HABICON:
ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCED TO BELIZE

The Southern Regional Affiliate will be the host for the construction of two houses utilizing a new technology called Habicon. This would be the first of its kind in Belize. The aim is to introduce other alternative methods of construction to the affiliates, with the dual aim of lowering the construction cost of a house and to encourage affiliates to use their creativity. This pilot project has been conducted in Costa Rica at the Monteverde Affiliate, which has already built four houses utilizing this system.

If you are asking yourself what is HABICON we can tell you that the system is environmentally friendly. The structures consists of treated wood connected with steel straps. Walls are made of micro concrete panels and dress with a light plaster; high ceiling with insulated fabric and zinc roof. It is a natural system for swampy areas or where water is on the surface avoiding landfill. At the end of the pilot project the families would receive a two bedroom house, consisting of a bathroom between the two bedrooms, kitchen, living room & dinning room, measuring 44 square meters. The affiliate is scheduled to begin construction in May 2003.