Questions
Dear John,
Thank you very much for your entry in the Changemakers competition. We read with a lot of interest about the technical innovation of ABT and its potential to provide affordable housing solutions to large populations, and would greatly appreciate to better understand some aspects of your model.
From the consumer standpoint, how does it compare to a basic cement house in terms of cost, durability and ability to expand one’s house incrementally, in addition to the environmental benefits? Have you already conducted market-research with local communities to ensure that the material and design are culturally appropriate and desirable? An expert in affordable housing was mentioning recently how important it was to be able to build houses for low-income communities that do not shout “I am a poor people’s house”.
From the affordability standpoint, are you planning to develop any financing solution though local micro-finance organizations or to leverage government subsidies for social housing? How easy would it be to meet government requirements and bid for government projects? You may want to provide additional information about your initiative by posting an entry in the discussion forum or submitting a revised entry in the competition before Sept 29th: www.changemakers.net Looking forward to hearing from you,
Kind regards,
The Changemakers Team
Answers
Thank you for your inquiries!
Compared to concrete the benefits to the consumer are easily demonstrated. 1. At least 45% less expensive. 2. At least 75% faster to erect. All houses are in kit form. A 90m˛ home can be erected in less than 5 hours with a crew of 4 unskilled helpers and one supervisor. 3. Since the interior walls are self supporting they can be relocated with ease, allowing internal walls to be moved to accommodate living changes. The exterior wall panels are locked from the inside, this can be unlocked and relocated to expand the home when needed without major load bearing changes. Then additional walls that are standard ex-factory load bearing walls can be added with window and door cut outs already installed. Each kit home comes with a floor plan for expansion. 4 x 5 foot panels will sell for approximately 10 to 15.00 USD each. No other material is required except for the paint finish or concrete parge (stucco). 4. The homes are hurricane and earthquake resistant and do not break down over time. Will last indefinitely with a minimum of care/maintenance.
Market Research has been conducted in Nigeria and South Africa for shelters and because of the solid appearance and style has been accepted.
In Turkey and Romania model homes are being prepared for next Spring. At each location a modest and an executive home will be erected. Since the costs are so low it is possible to build a house for low income peoples that has the look and quality of an upper middle income home.
We are currently working with the South African. Nigerian and Sudanese Housing Ministries to begin subsidised housing projects next year.
In Romania and Turkey certain agricultural regions are working on a plan of wheat straw for buildings (homes, barns, storage buildings, etc.).
In each jurisdiction building code approvals are in process. The panels are approved in Germany, USA, Canada and England.
John Daniels ABT Insulpanel
Additional Support Information
Builder Benefits
Product Features Builder Benefits 1. Speed of Installation Save at least 25% in time, enhancing builder profits by reducing overhead and carrying costs during construction, and bringing income-producing buildings on-line faster. 2. Excellent Thermal Properties Lower utility bills through highly thermally efficient wall and roof panel assemblies. Higher profitability. Lowers portion of building costs devoted to more costly, larger HVAC systems and time consuming insulation. 3. Exceptional Acoustical Properties Excellent marketing features -- competitive advantage for high quality demising walls and floor to floor noise control. Reduces need to invest in sound deadening materials that reduce profit margins. 4. Superior Fire Transmission Rating 2.5 + hour rating for vertical wall assemblies and a 1.5 hour rating for horizontal ceiling and roof assemblies. Substantial savings in drywall costs in multi-family and commercial construction projects. 5. Superior Structural Properties Good flexibility in structural design. High racking strength for wind and earthquake loading. Fewer recalls after completion of projects due to elimination of stress cracks from settling. 6. Environmentally Safe Excellent marketing feature appealing to increasing numbers of environmentally conscious consumers.. Fewer problems associated with disposal of non-biodegradable waste from construction sites. No off gassing - no harmful airborne particles. 7. Competitive Pricing A savings in construction costs that can translate into a savings for your customer and/or increased profits for you. Significant savings from labor reduction.
Consumer Benefits Product Features Consumer Benefits 1. Speed of Installation Potential of reduced costs to purchase a home. Can be living in a new home sooner. 2. Excellent Thermal Properties Lower utility bills through highly thermally efficient wall and roof panel assemblies. High insulation performance substantially reduces annual utility costs. Lower portion of building costs devoted to HVAC and insulation. More comfortable living. 3. Exceptional Acoustical Properties Reduces need to invest in sound deadening materials. Reduction of noise between rooms and floors provides a more silent, comfortable living environment. 4. Superior Fire Transmission Rating 2.5 + hour rating for vertical wall assemblies and a 1.5 hour rating for horizontal ceiling and roof assemblies. Greater satisfaction and comfort knowing personal safety is enhanced. Lower insurance rates. 5. Superior Structural Properties Improved personal safety with less potential for structural damage from tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. Superior long-term appearance -- elimination of stress cracks from settling. 6. Environmentally Safe The ABT Insulpanel System uses renewable agricultural resources (wheat straw) which provides several specific ecological benefits: - Creates additional income for farmers. - Provides a practical use for what has been a waste by-product of wheat farming - Helps to conserve forest resources by reducing the use of dimensional framing lumber by up to 90%. Healthier family environment with natural products - no off gassing - no harmful airborne particles.
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