A low-cost vernacular improved housing design

Arup, in conjunction with the non-governmental organisation Fundación Redes, has developed a form of vernacular improved construction for use in pre- and post-disaster contexts in El Salvador. The design takes the vernacular bahareque construction and engineers it, making it a more durable and stronger form of housing. The new design is seismically resistant, low-cost and uses sustainable materials such as timber and cane. In addition, the design can be constructed in stages such that only the foundations, frame and roof can be constructed faster and for a lower cost than the full house, forming a strong core shelter that can be clad using salvaged materials; at a later date, it can be made permanent. This paper presents an evaluation of permanent low-cost housing in El Salvador, a description of the development of the new design and an evaluation of the design, describing both its advantages and disadvantages.