMACEDA
sociales. En algunos temas específicos la alcaldía puede utilizar a los trabajadores
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
de La Palma. También hay algunas alianzas en
¿Le hemos oído decir varias veces que
cuanto a algún proyecto social como en el tema
quieren impulsar el bambú como un atractivo
de captación de aguas o capacitación de sus
turístico o señal de identidad de El Rama
trabajadores.
¿cuentan con algún plan estratégico? Es una manera de ir promoviendo El Rama con
¿Cómo es la tradición del uso del bambú en
una marca que lo identifique. Creemos que el
Nicaragua?
bambú puede ser una marca porque es nativo
En Nicaragua la tradición del bambú es poca.
de la zona y no lo tienen en otros municipios
En las regiones donde abunda el bambú,
de Nicaragua. Además ya mucha gente sabe
como en el caso de El Rama, se utiliza para la
usarlo de manera artesanal y puede ser un
construcción como andamios u otros soportes
potencial turístico y comercial.
y en algunos casos para viviendas, cercos, etc. En las zonas del pacífico se usa más para
La idea es organizar un tour por El Rama en el
elaboración de artesanía (canastas, muebles,
que los turistas conozcan las variedades del
etc.) al contrario que en la zona sur.
bambú a través de un recorrido por el río y lleguen al Parque Natural de El Recreo donde
¿Cómo explicaría el potencial del bambú
se encuentra el taller de artesanía en el que
para los próximos años?
podrán comprar souvenirs, muebles o incluso
El bambú es un elemento que puede ser
varas de bambú directamente.
importante para varios temas como la construcción de viviendas, la construcción de
¿Cree que el primer paso se dio con el
muebles y artesanía combinado también con
proyecto de las papeleras de bambú y la
un potencial turístico y comercial. Pero aún
casa modelo?
nos hace falta crear una cultura del bambú.
Claro, son los primeros pasos pero no podemos
Todavía hay mucha gente que asocia el bambú
dejarlo ahí. Debemos de continuar con la
como un material para la gente pobre, no se ha
sensibilización a nivel local y luego fuera de El
divulgado bien el potencial que tiene.
Rama.
¿Cree que puede convertirse en una buena
¿Cómo fue la experiencia de haber trabajado
alternativa para el desarrollo de viviendas
con Bambú Social?
sociales en Nicaragua?
La experiencia fue muy enriquecedora,
Es una buena opción. Teniendo en cuenta
porque además hubo un intercambio de
la experiencia que hemos tenido en algunas
conocimientos, de culturas,…Nosotros a
construcciones, creemos que puede ser una
Bambú Social no lo vemos como un simple
solución no sólo para las familias pobres, que
grupo de jóvenes arquitectos que llegaron
necesitan construir de manera rápida, sencilla
al El Rama para trabajar varios meses. Es un
y de bajo costo. Hay que analizar verdadera
conjunto de personas y sistemas, personas que
sino también para familias Ver el costo de estos
capacitaron, infraestructuras que quedaron…
materiales
todo eso es Bambú Social. El hecho de que
183
personas de otros países vengan a crear
sanitario. A pesar de que la biblioteca
conciencia en la población acerca del
es bonita, ahora con el internet la gente
aprovechamiento del bambú hace que nos
apenas va. Creo que una cafetería le va a
cambie un poco la mentalidad.
dar mayor impulso a la casa y recibirá más
visitas. La idea de ir a tomar un café o un
¿Qué opina del resultado?¿Cuál fue el
refresco atrae más a los habitantes de El
impacto social de ambos proyectos?
Rama.
El impacto social de la casa modelo tuvo más repercusión en el entorno de la BICU y en la población estudiantil. Esperamos
A.6
CEPRODEL 11/12/2015
que con el tiempo sea más atractiva y otras
Este año se han suspendido las
personas tengan conocimiento de la casa
financiaciones debido a que hay un %
modelo, incluso para personas que vengan
de mora bastante alto. El objetivo de
de fuera del municipio.
CEPRODEL no es expropiar las viviendas sino cancelar la deudas.
Las papeleras también tienen su función
184
como algo autóctono, nuevo y turístico
En enero está previsto comenzar a dar
pero hay que darle el uso correcto. Aquí
financiamiento para la construcción de
hay otro consenso con la población, para
nuevas viviendas y el mejoramiento de
que empiecen a reciclar la basura que lleva
viviendas.
en sus manos. CEPRODEL es una micro financiera cuya ¿Por qué a día de hoy sólo se han
sede está en Managua pero que tiene
terminado 13 papeleras y no las que se
oficinas por varias regiones de Nicaragua.
acordaron en un principio (50)?
El director ejecutivo tiene bastante interés
Hemos tenido varias dificultades. No
en El Rama. que se distingue de las demás
se calculó bien el tiempo que se iba a
por su carácter social, no buscan beneficios.
necesitar para elaborar una papelera
Tiene la tasa de interés más baja del
(materiales, tratamiento, construcción,
mercado y son los más flexibles.
etc.). No fue por falta de presupuesto. Todo son experiencias pero creo que se está anunciando la construcción de otras papeleras para completar las 50. En los próximos días la casa modelo se convertirá en una cafetería ¿cuál es su opinión al respecto? Creo que hay cosas que hay que mejorar en cuanto a la casa modelo, como el servicio
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Los fondos de CEPRODEL provienen de
No tendría capacidad para construir una
la DGIH, una ONG americana que cuenta
vivienda. Con 6000 córdobas incluso no da
con una cartera de 8 o 9 millones de
ni para poder estudiar. Una familia necesita
córdobas. También está mancomunada con
de promedio unos 14000 córdobas al mes
el hermanamiento de Maastricht, la cual
para cubrir sus necesidades básicas. A partir
ofrece la asesoría técnica y la formulación
de 6000 córdobas ya se considera un buen
y ejecución del proyecto. CEPRODEL es la
salario y ni con eso se puede ahorrar para
fuente de financiamiento.
construir una vivienda.
Existen alianzas entre CEPRODEL e INVUR
A día de hoy, ¿de qué manera puede
en proyectos de construcción de viviendas
colaborar el gobierno en proyectos de
en los que INVUR destina unos 2000$ por
viviendas de interés social? ¿qué políticas
cada vivienda.
y prácticas innovadoras está promoviendo para impulsar la construcción de viviendas
La capacidad de pago tiene que ser
sociales?
equivalente a un salario de entre 8000 y
Ellos tienen varios programas de viviendas
10000 córdobas mensuales (de 280 a 300 $).
en los que ofrecen varios diseños pero
El salario mínimo es inembargable.
todos muy humildes, no creo incluso que
La tasa de interés actualmente está al 18%
sobrevivan a terremotos. Estas viviendas se
anual con fondos propios (con convenio
conceden en forma de donaciones. Cada
estuvo al 13%) y el periodo de amortización depende de la capacidad de pago de la persona que está solicitando el préstamo. Por ejemplo, si una familia quiere un préstamo de 6000$ a 5 años va a quedar pagando una cuota de 155$ mensuales. Ofrecen financiamiento para viviendas cuyos costes oscilen entre los 1000 a 10000$. A partir de los 2500$ ya se considera hipoteca, no garantía y tiene que estar escriturada.
A.7
HENKY BORGSTEIN
HENKY BORGSTEIN 12/12/2015
año hay un plan techo que consiste en
Imagínese que usted gana 2000
donaciones de otros países sólo de láminas
córdobas al mes, ¿podría decirnos qué
de zinc. Hay una nueva ley en la que se dan
oportunidades tiene para construir una
préstamos súper bajos, exoneración del IVA
vivienda para usted y su familia?
(15%). De fuera ya no hay prácticamente
185
proyectos de construcción de viviendas.
Rural (INVUR)?
Habían muchas ayudas europeas bilaterales
CEPRODEL ¿política de gobierno?-->
que ya no recibe Nicaragua. Muchas
Micro financiera. Parte del financiamiento
embajadas europeas han cerrado.
de CEPRODEL es del hermanamiento de
Ocupación de tierras pertenecientes a la
Maastricht. Prácticamente no dan préstamos.
Alcaldía por parte de familias y permitida
INVUR si es política del gobierno.
por la municipalidad (barrio nuevo). ¿Cuáles son los requisitos que se exigen Es cierto que Nicaragua está creciendo
a las familias que quieran solicitar esos
económicamente pero la mayoría del capital
subsidios?
se queda en las grandes empresas. El hecho
Para el tema de financiamiento de viviendas
de que el producto interior bruto nacional
se exigen familias que tengan unos ingresos
esté creciendo rápidamente no quiere decir
familiares de entre 3000 a 6000 córdobas
que las familias tengan más dinero.
como salario mínimo. Es decir, unos ingresos promedios familiares de 8000 córdobas. Si
¿Qué sabe de las políticas que promueven
la familia no tiene esos recursos, el gobierno
otras instituciones como CEPRODEL
nacional en coordinación con el grupal
(Centro de promoción del desarrollo local)
puede subsidiar una parte de la vivienda, no
o el Instituto de la Vivienda Urbana y
como financiamiento sino como donación.
LESTER ANTONIO BERMUDEZ
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
A.9
LESTER ANTONIO BERMUDEZ 18/01/2016
barriers you can encounter?
¿Qué se necesita para montar un negocio en Nicaragua? What is needed to start a
Quizás no poder encontrar ciertos
business in Nicaragua?
materiales. Tengo pensado trabajar con galletas de madera y eso en El Recreo,
Depende del tipo de negocio y de la
donde yo vivo, no lo encuentro y tendría que
inversión que se vaya a hacer.
salir fuera. En cuestión de competencia no creo que tenga problema.
¿Le gustaría emprender su propio
¿Cómo fue la experiencia de trabajar con
negocio? Would you like to start your own
Bambú Social? How did you experience
business?
working with Bambú Social?
Es algo que tengo en mente desde hace
Excelente. Muy bonita porque conocí
tiempo. El tipo de negocio que yo quiero
a gente nueva, me trataron muy bien y
abrir es para poder vender mi arte, mi
siempre con mucho respeto. Estoy muy
pintura, mis cuadros. En mi caso, la inversión
agradecido por lo que aprendí y por el
no es tan alta ya que podría empezar en
respeto común que hubo mientras trabajé
un pequeño taller y teniendo en cuenta
con Bambú Social.
mi situación económica sería la mejor opción. Aún me falta el equipo completo
¿Le gustaría volver a trabajar con bambú?
(herramientas) pero poco a poco voy a lograr
¿por qué? Would you like to work with
mi meta.
bamboo again? why?
¿Sabe si el gobierno ofrece alguna
Por supuesto, no me lo pensaría porque
subvención para eso?¿de qué tipo? Do
adquiriría más conocimiento y experiencia.
you know if there is any government support
Me gustó mucho trabajar con bambú.
for this? what kind of supports? ¿Qué piensa de la imagen del bambú en No sé si el gobierno ayuda en este tipo
Nicaragua? What do you think about the
de negocios. Sin embargo, sé que a otros
image of bamboo in Nicaragua?
tipos de negocios sí. Por ejemplo, el gobierno ayuda a los pequeños agricultores
En comparación con hace un par de años,
y ganaderos regalándoles la semilla
ahora es que se está trabajando más con
mejorada o dos o tres vaquillas para darles
bambú.
la oportunidad de comenzar. También hay ayudas en el sector de la construcción.
¿Y de la utilización del bambú como material de construcción? And about using
¿Con qué posibles barreras podría encontrarse? Which are the possible
bamboo as a construction material?
187
Es muy importante la manera en que se
una connotación negativa en cuanto a
utiliza y se trabaje el bambú, es un material
diseño.
muy delicado. Pero también es mucho más cómodo y económico que la madera.
Muchos arquitectos y muchas arquitectas
Personalmente a mi me gustaría hacer algún
opinamos que el diseño y construcción de
tipo de construcción con bambú.
viviendas, sea cual sea su tipología, debe de encaminarse hacia un diseño que sea justo
¿Cuál es su opinión acerca de la casa
al concepto de la vivienda entendida como
modelo construida por Bambú Social?
un derecho humano universal. Esto quiere
What do you think about the model house
decir que es necesario alejar el término de
built by Bambú Social?
vivienda, de la categoría de “interés social”, manejada como mercancía. Trascender
Había escuchado hablar de ella en El Recreo
la producción de “viviendas sociales”
pero nunca había tenido la oportunidad de
como un objeto o un producto industrial
conocerla. Me pareció muy bonita. El diseño
terminado, para acercarnos a representar su
me llamó mucho la tención. Me gustaría
característica de bien de uso y de producto
hacer algo parecido para mí en un futuro.
cultural. Es decir, entenderla mas bien como
188
acto de habitar y no como un producto Imagínese una empresa que ofrece
económico escaso. Esto implica que también
paneles de bambú prefabricados, ¿cree
hay que repensar la planificación de nuestras
que sería un buen negocio? ¿por qué?
ciudades, hacia ciudades que promuevan
Imagine a company that offers prefabricated
soluciones que buscan diversidad social e
bamboo panels, do you think it can be a
igualdad de oportunidades; incremente la
good business? why?
variedad de tipologías habitacionales dentro de los barrios; y asegure conectividad de los
Posiblemente. Aquí nunca se ha visto algo
asentamientos a las dinámicas urbanas no
parecido y el facilitarle a la gente paneles
sólo en materia de movilidad sino también
prefabricados de bambú puede ser muy
socialmente.
atractivo. Ahorrarían tiempo y dinero.
A.9
EMMA GRUN 19/01/2016
¿Qué importancia tiene para usted el aprovechamiento de los recursos naturales
¿Qué son las viviendas sociales en
en la construcción? How important is
Nicaragua? What is the social housing in
for you the use of natural resources in
Nicaragua?
construction?
En Nicaragua el término que usamos es
Bueno, hoy en día manejamos que entre
“vivienda de interés social” y tiene una
el agotamiento de recursos y el cambio
connotación en cuanto al costo de la
climático radican los principales desafíos
vivienda en sí. Sin embargo, también tiene
de nuestro siglo, y en líneas generales
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
la prioridad frente a la industria de la construcción es la reducción de las emisiones de CO2 mediante la reducción del consumo de energía. Contestando específicamente la pregunta, para mí la importancia radica en el aprovechamiento razonable y balanceado de los recursos naturales renovables. Hay que buscar el balance, y esto implica que debemos transformar radicalmente nuestros métodos de diseño y construcción; tenemos que revisar de una manera muy crítica el proceso, desde la elección de
reciben concientización sobre la necesidad
materiales hasta la cantidad de desperdicios
de abordar la arquitectura de una manera
y la carencia de su reutilización. En la
holística, preocupada por todos los
medida de lo posible la industria de la
aspectos que la rodean. Como sabemos,
construcción debe de compensar los
todo arquitecto y toda arquitecta debe
daños que genera al medio ambiente; a lo
estar equipado/a con el conocimiento de
mejor transformándose en un agente que
muchas ramas de estudio y variados tipos
impulse la renovación y restauración de
de aprendizaje, por ende, durante la carrera
medios naturales que han sido explotados
esta es la meta. Tengo entendido que aún
irracionalmente por muchas décadas.
no hay especializaciones, como por ejemplo un curso especializado de construcción
¿Inculca la importancia de la arquitectura
con Bambú, pero se da la oportunidad que
sustentable a sus alumnos? ¿Reciben
los/as estudiantes escojan sus intereses y
los alumnos cursos relacionados en la
profundicen en sus prácticas profesionales
universidad? ¿Está la UCA involucrada en
y sus tesis. De igual manera, vale la pena
algún tipo de investigación relacionada
indagar sobre lo que están realizando otras
con el bambú? Do you teach the
carreras dentro de la UCA, aparte de la
importance of sustainable architecture to
de arquitectura. Este tipo de coordinación
your students? Do they receive any courses
multidisciplinar podría aportar mucho al
related at the university? Is the UCA involved
crecimiento de la futura generación de
in bamboo research?
arquitectos/as y complementar los cursos impartidos.
El plan académico de la UCA es bien completo; tiene cursos que profundizan
En los cursos que he logrado impartir
en el uso de materiales alternativos y a
sobre urbanismo he incluido el tema de la
lo largo de la carrera los/as estudiantes
sostenibilidad en la búsqueda de respuestas
189
o soluciones que pongan a prueba el
manera de aprovechar las oportunidades;
modelo actual de desarrollo. He hecho
entre eso está lo que mencionan: pasantías,
hincapié en el carácter multisistémico
temas de tesis, y yo agregaría talleres de
del urbanismo y la necesidad que toda
diseño, foros, intercambios estudiantiles,
acción o intervención sea integral. La meta
entre muchas otras ideas. Creo que por
es que cada estudiante se empodere de
ambas partes existe el entusiasmo, hay que
teorías y buenas prácticas urbanas para
aprovecharlo!
plasmar su postura crítica sobre el modelo de desarrollo urbano actual en soluciones
¿Qué piensa de la imagen del bambú en
innovadoras que, por ejemplo, puedan
Nicaragua? What do you think about the
mitigar riesgos ambientales y a su vez que
image of bamboo in Nicaragua?
reduzcan la extracción de combustibles
No me considero una experta en bambú,
fósiles.
de hecho en estos últimos cinco años de mi vida profesional me he separado
190
¿Qué piensa de la relación que existe
un poco del diseño arquitectónico para
actualmente entre la UCA y Bambú
involucrarme en el urbanismo. No obstante,
Social? ¿De qué manera cree que
he notado que se están rompiendo mitos
podemos continuar con esta relación
sobre el bambú. Esto ha sido algo positivo
en un futuro y de manera oficial? ¿Cree
que ha aumentado la confianza en éste
que Bambú Social es una organización
material como una de las soluciones más
cualificada en la que los estudiantes
obvias para reducir nuestra explotación de
puedan realizar sus prácticas o/y tesis?
materiales no renovables en la industria de
What do you think of the relationship
la construcción.
between the UCA and Bambú Social until now? How do you think we can continue
¿Y de la utilización del bambú como
this relationship in the future and officially?
material de construcción? What do you
Do you think that Bambú Social is a
think about using bamboo as a construction
qualified organization in which students can
material?
do their internship and/or thesis? Así como mencioné anteriormente, creo Me parece que es un libro que apenas se
que el bambú es uno de los muchos
está empezando a escribir. Organizaciones
materiales alternativos que debemos
como Bambú Social son activos que
estar explorando en nuestra región y
las universidades deben aprovechar.
en los que debemos depositarle más
El hecho de conocer personas como
confianza. Además, con este material se ha
ustedes, que están interesadas en aportar
demostrado que se puede tener resistencia
sus conocimientos técnicos en mejorar
estructural a la par de calidad visual y
procesos de construcción sostenible, es
arquitectónica.
increíble. Debemos continuar explorando la
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
¿Cuál es su opinión acerca de la casa
Entiendo el propósito y las ventajas. Me
modelo construida por Bambú Social?
inclino a que además de ser modulares
What do you think about the model house
traigan un componente de fácil ensamblaje,
built by Bambú Social?
por así decirlo, para que la gente pueda ser partícipe en la construcción progresiva de su
La casa modelo la visité por primera vez
vivienda, o por lo menos en la distribución
en el marco de un curso de urbanismo
de los módulos constructivos según sus
que impartí en El Rama. Realmente es
necesidades o gustos. Opino que este
un espectáculo: estéticamente hermosa,
sistema constructivo, por su pragmático
estructuralmente resistente y muy minuciosa
proceso de diseño y construcción, podría
con los detalles. Fue una lástima que en
aportar a la profundización de metodologías
esa oportunidad no hayamos podido entrar
de producción habitacional en donde cada
para poder apreciar la distribución espacial
familia u organización demandante, pueda
interna, pero igual, fue una experiencia
tener mayor control y participación de las
en sí misma, y aprendimos mucho sólo de
fases del proceso de construcción de su
estudiar su exterior. Tengo que agregar que
vivienda o de su conjunto habitacional.
sobresale en un contexto donde el bambú no es un material difícil de adquirir, pero es
Imagínese una empresa que ofrece
la única casa construida casi en su totalidad
paneles de bambú prefabricados, ¿cree
con este material. Además, es interesante
que sería un buen negocio? ¿por qué?
que es de las pocas casas contemporáneas
Imagine a company that offers prefabricated
en El Rama que recupera fielmente la
bamboo panels, do you think it can be a
construcción sobre pilotes, tal como
good business? why?
construían antes en la zona. Es una idea atractiva. Aunque hay que ¿Tiene alguna sugerencia de mejora para
cuidar los costos de venta al público para
el diseño de la casa modelo? Do you have
mantenerla accesible a los programas de
any suggestions to improve the design of
vivienda social, por ejemplo. Toda opción
the model house?
alternativa debe de desarrollarse pensando en lograr un uso generalizado y amplio.
En realidad, no. Creo que fue diseñada como una vivienda unifamiliar, pero su uso actual no cumple con ese propósito. Tal vez si la viera funcionando como tal, tendría algunas sugerencias. ¿Cuál es su opinión acerca del concepto de (vivienda) prefabricada? What is your opinion about prefab (housing) concept?
191
UCA DESIGN CASE RESULTS
B
B.1 CASA RAMA
B.2
CASA 360O
B.3
ECOBOO
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
193
B.4
VIVIENDA ARLASIN
B.5
HEXAGON
B.6
VIVIENDA DE BAMBOO
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
C
ENCUESTA INTRODUCION Somos estudiantes de arquitectura de Holanda y España y estamos realizando un estudio sobre la vivienda, con el objetivo de conocer las necesidades de los ciudadanos y de mejorar la situación respecto a la vivienda. Por ello, le agradeceríamos que nos respondiera a las siguientes preguntas. La información que nos facilite es confidencial y está sujeta al secreto estadístico.
DATO PERSONALES 1. Nombre: 2. Edad: 3. Sexo:
196
________________________ ______ años Mujer
Hombre
LA VIVIENDA ACTUAL 4. ¿Podría dibujarnos su actual vivienda? 5. Calidad y características de la vivienda actual:
- Cuántos pisos
_________________
- Cuántos habitaciones
- Acceso a electricidad
Si
No
- Patio exterior
Si
No
- Material del techo
- Material de paredes
- Material del suelo
- Baño
Si, interior
Si, exterior
No hay
__________________
- Cocina
Si, interior
Si, exterior
No hay
__________________
- Ventilación
Mucha
Poca
No hay
__________________
- Luz natural
Mucha
Poca
No hay
__________________
- Privacy
Mucha
Poca
No hay
__________________
__________
_______________ ____________
Reaction:
______________
6. ¿Cuál es el área/zona más importante de su vivienda actual? y por qué?
______________
___________________________________________________________________________________ 7. ¿Quién y en qué año construyó su vivienda?
______________________________________
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
8. ¿Cuántas personas viven normalmente en esta vivienda y cuáles son sus edades? _______ 1
6
2
7
3
8
4
9
5
10
9. Esta vivienda es:
De su propiedad.
Alquilada. Prestada.
Otro
_____________________________
10. ¿Cuánto paga/pagó por ella?
_______________________________
11. ¿Por cuánto tiempo le gustaría seguir viviendo en esta casa?
________________
197 12. Situación laboral (de la persona encuestada)
___________________________________
13. Si no tiene ningún inconveniente, ¿cuáles son los ingresos familiares?
________________
LA CASA DE SUS SUEÑOS 14. ¿Podría dibujarnos la casa de sus sueños? 15. Explíquenos su dibujo:
¿Qué destacaría de la casa?
_____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
¿Con qué materiales está construida?
_____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
¿Qué instalaciones tiene?
______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
16. ¿Cuánto podría pagar por ella?
________________________________________________
17. ¿Se imagina que la casa de sus sueños fuera de bambú?
¿Por qué?
El mejor aspecto
_______________________________________
El peor aspecto
________________________________________
Si
No
________________________________________________________________
18. ¿Conoce la casa de bambú construida por la Fundación Bambú Social?
Si
No
¿Le gustaría conocerla? Si No 19. En términos generales, ¿cuál fue su primera impresión con la casa modelo? Alto
Más bien alto
Más bien bajo
Bajo
198
20. ¿Cree que podría vivir en una casa como esta?
Si
No
¡GRACIAS POR ATENDERNOS Y AYUDARNOS A CONOCER
LAS NECESIDADES RESPECTO A LA VIVIENDA EN NICARAGUA!
Si quiere seguir colaborando con nosotros (entrevista personal) estaremos encantados de contactar con usted.
Nombre
_____________________________________
Teléfono
_____________________________________
Si quiere recibir información acerca de nuestro proyecto, facilítenos su correo electrónico:
______________________________________
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Vivienda actual
Vivienda de sus sueños
199
D
HOMEVISIT STORIES FINANCIAL AID Inginia Holez Calderón was sitting in front of her house, and at first she wasn’t sure if she wanted to contribute to our research. Soon turned out that she has minimum eyesight due to untreated diabetes, so she had to ask her husband to draw for us. While he was looking for a ruler, she started talking. Just like María Vargas, Inginia and her husband live on this piece of land for years without official documents, but until now, no one came to claim their land.
for living expenses. The aid exists of an amount of rice, beans and oil. Just enough
200
When her husband found his ruler he starts
to live. They have no access to water or
drawing fanaticly. Due to an accident many
electricity and they use the bathroom
years ago, his left arm was amputated from
of their neighbours. The wood and zinc
the wrist down. Because of their disabilities,
covered walls are in bad condition and even
the couple receives governmental assistance
though they live in the city center, between
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
shops and concrete buildings, they live on a dirt floor. “Definitely”, she said, they would love to move to a more decent house. Her dreamhouse is elevated so it is positioned slightly higher than the street, and a few steps are needed to get to the entrance. It has two floors and it is made out of concrete and wood. Although, she said, cheap wood doesn’t last long in the climate of Nicaragua, while pointing out a few rotten pieces of wood in her current house. To replace the wood with well treated bamboo would be fantastic. While finishing the interview it gets dark, but that doesn’t keep her from explaining us how they stay healthy, despite their limited diet. The root of a plant in front of their house is the secret. You can make soup out of it, or tea for example. If she had more space, she would love to invite us to taste it one day.
The current situation and the dreamhouse, drawn by Inginia.
All six family members sleep in the same bedroom. The zinc roof is perforated by rust and needs replacement, but the bakery is still in tact. Yet, María is fighting for its existence, since the house is in dispute. When she was thirteen years old, her family expropriated the plot without official documents. After the big hurricane of 1987 they rebuilt the house, and
MARÍA’S BAKERY
it has been used intensively all this time. But
The main part of María Vargas’ living room is
now, the land is claimed back and a big ‘for
filled with a huge oven. María is a hardworking
sale’ sign marks the entrance of the plot.
woman and makes the best bread in El
202
Rama. She lives with her daughter, her three
However, she isn’t looking for a new place
grandchildren and an adopted special-needs
to live. “I don’t have any other option. The
young man, Don Alfi. “Someone came to me
revenue of the bread is my only income, and
and asked if I wanted to take care of him, so I
after all these years here, they can not just
did, and I still do. Because, honestly, who else
send me away”. However, she does dream
is going to do it? The rich people won’t, I am
of a house like the big american ones on tv,
sure about that...” explains María, with tears
she tells us while drawing. “You are architects
in her eyes.
right? Can you design it for me?”
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
The current situation and the dreamhouse, drawn by María.
surrounded by the chaotic traffic of El Rama, and we drifted away by the view. Ramón is a retired, 76 year old man. He lives alone and only needs the minimum: a little sleeping room, small stove, a porch and a chair in every lookout of his house. While showing us around, the love for his house twinkels in his face. He doesn’t want to draw his dreamhouse, he says, because he never learned how to draw. Nevertheless,
ONE MAN’S LIVING
he explains that he doesn’t really need more
While welcoming us on his little veranda,
than he has, but his house definately needs
Ramón Isidro Ocón tells us proudly that he
to be repaired in some places. He recently
built the house all by himself and he has the
bought two planks to fix the broken ones in
best view of El Rama.
his porch. He needs to improve a lot more, he mensions, but his pension just covers
204
His home is small, simple but comfortable
the costs of food and electricity so at the
and is surrounded by lots of banana trees.
moment he doesn’t have the money to do it.
Indeed, he has the most wonderful view on the joining Río Escondido and Río Rama, and
Ramón was really enthusiastic with our visit
nature surrounding him. Also, the breeze
and wanted to know all about Bambú Social.
that goes through the elevated house, gives
His most important advice was to listen
it a nice and comfortable indoor climate.
carefully to the people of El Rama, since
For a moment, we forgot that we were
after all, they are going to be our customers.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
205
MOVING OUT When we walked by, Jusnielca del Carmen was sitting in her doorway, watching her one year old daughter while chatting with her
206
mom. When she got pregnant at 18 years old, she and her boyfriend decided they wanted to move out and raise their child together. However, with their income they couldn’t afford to buy a plot and build their own house. Finally, they used second hand materials to build their own place at the plot of her parents. In this way, they save costs on the land. Also, they don’t have to dig their own well or build their own bathroom and on top of that, once in a while, they can take advantage of the presence of her mom to watch the baby. Their house is small and exists of only one room with a simple stove and wet place in the corner. Nevertheless, they have the privacy and independancy they hoped for. “I do not have work, and my boyfriend is a construction worker. I’m really glad we found a cheap and comfortable way to live and raise our child together.”
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
The current situation and the dreamhouse, drawn by Jusnielca and her sister.
THREE SISTERS Yanina Morales lives with her husband and her daughter in a simple, three persons living with all that comforts them. They have a concrete floor, as a part of the minifalda construction, and the wood of the walls looks new and fresh. “The house was built recently” she explains, “It still needs to be painted. She works as a teacher and together with her husband they earn 10000 córdobas (345$) monthly. They have enough money to cover their basic needs and have little
208
savings capacity. Together with her two
independance. We can cook what we want
sisters they bought a plot, on which they all
without getting in each others way and we
built their own house. “Because we share
can keep track of our own expenses.”
the bathroom and washplace in the patio, we had more financial possibilities to build a
She doesn’t want to draw the house of her
nice and spacious house.”
dreams, because it is exactly the house she lives in now. “Ofcourse it could also be
They chose to share the bathroom and
made out of bamboo. Like the model house
washplace, but they all wanted their
of Bambú Social. It looks really fresh, but I
own kitchen. “It gives each of us more
prefer a concrete floor.”
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
209
husband works in one of those boats, while she controls the household. To provide all children with food, she explains, they added a seperate kitchen a long time ago. It is constructed out of bamboo and zinc, and over time, all kinds of materials were
ONE BIG FAMILY
added to strengthen the construction. The
At the south side of the river, the notorious
main reason to extend the kitchen from the
Miranda family is well-known. The head of
house was for the smoke, since she cooks
the family, Esther Miranda, had no less than
on a wood fire, but also because the space
nineteen children. Since they all started their
inside the house was needed to sleep
own families and built their houses in the
in. Over the years, they added four little
neighbourhood, Esther can proudly say she
bamboo bedrooms to the back and the side
herself populated the whole area ‘up the
of the house. But still there is only room for
hill’.
7 persons. Especially in former times, many family members had to sleep in hammocks in
The part of El Rama on the south side of
210
the living room.
the river exists of one long, dirt street. Going slightly upwards from the place
Like all other households at the south side
where hollowed trees transport people,
of the river, the World Bank built a toilet for
provisions and cattle across the river. Esther’s
them as a part of their water project (p. 22).
THE BACK SIDE OF THE HOUSE
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
KITCHEN OUTSIDE
KITCHEN INSIDE
WET PLACE KITCHEN
AN ADDED BEDROOM
E
BUSINESS MODEL BAMBÚBUENO INTRODUCTION
to create a sustainable alternative for social
Bambú Social is an educational and
housing. The building that they designed
construction project with the main goal
can be built with local techniques and it
to share knowledge and expertise about
contains an integrated low-tech, natural
the use of local resources for sustainable
water purification and storage system
and affordable social housing. Building
that provides clean drinking water for the
techniques used in subtropical areas are
inhabitants of the house. In 2014 a model
often not adapted to the local environment
house was constructed that forms the base
any more. The construction materials
for the design of an affordable social home
used in El Rama (Nicaragua) create a
and the manual ‘Un manual de construcción
warm and humid interior climate and are
sostenible’, which explains the entire
produced with processes that pollute the
process with step by step drawings. The
natural environment. In addition, the local
model house has been donated to the local
population is dependent on unreliable
university and currently functions as a library.
systems for electricity and clean drinking water. In El Rama, Bambú Social has set up a
This year we continued the Bambú Social
‘Sustainable Construction’ course, together
project and traveled to El Rama. Our
with the local university and the municipality,
assignment was to evaluate and analyse
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
the work done by the previous group and evaluate the impact that the project had. We wrote a constructional report on the current state of the model house containing several improvement suggestions that can be used in the future for a design for a social house. We wrote an second report on the social situation in El Rama. In this report we analysed the current living situation and housing conditions of El Rama by visiting people at their homes. The third report is about the impact of the project on El Rama and its inhabitants. From the improvement
sustainable, affordable and comfortable
suggestions we made in the constructional
house. This company is needed for the up
report we select a couple improvements
scaling and the upgrading of Bambú Social.
which we tested during the construction of a small roof construction made out of
Since this business plan originates from
bamboo.
a developing project, it is a given that BambúBueno should meet the definition of
As explained earlier, Bambú Social is working
a sustainable/social enterprise, in a social
on a manual for an affordable social house.
as well as in an ecological way. But how can
This social house is still being upgraded
sustainable entrepreneurship be defined,
and in the future it will be build up from
and how does it differ from development
prefab elements. The manual will explain
aid or the old colonial relationships that
step by step how to connect the prefab
the West had with developing countries.
elements and how to build the social house.
The book Entrepreneurship, Innovation and
The distribution of the manual enables
Sustainability gives the following definition
everybody in Nicaragua to build their own
of sustainable entrepreneurship: “The
social house.
colonial relationship focused on financial goals, the development aid relationship
This business plan is written for a prefab,
focused on social and/or ecological goals.
bamboo elements producer that produces
Sustainable entrepreneurship tries to
the collection of bamboo elements, needed
combine the strengths of both the 8 colonial
for the construction of the social house.
and the development aid relationship,
This prefab company, named BambúBueno,
aiming to balance financial, social and
is a crucial factor for achieving the mission
ecological goals, therewith creating a
of Bambú Social, to improve the housing
viable alternative for both” (Wagner, 2012).
conditions in Nicaragua by creating a
This definition gives a global idea of the
213
mission of a sustainable enterprise, what can
Another supporter of this entrepreneurial
help during the formation of the business
approach is William Easterly who states in
plan. Besides the definition of sustainable
his book “The white man’s burden”(Easterly,
entrepreneurship, it is important to know what
2006) that the last decades have shown that
makes a sustainable or social entrepreneur.
the governmental and philanthropic aid
Gregory Dees explains the social
programs are less effective as expected.
entrepreneur as follows: “Social entrepreneurs
It has been revealed that the major social
play the role of change agents in the social
sector institutions are often inefficient,
sector, by adopting a mission to create and
unresponsive and ineffective. Instead he
sustain social value (not just private value),
promotes a bottom-up approach that tries to
recognizing and relentlessly pursuing new
offer a solution through entrepreneurship. By
opportunities to serve that mission, engaging
keeping this bottom-up approach in mind, we
in a process of continuous innovation,
hope that BambúBueno can have an impact
adaptation, and learning” (Dees, 1998). These
on the housing problems in Nicaragua.
two quotes tell us that the development aid aspect of BambúBueno should be a very important factor within the company, even if it
214
is at the cost of financial profit.
THE BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS This Business model canvas is based on The
Gregory Dees also explains that a social/
Startup Owners Manual (Blank, 2004) by Steve
sustainable entrepreneurial approach
Blank. This manual explains the theory behind
to social and developing problems can
the canvas and gives examples of how it can
be a highly effective solution because
be filled in. The Business model canvas can
it combines development aid with the
be found in the attachments. In PART 3 the
possibility of financial profit. This idea is
different blocks of the canvas are explained.
confirmed by Christian Seelosa who states that “social entrepreneurship is a structure
BUSINESS MODEL BLOCKS
that allows individuals to strike their own
We will elaborate on each of the nine blocks.
balance between the desire to make a social contribution and the personal need to
1. CUSTOMER SEGMENTS
capture an economic return from professional
Individuals
activity, across a wide range of possible
In Nicaragua there’s a serious need for
ratios” (Seelos, 2004). This entrepreneurial
comfortable and safe homes. Over the
approach towards development problems
past decades, Nicaragua has been hit
is very interesting for BambúBueno but also
by devastating political, economic and
for Bambú Social in general, because it gives
environmental events. This has left the nation
the foundation a good idea of how they can
in a precarious development position for
implement their good intentions in a feasible
this century. 78% of the people in Nicaragua
way.
lives in substandard homes or do not have
Construction
Maintanance
Bamboo treaters
Transport company
Personal assistance Professional assistance (bamboo community)
Prefab elements Construction service Maintenance service
CO2 emission (transport)
Treatment chemicals
Jealousy of competitors
Less deforestation, less soil
erosion, less use of harmful
Employment, education, awareness, safety, health
materials, more CO2 absorbtion
ECOLOGICAL REVENUES
(maintenance)
Construction service
architects or contracters
Professionals
social housing project
who want to set up a
foundations
Government/
sustainable house
who want to build/buy a
Individuals
CUSTOMER SEGMENTS
SOCIAL REVENUES
Repair service
Product sales
REVENUE STREAM (FINANCIAL)
Handcraft courses
Newspaper articles
marketing
Word to mouth
Construction manual
CHANNELS
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
VALUE PROPOSITIONS
Fixed costs (rest, water)
ECOLOGICAL COSTS
Marketing costs
Transportation costs
Production costs
SOCIAL COSTS
Workers (labour costs)
Marketeers
Employees
Transportation
Finance
Equipment
Workshop
Treated bamboo
Material costs
COST STRUCTURE (FINANCIAL)
Micro Finance agency
University of Managua
KEY RESOURCES
Production
Bamboo farmers
Construction company
KEY ACTIVITIES
KEY PARTNERSHIPS
BAMBĂš SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
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adequate housing. Based on our research we can divide this 78% in three segments, depending on their financial situation. Segment A consists of those who have difficulties to cover their basic needs , those
The different possibilities are discussed in
who are able to cover them (segment B) and
more detail on page 30 (Social Housing
those who have saving capacity (segment
Analysis). After all, these options are
C). Together the subgroups can be seen as
essential for reaching all segments of the
one huge ‘bottom of the pyramid’, in which
target group.
segment C is on its way to climb the social ladder to the middle class. With an average
Bambú Social wants to serve the people in
income of 11000 córdobas, the people of
need of a decent house by offering them an
segment C could be eligible for some of the
affordable alternative for their current house.
more socially orientated loans.
This social mission is the main incentive for
Segment B earns 6000 córdobas a month,
Bambú Social to start BambúBueno.
on average. For them, this is just enough
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to cover their basic needs. Without saving
An often heard criticism is that the proposed
capacity it is impossible to pay back loans
customer segment of BambúBueno is too
with a high interest rate, let alone to give
poor which makes the business not feasible.
any security for the payment of the debts.
It is true that the income of the proposed
Therefore, in terms of living situation, this
customer segment is poor in comparison to
group completely relies on donations of
Western people but this does not make it
(inter)national projects.
impossible to create products for this group. In fact, the target group of BambúBueno fits in a huge group of customers for who almost no product are produced. This phenomena is very well described the book The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid (Hart, 2002). This book explains that almost all the wealth of the world is owned by a small elite group on which almost all product producers are focused. However, there also is a group of 4 billion people who make less than $1,500 a year, which gets very often ignored by these product producers. So when you come up with an affordable
For segment A, with an average income of
product that fulfils the needs of this ‘poorer’
2500 córdobas monthly, the same applies.
costumer group, you reach a huge market
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
with lots of possibilities. This is exactly the plan we have for BambúBueno, and with the help of microfinance companies like Kivia, BambúBueno can even reach a bigger group of people. Furthermore, Bambú Social has designed a new social house in collaboration with architecture students from the UCA. The design for this social house is adaptable to
construction material. They have a lot of
many different living situations. The design
knowledge about constructing, also on
consists of six phases, in which every higher
a bigger scale. They are hired by bigger
phases is an upgrade of the previous one.
housing companies (or the government) who
The first phase of the design is really simple
do big investments and provide the people
and affordable for even the poorest families.
from entire villages of social homes.
The sixth phase is bigger and more luxurious upgraded version that fulfils the demands
During our stay in Nicaragua we visited
of the richer families. With this new design
some governmental projects with the aim
BambúBueno can reach the whole target
to provide social houses for low-income
group.
families. An example of such a project can be found in Rama Key. This village is
Professionals
famous for its indigenous houses that are
This segment consists of professional
well adapted to the climate. However, the
contractors and architects who are convinced
government started a huge housing project
that social housing can be cheaper and
in the center of this village. The houses
more sustainable by using bamboo as main
build by the government are constructed
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with cheap materials and the design is not
who consider what we call the edges, the
adapted to the climate. Even though the
places where extreme people live differently,
houses are really bad, the project itself is
think differently and consume differently”.
very hopeful. The project in Rama Key and
(Brown, 2010) Design thinking can be the first
other housing project along the east coast
step to social innovation and by approaching
show that the government is very interested
the housing problem in Nicaragua from
in large scale housing project.
a designer’s point of view; BambúBueno can make a major progress. So, in order
2. VALUE PROPOSITION
to make a difference BambúBueno has to
To be able to tackle this housing problem
come up with a value propositions that
in Nicaragua, BambúBueno has to look for
meets the needs of the costumers, while
work-around, improvise solution and find
taking into account the cultural, social and
ways to incorporate those into the offerings
infrastructural context.
it creates. This process can be described as design thinking which involves: “Designers
To serve the two costumer groups of Nicaragua, the company has three products which form the three value propositions of the business model. 1. Prefab bamboo elements: Customers can buy these prefab elements and build their own house according to the manual. Calculations of Bambú Social show that the prices of these elements are around the $3000. This product is meant both for the families as for the professional contractors and architects: • Individuals: They can buy bamboo elements and a construction manual, with which they can build their own house. The need of housing is then solved on individual level. Microfinance or paying in terms could make this product more accessible. • Professionals: They can buy the construction elements and build the (social) houses for their clients, in order to provide the housing need in Nicaragua. Cooperation between these professionals and the bamboo prefab company is important to
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
scale the project of Bambú Social up. Yet the professionals are the customers because of their need of prefab construction elements. 2. Maintenance of the social house: this service is mostly meant for the individuals who have built their house themselves. These customers aren’t professional and it is likely for errors to occur after the house has been built. The prefab company could be hired by this customer group to do maintenance of the house built. 3. Building service: the individual customer group can also choose to let their house be
product on the website or post reviews in
constructed. If they do not their construction
local magazines. It is also possible to invite
knowledge the prefab bamboo company
possible customers over to a model of the
provides them with the building service. The
house or the workshop so they can inspect
professional building service usually doesn’t
the product.
provide individual constructions, therefore
• A professional service and sales
this building service of the prefab bamboo
department that can answer any questions
company is meant for the individual families.
customers might have. • An after sales department that keeps in
3. CHANNELS
touch with finished projects. By combining
Because bamboo is a new construction
this department with a maintenance service,
material, the company has the task to
BambúBueno can maintain a positive
raise awareness among the people of El
relation with the costumers with is beneficial
Rama about the benefits of constructing
for the images and publicity of the company.
with bamboo. BambúBueno needs several channels in order to reach the customers.
Professionals
The professional customers require a
• Reports and articles in journals and
different channel than the individual
professional trade magazines.
customers.
• Workshop and activities with local contractors about the social house.
Individuals
• Distribution of the construction manual to
• Create awareness through different
architects and contractors.
channels like a professional website, articles
• Cooperation agreements with special
about the products in magazines and
prices for professionals
newspapers and mouth to mouth publicity. • Give the customers the chance to evaluate
4. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP
the products by listing finished project and
Both customer segments require a
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personal and long-term relationship with
and future customers. Furthermore, the
BambúBueno.
professionals have a lot of influence on the image and publicity of BambúBueno,
Personal assistance: For the individuals
therefore it is important to maintain a
because they should always have the
personal and positive relationship. When
possibility to BambúBueno when they have
an architect comes up with a new model,
questions or problems with their house.
the company has to adapt or create more
This means that BambúBueno must always
prefab elements. When more companies are
be ready to visit the customer or help him
involved and when this construction method
with his problems. This is also part of the
is implemented in multiple municipalities, a
maintenance service that the business
bamboo community will arise where topics
provides.
about bamboo as a construction material are discussed. In this community the key
With the professionals it is important
partners are also involved.
to maintain a personal and long-term relationship because they are big current
5. REVENUE STREAMS Financial revenues The prefab bamboo company will mainly gain there revenues with the sale of the bamboo construction elements. The price is established by the variable costs and the fixed costs and the relevance of the piece. The costs of the resources should at least be covered. Therefore is it beneficial for the company to make as many as the same elements as possible. Beside the standard prefab elements that the company will produce, they will also produce custom elements meant for the designs of the architects and contractors. The bigger the order, the cheaper each element gets. This stimulates the contractors to construct as many as possible at once. For the families there’s also the revenue as a result of the maintenance service and the building service. This of course depends on how many working hours are needed.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
Social revenues and ecological revenues
the following social and ecological revenues
While writing this business plan, we have
which can have a major impact of social and
taken in to account the idea of shared
ecological progress.
value, as explained by Porter and Kramer. According to them, shard value is a
The most important social revenue for
solution for the recent increase of social,
Bambú Social, is to create awareness among
environmental and economic problems that
the local people about the benefits of
business cause for their environment. In their
constructing with bamboo. A new culture
paper, creating shared value, they suggest
is created and the most materials that
to address this problem as follows: “The
pollute the most are less and less used.
solution lies in the principle of shared value,
The company creates more employment
which involves creating economic value
for the people of El Rama. Not only will the
in a way that also creates value for society
people gain more salary, they will also be
by addressing its needs and challenges.
educated. They will learn about construction
Businesses must reconnect company success
mechanics, safety and sustainability (taking
with social progress.” (Porter, 2011) This
care of the environment). Because a high
quote is a perfect explanation for the goals
safety level is maintained, health among the
of BambúBueno, this business plan leads to
employees can be assured. Educating them
MADE OF BAMBOO The bamboo plant grows very quickly and while growing it requires little upkeep. Besides bamboo is a product that is easy to work with and in comparison to other construction materials it is relatively cheap. Furthermore, bamboo is available throughout the whole country and people can grow it locally what makes it even cheaper. Quick and easy to build The bamboo elements are prefabricated in a workshop in a controlled environment. This makes the quality of the elements higher and steadier. The elements are designed in such a way that they are easy to connect to one another, this makes the construction of a building easy and quick. Customizable The prefab elements are easy to connect and disconnect. This makes the house adaptable to the changing living requirements of the owner. If an owner wants to change the size of his/her house it is easy to add or remove parts. Sustainable Bamboo is a sustainable building material that grows fast and requires little nutrients and because it is produced locally is requires little transportation. Furthermore, it helps prevent soil erosion and deforestation of the rainforest and it has a high CO2 intake.
221
about the environment should also teach
6. Employees: BambúBueno needs several
them how to handle waste how to reuse
skilled employees who are experts in
materials, and they will pass it on to their
producing these elements. These employees
families.
should also be able to do maintenance work at the costumers place. They first have to
As mentioned above, by using bamboo as
get educated, and will later on be able to
main construction material, awareness about
educate other.
the environment is created. This belongs to
7. Marketers: BambúBueno needs a
the ecological revenues. Because bamboo
marketing strategy. This can help them with
is used the CO2 emission will go down, the
the promotion on their product and reach
absorption of CO2 will go up, deforestation
out to potential customers. This tasks also
will go down, soil erosion will go down, the
includes keeping the bamboo community
use of harmful materials goes down, and
running.
less pollution is created. Using bamboo the environment is being less and less harmed. It
7. KEY ACTIVITIES
is indeed a sustainable construction material.
The main activity of the proposed business is the production of prefab bamboo elements.
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6. KEY RESOURCES
With these elements a social house can be
In order to conduct these key activities,
built, with help of the construction manual.
BambúBueno needs several key resources.
Customers can buy these prefab elements
The following list sums up these required
from BambúBueno and build their own
resources.
house with use of the manual, which comes
1. Treated Bamboo: This is the main
with the elements.
construction materials and it is needed to produce the prefab elements and to
However, customers can also ask
maintain the social houses already build.
BambúBueno to build the house for them;
2. Workshop: BambúBueno needs a place
this leads us to the second key activity
where they can produce the elements.
constructing the social house.
3. Equipment: Tools and other equipment are needed for the production of the
The third key activity is a maintenance
elements.
service which owners of the social house can
4. Finance: In order to start the business
call if there are some reparations needed.
there needs to be a start capital with which the business can make the needed
8. KEY PARTNERSHIPS
investments.
The key partners provide BambúBueno
5. Transportation: BambúBueno needs
from the key resources needed for the key
a truck to transport the elements to the
activities. The following list shows these key
costumer or to visit the costumer for the
partners and their value.
maintenance of the house.
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
1. Bamboo farmers and treaters: The
process of the company as well as the quality
bamboo farmers produce and cut the
of the product. Furthermore, by involving
bamboo. After the harvesting the bamboo
young students the company can secure
is treated with a solution that gives the
the continuation by delivering new designs.
bamboo more durability and resistance
They could teach apprentices or student the
against the weather. This treatment can
trades of the company after which they can
be done by the farmers or there could
work for the business or start their own. Both
be another party involved that takes care
ways support the use of bamboo.
of the treatment. After the treatment the bamboo needs to dry for several months.
As mentioned before (with the contractors)
The drying process gives the bamboo stems
after a while a community will be created.
more strength and durability. The eventual
This community will be the bamboo platform
products are treated and dried bamboo
in Nicaragua (and maybe further on). For
stems, ready for production.
students this forms a source from which material characteristics and designs are
During our stay in Nicaragua we visited two
spread. During our stay in Nicaragua visited
bamboo farms, El Recreo and EcoPlanet
the UCA for a workshop that we organised
Bamboo. EcoPlanet Bamboo an international
for the architecture students. After this
company that owns thousands of acers
workshop a group of five students applied
of bamboo (Guadua Amplexifolia) in and
to join our project. With the help of these
around El Rama. This bamboo is great for
students designed an alternative version for
construction. However, during a meeting
a social house. The involvement of the UCA
with EcoPlanet we noticed that they are
students was very positive and we believe
more interested in producing products like
that for BambúBueno it is very interesting
charcoal and napkins since the profit margin
to involve the UCA. The students are very
of raw materials too low. Also El Recreo was
interested in social projects, they see it as
not very positive about the idea of selling
a possibility to acquire work experience
bamboo on a large scale. We believe that it
and at the same time contribute to the
is important for BambúBueno to emphasize
development of their country.
on the social aspect of the company since it is not financially interesting for the big
3. Transport Company: The transport
bamboo farmers.
company has to make sure that the bamboo is transported from the farmers to the
2. University of Managua: The University
company in time and safe. By hiring a third
of Managua is an important partner for
party to take care of the transportation,
the company. The student can do research
BambúBueno and the bamboo farmers
on bamboo as a building material and on
can focus on their main activities. For
the production process of bamboo. This
BambúBueno it is a good choice to
research helps to improve the production
outsource the transportation so they do not
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have to worry about to main side activities.
9. COST STRUCTURES
We experienced that transportation is
When starting the company, some
a big business in El Rama and the rest
investments have to be made. But the
of Nicaragua because major part of the
company will also have to pay in social and
population cannot afford to own their own
ecological sense.
transportation. There are a lot of private transportation services that transport any
Financial costs
material with bicycle, truck or car.
When starting BambúBueno, the most substantial costs are the workshop and the
4. Microfinance Company: A big part of the
machinery. These are two big investments
population of Nicaragua lives on a minimum
and the business will need a start capital
wage or less, for these people it is hard to
to finance them. It is also possible to
pay for the house. Microfinance could offer
implement this business model in an existing
these people a solution by enabling them
workshop, in which case the investment
to pay in installments. It is not a good idea
costs are reduced.
for BambúBueno to offer the microfinance themselves, but instead they should partner
While running BambúBueno there are
with a micro financer like Kiva. By involving
several costs that need to be taken into
a partner who is specialized in microfinance,
account:
the business does not have to deal with
• Fixed production costs: wages, upkeep
defaulters and other risks but instead
machinery
it can focus on their prime activities. A
• Variable production costs: means of
microfinance organization is a very important
production, electricity, water, petrol,
partner because it increases the sales market
transport
drastically.
• Raw materials: treated bamboo • Rent: Bank loans • Marketing costs: articles in magazines or journals, discount for professionals, promotion, community costs • Investments: quality and efficiency improvement Ecological costs These costs can be described as the negative impact that BambúBueno has on the environment and the ecosystem. The cause of these costs is, unfortunately, the production and transport of bamboo elements, but also the impact of the raw
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
materials on the environment is taken
when BambúBueno promotes their products
into account. The following lists sums up
as better and eco friendlier and could result
all the ecological costs that result from
in negative publicity for the competitors. It
the production of the elements, with a
is recommended that the business involves
distinction between direct and in-direct
local competitors instead of squeezing them
costs.
out of the market. In this way, BambúBueno
1. CO2 emission by transport and production
and the whole idea of building with bamboo
of elements.
can spread around the country and grow
2. The usage of bamboo, including the
rapidly.
chemical treatment. 3. Ecological production costs like,
THE CONCLUSION
electricity, water, heat.
By working out this business plan we have developed a better understanding
As the list shows, there are quite a lot
of social entrepreneurship in general but
of ecological cost that result from the
also a better understanding of the specific
production and construction of a social
situation in Nicaragua. We have learned
house. However, when comparing these
that starting up a business requires a lot of
ecological costs to the ecological costs
planning and research but at the same time
produced by the construction of the most
a lot of flexibility. The lean start-up theory
common house in Nicaragua (concrete
has thought us that it is important to be
blocks with aluminum roof sheets), we see
able to pivot your business plan around in
that the costs are significantly reduced.
order to succeed. This could be difficult for
Therefore we can say that even though there
a social entrepreneur because this means
are some ecological costs, the bamboo
that you must be able to alter your mission
social house is environmental friendlier as
and maybe not follow your passion, but it is
most of the current houses in Nicaragua and
important for the success and therefore also
on ecological costs a big improvement.
the impact of the project.
Social costs
While we were in Nicaragua we evaluated
It is possible that the company creates
this business plan and checked if it is
some social costs because it is a new player
realistic. We investigated if the partners
in the housing market, which can result in
that are needed for BambúBueno are
some competition. This competition is of
interested and if the quality of the needed
course a positive result because it forces
infrastructure is sufficient. Furthermore, we
the company and its competitors to keep
checked if there are people interested in
improving. However, this competition
starting BambúBueno. Also practical aspects
could turn into jealousy when the company
were investigated, like the local salaries, the
takes more and more customers from the
costs of the workshop, etc. All these finding
competitors. This jealousy could increase
are documented in the social and impact
225
analysis. We will give a small summary of our
The only obstacle for BambúBueno is the
finding.
constant supply of bamboo, also on a large scale. During our stay we were able to buy
We experienced that the infrastructure in
our bamboo at a small farm near El Rama,
El Rama is sufficient to start BambúBueno.
but these farms do not have the capacity
Transportation is not a problem because
to provide the large amount of bamboo
there are lots of private transportation
that is needed for BambúBueno. The larger
services. Furthermore, there is a reliable
bamboo plantations that we visited (El
electricity network present and in the city
Recreo, EcoPlanet Bamboo) were not very
there are plenty of buildings where such a
optimistic about working together with
small workshop can start. The only problem
a company like BambúBueno. For them
we see is the lack of a functioning water
it is more beneficial to sell final products
system that is needed for the treatment of
like charcoal or napkins because the sale
the bamboo. This can be resolved by using
of raw materials has a low profit margin.
rainwater or using water from the rivers.
Of course it is possible that these bigger plantations are more interested when there
226
We investigated if the partners that we
are more concrete plans for a company like
described in the plan are interested in
BambúBueno.
working together with a company like
We approached several local constructors in
BambúBueno. The UCA in Managua is very
El Rama and they were very positive about
interested because the students see working
our plans for BambúBueno, they think it is a
for a social enterprise as a great way to gain
great idea to experiment with new materials like bamboo. Even though the local contractors are very positive about the idea, they see also some obstacles. Their main concern was the bad image that bamboo still has, most people still see it as an inferior building material. However, from the 50 home visits that we did we could conclude that 79% of the interviewed people could see themselves living in a bamboo house. We believe that the image of bamboo can change very fast if BambúBueno finds ways to show the people that bamboo can be a very reliable material when it is applied and
working experience. Also the transportation
treated correctly.
services are very interested. There is always a truck for rent as we experienced during
The evaluation of this business is part of a
the construction of a small bamboo roof.
new methodology for launching companies,
BAMBÚ SOCIAL 2.0 - PROJECT REPORT
called the “lean start-up”. This methodology
The block of key partners gave us a lot of
was introduced by Steve Bank in his paper,
insight in the complexity of the project. It
Why the lean start-up changes everything.
shows the different partners that are needed
In summary, this new methodology can be
for the business to succeed. Because
explained as follows: “Instead of executing
there are many partners, there are many
business plans, operating in stealth mode,
factors that can disrupt the functioning of
releasing fully functional prototype, young
BambúBueno. Therefore, it is important for
ventures are testing hypotheses, gathering
the business to establish a good relationship
early and frequent customer feedback,
with these partners and make clear
and showing minimum viable products to
agreements.
prospects, This new process recognizes that searching for a business model is
The social costs of this business plan
entirely different from executing against that
needs some further research because the
model” (Blank, 2013). This early evaluation
difference in culture makes it difficult to
enables us to recognize problems and
predict the reaction of the community on this
flaws of BambúBueno, which gives us the
new business plan. It is important that we
opportunity to pivot the business around
get a better definition of these social costs
to a whole new value proposition for which
by for instance interviewing or questioning
there is a profitable future.
the locals.
BIBLIOGRAPHY • Barro, R.J., & Sala-i-Martin, X. (2004). Economic Growth. 2nd edition. Cambridge: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. • Blank, S. (2004). The Startup Owners Manual. Stanford: School of Engineering U.C. Berkeley. • Blank, S. (2013). Why the lean start-up changes everything. Cambridge: Harved business review. • Brown, T. (2010). Design thinking for social innovation. Stanford: Stanford social innovation review. • Canning, D., & Pedroni, P. (1999). Infrastructure and long run economic growth. Consulting Assistance on Economic Reform II Discussion Paper, 57. • Dees, J.G. (1998). The Meaning of “Social Entrepreneurship”. Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership. • Easterly, W. (2006). The white man’s burden. Oxford: Oxford University Press. • Hart, S. (2002). The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid. Philadelphia: Wharton School Publishing. • Porter, M.E. (2011). Creating Shared Value. Cambridge: Harved business review. • Seelosa, C. (2004). Social entrepreneurship: Creating new business models to serve the poor. Bloomington: Kelley School of Business, Indiana University. • Wagner, M. (2012). Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability. Sheffield: Greenleaf Publishing
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