Best Architectural Thesis Awardee - Re-Yari: An Approach to Re-establish Post-Disaster Housing Using Eco-Construction Materials

Re-Yari: An Approach to Re-establish Post-Disaster Housing Using Eco-Construction Materials

by: Jowee R-ianne A. Cadawas, Lyca C. Dime

Thesis Adviser: Ar. Brian R. Bradecina

Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture College of Engineering and Information Technology Cavite State University - Don Severino Delas Alas Campus Indang, Cavite

Keywords:

Post-Disaster Housing

Eco-Construction Materials

Sustainable Recycling

Plastic Waste

ABSTRACT

As  natural   disasters   inflict   significant  damage   to   housing infrastructure, leaving communities vulnerable and in urgent need of green   and   eco-friendly   shelter   solutions,   this   thesis   explores   the concept of re-establishing post-disaster housing through adaption of eco-construction materials,  to   emphasize   a   sustainable   and   more resilient approach. The study investigates the viability, advantages, and potentials of eco-construction materials by proposing three design prototypes which  are; Emergency Home, Transitional Homes, and Permanent Home, considering their  environmental, economic, and social implications.The thesis further explores practical solution in post-disaster housing   and   provides   comprehensive   manual   guide   for   the construction of each prototypes, with utilization of eco-construction materials that are made from unrecycled plastic waste such as Eco-bricks,   Eco-boards,   Eco-Lumbers   and   other   eco-construction products available in the market today.The   findings   of   this   research   contribute   to   the   body   of knowledge on post-disaster housing and sustainable development. May   this   study   encourage   architects,   engineers,   designers   and builders   to   play   an   important   role   to   create   a   more   resilient   and sustainable   community   by   repurposing   the   relationship   between waste, architecture and climate change.Ultimately,  this   research   aims   to  proactively   create   more adaptable, resilient  and sustainable  community with  recycling and architecture as part of the solution

1. INTRODUCTION 

The Philippines is naturally vulnerable to natural disasters due to its location along the Pacific typhoon belt, with an average of 20 to 22 typhoons striking the nation each year, five of which are so destructive that many families are forced to relocate and face homelessness. Despite having experienced several disasters in the past, the country’s disaster management in terms of resilience and preparedness remains significantly low. According to the World Bank Group, the nation has seen 565 catastrophes since 1990, which have claimed 70,000 lives and cost $23 billion in damages. These disasters appear to intensify under climate change [1].

Now, the issue of waste comes then - plastics clogging landfills and threatening ocean and marine life; causing climate change to accelerate [2]. As there has always been an invisible link between waste and architecture, this study encourages designers to play an important role to create a more resilient and sustainable community by repurposing the relationship between waste, shelter, and disaster with the utilization of construction materials recycled from solid waste.

In accordance with the Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRM) Act with the vision of attaining a “safer, adaptive and disaster-resilient Filipino Communities towards sustainable development” [3]. The framework indicates a paradigm shift towards a more proactive and preventive approach that emphasizes prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and climate change adaptation. 

 In relation to this, the researchers conduct this study to help address the gap in knowledge in disaster preparedness through architectural solutions by designing prototypes that will use and recognize the potential of eco-construction materials in post-disaster housing such as emergency, temporary/transitional, and permanent shelters which aims to increase communities’ resilience in natural disasters.

2. METHODOLOGY

This section will provide the conceptual framework of the study, the materials and important specifications used in the development of the design prototypes. 

2.1 Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework of the study has three (3) phases which are the Input, Process, and Output.

The Input phase consists of Statement of the Problem where the researchers identied one of the major issues of the country which are the homelessness, lack of disaster preparedness and poor shelters that leads to casualties during disaster, the lack of solid waste management, and other environmental and socio-economic issues pertaining to waste and disaster. In which the researchers lead to the proposal of re-establishing post-disaster housing prototypes which are; Emergency, Transitional and Permanent Home with the use of Eco-construction materials as a sustainable and more resilient approach.

After determining the problem and the proposal is the Process Phase where the researchers proceeded to gather related literature that will support the study. The researchers also coordinated with the local companies and manufacturers of eco-construction in the Philippines. The researchers then proceeded with the designing phase for prototypes and establishing design guidelines. This includes conceptualization, space programming, planning, and provision of a fully rendered presentation.

Lastly, the Output of this study consists of full paper manuscript which contains chapters 1 to 5 of the study, the three design prototypes and a manual guideline handbook.

Figure 1. Conceptual framework of the study

2.1 Product Specifications and Manufacturers 

This section provides the list of the manufacturers and eco-construction products with technical specifications that were used in designing the three design prototypes. 

• ECO-BRICKS - GREEN ANTZ BUILDERS

• POLYAL PRO BOARDS – RURAL INDUSTRIAL CORP. 

• ECO-LUMBER - THE PLASTIC FLAMINGO

• ECO-LUMBER – ENVIROTECH/WINDER PH

3. CONCLUSION 

Re-Yari is a research study that aims to re-establish post-disaster housing by designing three design prototypes such as Emergency Home, Transitional Homes, and Permanent Home, and providing a comprehensive manual guide to construct the proposed prototypes with utilization of Eco-construction materials available in the market today. This study is to address the gap in knowledge in disaster preparedness with architecture and recycling as part of the solution.

It was concluded that the proposal for post-disaster housing utilizing eco-construction materials presents a compelling and sustainable solution to the challenges faced in the aftermath of natural disasters. By prioritizing the use of environmentally friendly materials, this study not only address the immediate housing needs but also contribute to long-term resilience and ecological preservation.

The utilization of eco-construction materials offers numerous benefits. Firstly, these materials are renewable and often sourced from sustainable or recycled sources, reducing the strain on natural resources and minimizing the carbon footprint. Secondly, they are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, providing enhanced durability and safety for the occupants in disaster-prone areas. This approach ensures that the post-disaster housing is not only temporary but also capable of withstanding future challenges.

From an economic standpoint, investing in eco-construction materials for post-disaster housing can yield long-term cost savings. While the initial investment may be higher, the reduced energy costs, minimal maintenance requirements, and extended lifespan of these materials lead to lower operational expenses over time

Lastly, the proposal aligns with broader environmental goals and sustainable development initiatives. By promoting the use of eco-construction materials, we contribute to global efforts to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve natural ecosystems. This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of disaster-affected communities but also contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable future.

In conclusion, the utilization of eco-construction materials in post-disaster housing is a comprehensive and forward-thinking solution. By prioritizing sustainability, resilience, and the well-being of communities, we can create safer, greener, and more resilient housing options for those affected by natural disasters. Through collaboration and support, we can bring this proposal to life and make a positive impact on both the immediate and long-term recovery efforts. 

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