Housing NOW's approach is based on finding solutions for the most prevailing problems in the affordable and emergency housing sector.
Since the military coup on February 1st, 2021, which was followed by a nationwide civil war, Myanmar has witnessed a substantial increase in the number of Internally Displaced People (IDP). Currently, this figure stands at over 1.8 million individuals, as reported by the UNHCR, and is projected to reach 2.7 million by the end of 2023.
Adding to these challenges, in May 2023, Cyclone Mocha struck Myanmar with winds reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h. The World Bank estimates the overall damages caused by the cyclone to be approximately $2.24 billion. These cumulative factors have left a significant portion of the population displaced and in urgent need of dignifying housing options.
We are dedicated to delivering housing solutions with a negative carbon footprint to support vulnerable communities in the country amidst a nationwide civil war and environmental crisis.
Currently, the number of displaced individuals is escalating rapidly, exceeding 1.8 million according to the UNHCR, with a significant proportion being women and children. Bamboo presents an underutilized potential for revolutionizing the construction sector, which is accountable for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions.
Over the past eight years, we have actively deployed bamboo-based structures, pioneering new methodologies and practices. These practices incorporate various aspects of construction; such as prefabrication, logistics, community engagement or structural optimization. More details about our methodology you can read in the following section.
Cheaper sourcing material
Bamboo represents an underutilized potential for revolutionizing the construction sector, which is accountable for nearly 40 % of global carbon emissions.
We are focused on small diameter bamboo species that are abundantly and cheaply available on the local market.
Our construction technique takes advantage of small bamboo, which is usually considered a waste product and thought of as not having construction capacity.
Bundling sets of small bamboo makes the structure more resilient compared to single large diameter bamboo elements.
Pre-fabrication of structural frames
The frames make up the basic structure of the houses and are composed of bundled small diameter bamboo with is secured with a steel strapping tool
They are pre-fabricated and stored in our ‘production hub’ in Bago
We have the possibility of storing over-produced structural frames in the warehouse
Our dedicated workforce doesn’t need to move to every specific construction site; this allows us to keep the laboratory running and testing new solutions while other teams can work on the physical implementation of projects
Fast response
We have the ability to quickly deploy a large number of frames.
Over- produced structural frames can be stored in our warehouse and can therefore be delivered swiftly in case of emergency.
Transportation is done with a 4-wheel Hilux truck with a custom built low-bed trailer. This method lowers the price of transportation by almost 10 times and allows access to remote locations, where there are low-hanging electric cables and mud roads.
The cost of one frame will include the entire supply chain: its assembly, storage in case of emergency, transportation to the site and the installation of the frame on proper footings.
We are working on the optimization of the building process by investing in the construction of a Design+Build HUB as well as funding the following performing elements:
- Pneumatic steel strapping tools for bundling the bamboo together
- Large bamboo treatment tanks to treat the bamboo in bigger quantities
- A stable and local workforce that doesn’t need to move to each specific construction site
Customization and participatory construction
Housing NOW’s construction process is based on modular, structural frames that allow us to construct customized houses
The number of frames used for each house depends on the size and condition of land, overall budget and the number of people in the family
Materials used for floor, roof and walls vary depending on the local materials available in each region
A house can be adjusted to the individual needs of each household
The family is involved in the planning of the customization of their house thus allowing a higher sense of ownership and advocacy
The walls, floor, and roof are built on-site with local workers. The household can give an ‘input’ as to which materials they prefer to use (bamboo, wood, corrugated steel plates, etc…)