a document that explains more specifically why HabiTek`s innovative

May 1, 2012
CAN HABITEK’S INNOVATIVE SYSTEM SOLVE THE HOUSING PROBLEM FOR HAITI’S
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS?
Greg Higgins, Architect and Managing Director, HabiTek, LLC
TWO YEARS AND COUNTING:
Another humanitarian disaster of an unimaginable scale is poised to envelope Haiti unless a solution to
housing roughly one million people living in precarious tents and flimsy shacks is found and implemented soon.
Here we are, almost two and one-half years since the calamitous earthquake, and no solution is even in sight.
How could this be? How can this deplorable situation change?
In my opinion the major reason the world appears at a loss to identify housing solutions that will solve the
problem is because the only question that has been asked since Haiti’s horrific earthquake is, “how cheap is
it?” Equally important, admonitions by many planners to make solutions “people centered” appear to have
been largely ignored. It is essential that a solution be found that involves Haitian by the thousands, and
creates thousands of jobs. “How cheap?” should be the last question asked, and only after the following
twelve questions are answered in the affirmative. Starting with the premise that a high-tech, pre-fabricated,
post-and-beam framing SYSTEM can meet these enormous challenges, and that steel is the best material to
achieve the best results, let’s…
FIRST ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS:
1) Is the system pre-engineered to resist earthquakes and hurricanes? A framing system that
locks in adequate strength is the first order of business. This means structures must be preengineered to meet the extreme loads imposed by hurricanes and earthquakes. Steel is a
preferred material for resisting seismic and high wind forces, largely because steel is predictably
strong and ductile, thus able to absorb these forces. √
2) Is the system easy to assemble? 80-90% of all Haiti’s housing is owner-built. This favors an
approach that allows any able-bodied person to participate in the assembly process without power
tools. Components must be light weight, so the heaviest parts can be handled easily by two
persons. No cutting of components on-site should be necessary. √
3) Is the system compatible with prevailing building methods? Concrete-block construction is
the prevailing method of building in Haiti. A straight and true steel framework could be enclosed
by a non-load bearing concrete block wall. This type of wall is not difficult to construct because
the primary loads, including the roof, are carried by the steel chassis. The block enclosure will
provide occupants with a safe secure environment that will stop projectiles driven by hurricane
force winds. √
4) Does the system allow houses to be elevated above areas that flood, or on sloping
ground? Should flash flooding be an issue, the framing system should allow the structure to be
readily elevated above grade by utilizing properly engineered concrete piers, with bracing struts.
Pier-type foundations can also be used on sloping ground, greatly reducing the extent of
excavation required. √
5) Is the system expandable, and are many designs possible? The system should be readily
expandable. It is the norm in Haiti for home-owners to add on to their homes as their families
grow and funds become available. The system should also allow identical interchangeable
precision components to be used for houses of varying sizes and layouts. √
6) Can the system be assembled rapidly? Given the enormous demand, and urgency involved,
the system must be simple to erect, and capable of being rapidly assembled. A viable systems
approach must achieve safe conditions fast, as well as protection from rain within a few days, or
less. To do this, components must be dimensionally exact and uniform and bolted together. √
7) Can system components be easily transported? Components must be able to be closepacked for transporting using virtually any mode of travel, from shipping containers to pick-up
trucks. Components should also be able to be dropped in by helicopter in areas inaccessible by
trucks. √
8) Does the system allow for adequate ventilation? Interior spaces should be open to the
underside of the roof above, allowing hot air to rise and escape using passive stack ventilation at
the ridge line. Maximum ventilation is especially important in Haiti’s tropical marine environment
for comfort and health. √
9) Does the system allow for roof overhangs? Roof overhangs are an important part of Haiti’s
traditional architecture for obvious reasons - protection from rain and sun. The exceptional
strength of steel allows eave overhangs to be engineered to resist hurricane force winds. √
10) Is the system sustainable and green? Durability and longevity are the hallmarks of
sustainability. By utilizing properly galvanized steel, dwellings should last for 100 years or more,
and be part of a community for generations. Steel is immune to mold, rot, and termites. Steel is
97% recyclable, and is a component of the US Green Building Council’s LEED rating program. √
11) Will the system support attractive vernacular designs? Local artisans, and even homeowners, should be able to complete and personalize their home in the process of fit-and-finish.
Here is one example of a customized variation on Haiti’s vernacular tradition:
√
12) How cost-effective is the building system? Important factors are often overlooked when
evaluating the true cost of systems building: site preparation costs, speed of on site assembly and
construction, survivability in natural disasters, and maintenance costs over the life span of the
building. Given the large number of houses needed, an economy-of-scale is achieved that allows
mass-production of components to substantially lower costs. √
HOW TO MOVE FORWARD:
It is my conviction that once the above questions are fully addressed then, and only then, should strategies be
developed to implement a cost-effective solution for housing internally displaced persons (IDP) and, for that
matter, building safe schools. HabiTek answers the above questions with a resounding YES! – and we are
committed to helping solve the housing crisis. We are willing to work with Government of Haiti and nongovernmental organizations to introduce HabiTek’s new “erector-set” like technology in Haiti as soon as
possible.
The HabiTek System was developed over ten years of research and development, working with two
distinguished structural engineers. We have completed several beta projects, including two houses in tropical
Hawaii. The challenge before us now is how to implement a program in Haiti that will lower costs, meet
demand, and capture the imagination of the Haitian people. HabiTek-Haiti could be the game-changer the
IDPs so urgently need.
I have been in discussions with Aldy Castor, MD, President of the Haiti Resource Development Foundation
(www.hrdf.org), on developing a R&D program designed to identify strategies for establishing a fabrication
operation in Haiti to produce HabiTek’s steel components, and make HabiTek-Haiti a Haitian owned and
operated company. We welcome your input on how best to proceed to bring our innovative construction
technology to Haiti. Please feel free to contact me.
Greg Higgins, Architect & Managing Director
Website: www.habitek.biz | Email: ghiggins@habitek.biz
HabiTek, LLC, PO Box 3001, Spokane, WA 99220-3001
Tel: 509.482.2764
© HabiTek, LLC, 2012. All rights reserved.