haiti housing project - www. oreworld.org

© ORE and AJEC 2003

L aroche

PWOJE FONDASYON LAROCHE© ORE and AJEC 2003

Relocating a village in the south of Haiti threatened by flooding


La Saline

La Saline is a village close to the market town of Camp Perrin in the south of Haiti.


ProblemRelief is needed for 30 families living on the floodplain of the Ravine du Sud

A La Saline resident indicates the level of the river during the September flood


In September 2003, Hurricane Lili caused disastrous flooding in the Ravine du Sud


Torrential rains produced disastrous floods destroying houses and property.


Houses were lost on both sides of the river, prompting the families of La Saline to relocate their village


208Total8%16>60yrs

26%5531-60yrs32%6715-30yrs34%700-14yrs

Age53%111Female47%97Male

Gender%# People

Gender and Age

Community Demographics


The Professions

6%12Other1%2Seamstress2%3Mechanic4%8Housekeeper4%9Mason5%11Infant8%16Merchant11%22Farmer13%26Unemployed48%99Student

%208Profession



Family Size

27%8-15

63%4-8

10%2-3

% Families# People/Family



Economics of the Family

93%# Families In Food Deficit

76%# Families In Deficit

< $11Average Monthly Income Per Person

12%12%Average Monthly Deficit/Family

US$753007 gourdes

Average Monthly Revenue/Family



Rooms just large enough for two beds typically sleep four people. The new village in Laroche will be designed to accommodate current and future needs for families as determined by communitymeetings and surveys.

Current ConditionsTypical Haitian house design

Dimensions of rooms in a typical rural home:

Bedrooms: 6’ x 8’ with 2 beds

Kitchen: 10’ x 12’ food preparation and indoor eating space

Living: 6’ x 8’ Gallery or Porch*: 4’ x 16’ entry to the home

*usually, the porch is the center of social activity for a

Haitian family

Wash Area: 4’ x 5’

Latrine: Up to 12 people share one outside pit

toilet

Lack of adequate space leads to stress, disputes and tension which undermines an otherwise successful family structure.


IntentPrioritiesThe beneficiaries established the priorities for the community prior to the design phase

The Issues:

Low cost relief from floodsWaste management & recycling to protect

the environmentHygienic toilets to improve family healthCommunity center to bring people togetherPrivacy to reduce stress within familiesGreen spaces to enhance quality of lifeFruit trees to create wealthCovenants to protect their community


IntentLa RocheA new site on which to build a better future. The purchase of the new site was made possible by donations from CARITAS.


Research and analysis are critical first steps to a successful plan Methodology

Research precedents of planning and design in rural Haiti and sub-tropical design.

Demographic surveys and meetings with beneficiaries.

Topographic and site analyses of water flows, wind and solar patterns and climatic data.

Create design guidelines to be approved by the beneficiaries.

Research waste treatment systems and conduct feasibility studies.

Create a master plan including houses, landscape design and infrastructure.


Planning for Community Needs

Site Analysis


Solar studies determined best location for each home; existing trees (+) were charted and will be preserved

28°47°28°Dec

30°50°30°Nov/Jan

35°58°35°Oct/Feb

42°70°42°Sep/Mar

47°82°47°Aug/Apr

48°90°48°July/May

49°85°49°June

3:00 PMNoon9:00 AMMonth (21st)

Altitude

Summer SunsetWinter Sunset

Winter Sunrise Summer Sunrise


Existing drainage issues will be ameliorated by a canal constructed using bioswales


Prevailing wind patterns were evaluated to ensure good ventilation for every home


Natural daily heating and cooling cycles were studied


Vegetation will be planted to create wind channels using a net-and-pan design


Composting sheds and dumpsites will be optimally located to service the disposal needs of every family


Tree selection and location are critical elements for the plan’s success


House design centers around the lakou or yard which is the center of Haitian family activitiesHome Plans


A comprehensive plan

Improvements to Current Living Environments

LightingVentilationSanitationWater collection systemsWater useOrganization and Stacking of functions

Climatic Responses- Cross Ventilation (openings on opposite walls)- Shade (trees, trellises)- High surface area-to-volume ratio to allow heat flowto the exterior

-East-West orientation to reduce solar heat gain onwalls

-Tall, vented interior spaces for heat flow- Long overhangs to protect against rain and sun- Insulated walls and roof to reduce solar gain

Cultural Responses- Organization of lakou will determine the layout of

public and private areas- Security (Social and Spiritual)- Aesthetics- Versatile living arrangements and choice of living

arrangements will accommodate individual andfamily needs

Technologies & Infrastructure

- Water catchment systems- Water filtration systems for kitchen and bath- Daylighting and Lighting- Compost organics- Human waste composting & filtering

Home Plans


Rooftop rain water collection and window location to maximize daylighting

Water Catchment Systems

- Roof Water Collection- Sink and Work Area Water Recycling- Gravity-fed Water Distribution

Daylighting- windows against walls- roof section

Home Plans


Composting toilets and gravity-fed water systems are sustainable, low-cost solutions

Gravity-fed Water Distribution- Kitchen- Toilet- Shower- Crops

Composting Toilets- Vermiculture- Graywater treatment

Home Plans


Ventilation is critical element of effective design for tropical conditions

Natural Ventilation- 20° to 30° oblique to wind direction- Openings on Opposite walls- Create low and high pressure zones

Home Plans


Low-cost construction materials need to be developed

Rammed Earth Construction(typical 6-8 person house, 1380 sf of covered area)

- less concrete-intensive- eliminate the need for posts and beams- strong, cost effective, quick construction

Home Plans


Technical assistance to develop cost-effective materials and building techniques

Next Steps


Development funds to construct a prototype house

Next Steps


Grants and low-cost financing

Next Steps


Next StepsConstruction


Building their future …

Next Steps

haiti housing project - www. oreworld.org

Career

family ore

home ore

village ore

community ore

flooding ore

sud ore

bioswales ore

ajec 2003208total8