Aftermath: Sumatera Earthquake

SUMATRA, INDONESIA: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has selected a house design for the 2,500 “core” houses planned for the rebuilding phase following the devastation caused by last month’s 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Padang, West Sumatra.

The proposed simple and decent core house would take local workers and volunteers two weeks to build. It is 3x6 meter with six concrete columns and support beams which act as earthquake-resilient structures. The roof is made with a timber wood frame and cement fiber roofing. A bathroom and toilet is attached. Home owners can supplement the construction of the core house with salvaged materials such as bricks and wood, door and window frames. There are two versions of the design, based on the needs of the home owner: a basic version and one with a high roof where a mezzanine can be put in for more space. The beauty of a core house rests in the flexibility it gives to Habitat home partners to expand their house in the future as time and resources allow.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia wants to raise up to US$ 7.5 million to build the 2,500 core houses, including assisting, through a cash-for-work component, 1,000 families with debris clearing, provision of toolkits; and the establishment of community water points.

House design