Building a Healthy Home 381
Traditional and modern building materials
Most traditional buildings use combinations of mud, sand, clay, stone, straw,
wood, and plant materials such as bamboo, thatch, and vines for roofs and
walls. These materials are strong, locally available, and cost little or nothing.
But they also have some problems. Mud walls may erode in the rain, thatch
roofs can become homes for insect pests, and buildings that use only these
materials may not last long.
Factory-made materials such as concrete blocks and metal roofing have
replaced traditional materials in many places. People often use concrete
because it is easy to handle and a house can be built in stages, with additions
built on as the family earns more money. For some people, building a concrete
home means economic success and a modern lifestyle.
But houses built with factory-made materials may not be best for peoples’
health or the environment. Often they are not well insulated for cold weather.
Making concrete requires a lot of water and a lot of energy. If they are not
reinforced, concrete block buildings collapse easily in earthquakes. Also, these
materials are costly, and often are only available to people in large towns
and cities.
When planning to build a home, consider the good and bad qualities of
different materials that may be available. Just because others build their homes
in a certain way does not mean it is the best way for everyone.
Maybe we
should build a
house made of
earth with a
metal roof ?
Pluses and minuses of different houses
+Materials are easy and cheap to get
-Takes more labor and skill
-Must be maintained and replaced
+Comfortable in wet and dry seasons
-Materials cost money
+Easy to work with
+Lasts long time
-Too hot and too cold
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012