Cost effective building systems for rapid construction in tropical climates

Abstract

Over usage of natural resources for construction of buildings has caused many environmental problems. Hence mainstream requirements of building projects such as cost effectiveness and rapid construction should be achieved while ensuring that the impact on the environment is also minimum. In this context, it is beneficial to use recyclable or renewable materials as building elements. This paper describes a successful adoption of the combination of such systems in a rapid building construction project in Sri Lanka. The building envelope consists of two and three storied steel portal frames, walling system based on compressed straw panels, upper floor with precast concrete slab panels supported on a steel framework, ceiling made from compressed straw panels. The successful application of these systems indicates the possibility to adopt them in the future for rapid, cost effective and sustainable building construction.