The professor and architect Luis Ferré, in collaboration with the Research Group of Materials and Building Constructive Systems of the University of Alicante, develop an innovative system of construction that does not need neither structure neither supports to build an edifice. The system employs low cost materials and does not require skilled manpower. This new technology was patented by the University of Alicante and the characteristic show up a promising interest of technology-application for the cooperation and development.
We present the project through Dr. Luis Ferré, professor of the University of Alicante (UA) and responsible of the research project.
The system of construction:
It treats of an architectural solution generated by four basic pieces that conform a puzzle of circular arches, that serve to build respectful houses with the environment, cheap and that do not require skilled manpower.
The system uses a combination of arches that fit by means of blocks of different types, giving stability to the structure while this raises. It allows save distances of six metres between the extremes of the arch. The arches are supported against the wall by means of a combination of an inverted block (if it is an odd arch) or a half inverted block (if it is an even arch) with a block placed in the extremes serving as a support. Once the first arch is built, the rest fit with the previous, keeping the structure stable.
To rig these blocks between them, it is necessary a plaster mortar, that rapidly toughen and keep the pieces in their position. Once the vault is finished it is applied a polyurethane waterproof gravel layer.
The professor Ferré explains that this innovative constructive system recovers the design used by ancient civilisations settled in Mesopotamia or Persia. This type of construction was also used during years in Spanish regions such as Catalonia or Extremadura.
The system gives answers to actual problems : low cost materials and non skilled manpower without losing thermal and acoustic quality isolation. It is estimated that the system allows a saving of 40% regarding the rest of traditional constructions.
The houses are described by the precious procedure but can use different materials, the bases mainly in ceramic materials or concrete, whereas other parts use biodegradable ceramic materials, that allow an improvement of isolation and a greater general performance in the vaults construction.
The pieces
The system of construction consists of four basic pieces, bricks that do not weigh more than three kilos and that fit between each other by means of a conventional glue used in current constructions. Of this sense, the workers can move and raise the pieces easily. For the manufacture can be used silicone moulds confined in a polyester frame. The construction can be realised by only two workers and can be habited after two days of being finished.
Applications
The construction is designed for building houses of six metres of width and to raise buildings of one floor, although applying some small changes it can adapt to buildings of several floors. One of the characteristics of this system is that are ideal for developing countries and for zones that have suffered natural catastrophes. However, also can be used in European countries, in Spain, and in concrete in the province of Alicante, for example, could give solution to the conflict of the bunkhouses. The professor Ferré underlines that the system applies to zones where there are not houses, but, in the case of Lorca (Murcia), for example, could be use in the terrains of the city that have remained flat.
Development and transfer of technology:
The innovative system of construction promoted by Professor Luis Ferré is already in laboratory test in the UA. As the system is easy to develop and the low cost of the materials, as well as the non skilled manpower needed, several companies already have shown their interested in taking this project to developing countries with severe economic crises. The first contact with the architect Ferré was by an NGO that loans help to Ethiopia and that, through the central Executive, pretended to build an hospital. This project finally did not succeed because there was a change of government in this country.
On the other hand, a group of promoters in Madrid also keep in contact with the professor to carry this constructive system to Angola, for building social houses. The professor remarks that this system is opened to countries with difficulties, economic or social, but as also for Spain and the rest of Europe.
Source: PARANINFO, Diario Informacion