An eco-friendly house was constructed in Aliyar using sustainable local materials and construction methods. A flat site was selected to avoid unnecessary leveling. Pole foundation and wooden framing were used instead of concrete and steel. Abundant local woods like coconut, palm, and bamboo were utilized for walls, floors, roof, and furniture to reduce energy and emissions from transporting other materials. Simple techniques like varnished wood siding and alloy roofing provided durability without intensive processes. Though labor was inexperienced with this approach, overseeing and incentives helped complete the naturally comfortable yet affordable home.
2. WHAT IS AN ECO-FRIENDLY CONSTRUCTION? Eco-friendly construction is about building a structure that is non-harmful and beneficial to the environment and its residents This eco-friendliness is achieved through: An eco-aware DESIGN Using MATERIALS that are natural and local Using METHODS that save energy and material during construction; and harnesses natural elements to provide health and comfort instead of energy- intensive alternatives A trained and well cared for LABOUR
3. AN ECO-HOUSE IN ALIYAR ECO-AWARE DESIGN: Identified a flat expanse at client’s site (on a mountainous terrain) and thereby avoided unnecessary leveling Avoided trenched-foundation and used tree poles instead To not disturb or be disturbed by wild animals To use abundant local material (wood) and avoid energy intensive trenching and hauling boulders from long distance An open layout to maximize light, air and space
11. Experienced labour is not available for non-standard work (like a wood house) Had to hire un-trained carpenters and guide them on a daily basis Had to adopt an experimental attitude towards work and team Arranged for the team accommodation, food and medical care Offered the team a large end-of-the-job cash incentive AN ECO-HOUSE IN ALIYAR LABOUR
12. The Team From left: Selvam (Carpenter), Hariprasath (Engineer), Chandran (Helper), Venkatasalam (Supervisor), Thangaraj (Helper) Arumugam (Carpenter), Murugan (Helper)
16. THANK YOU! V.HARIPRASATH D.C.E hariprasath.civil@gmail.com 94435-49052 ADDENDUM: Next four slides are stage wise construction details
17. FIRST STAGE Locations for pillars marked Earth work excavation for the pillars : 2’x2’x2’6” Base concrete: 6” thickness Erected the 12 feet palm trees 2’ into the foundation Poured the concrete in the foundation around the palm tree to prevent termites
18. SECOND STAGE 3”x6” coconut wood beams installed on the palm tree grid as base for flooring 2” thick coconut wood planks were laid on the beams to create the floor
19. THIRD STAGE 4”x4”x7’ coconut wood posts were erected on top of the palm poles for walls and roof support . Height of the posts on inner side is 9’ Roof skeleton: 2”x3” & 2”x4” wooden beams First layer of the roof : 1” thick wooden slabs. Second layer of the roof: Zinc-alloy sheet.
20. FOURTH STAGE Walls were erected with 1.5” thick wooden slabs. By using nails & fevical. Doors and windows frames were also made withcoconut wood. All furniture (dinning table, kitchen table, chairs, etc.) in coconut wood were completed as part of the project
