This is the largest, most successful earthbag project in Haiti so far. They’re doing a great job in an extremely difficult situation.
“At this village in Bongnol, Haiti, Haiti Christian Development Project has completed 10 of 14 planned earthbag houses for earthquake refugees at the cost of $2200 each. Men of the community were hired to do the construction. Occupants will live in the houses at a low and affordable rent. Additional surrounding land has been acquired to extend the project.”
Patti also reports “The HCDP people are just continuing to build earthbag. They love it. Currently planning a little school/ clinic building, and buying more lots for another subdivision. Wow.”
Previous blog post: New Earthbag Houses in Bangnol, Haiti
Hi Owen,Patti,
I tried to find where Bangnol is, to no avail. I would like to send AAE members from La Gonave to have a look at what is in the pipeline, as seeing is believing :-).
Can you help? Thanks. Orietta
I just wrote Patti for suggestions. Have you emailed them? They have a website.
One of the biggest selling points is how cool and comfortable these buildings are inside compared to any other local buildings. And the $2200 cost is for a two room building larger than most NPOs are building.
My original plans showed 33 square meters (360 sf) in three rooms with a small porch, to be built in two phases.The interior was planned to be big enough for larger families, the first room being 12’6 (3.8 m) wide.
The building you see included 24.5 m (80 linear feet) of walls . How other than earthbag could you build this amount for this cost?
Thanks for the update, Patti. It’s good to hear some details. Someone might glance at the photos or the video and not realize how amazing the houses are. Costs are extremely high in Haiti, so building a home for $2,200 is a small miracle. And they’re cooler, more comfortable and likely more earthquake resistant than other houses. Now HNC is in contact with them to jump start their project.
Owen, I am a Civil Engineering student at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. We have a team headed up by a structures professor and our plans are to test the earthquake resistivity of these structures, specifically in Haiti. I would love to hear more about your design, how you built down there, and the public acceptance of this project. You can contact me by email at dgrueser@utk.edu.
That’s great! I just sent you a quick note and will be in touch again later.