LOW COST HOUSING

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our special thanks of gratitude to our guides

Ar. Gyanesh Khare and Ar. Neha Deshmukh as well as our Head of
department Ar.Sandhya Ekbote who gave us the golden opportunity to
do this wonderful project on the topic ‘Low cost Housing’, which also
helped us in doing a lot of Research and we came to know about so
many new things we are really thankful to them.
Secondly we would also like to thank our parents and friends who
helped us a lot in finalizing this project within the limited time frame.

Thank-you

Sushil Barkhania

Pranay Shukla

Imran Ansari

Tejaswani Verma

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ABSTRACT

Adequate shelter for all people is one of the pressing challenges

faced by the developing countries. India is currently facing a
shortage of about 17.6 million houses. The dream of owning a
house particularly for low-income and middle-income families is
becoming a difficult reality. Hence, it has become a necessity to
adopt cost effective, innovative and environment-friendly housing
technologies for the construction of houses and buildings for
enabling the common people to construct houses at affordable
cost. Strength and durability of the structure, stability, safety and
mental satisfaction are factors that assume top priority during cost
reduction. It is found that about 20-25% of the construction cost
can be saved by using low cost housing technologies.

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION
1.1. Low cost housing……………………………………………………………………….4
1.2. Aim and objective……………………………………………………………………….4
1.3. Methodology………………………………………………………………...…………. 4

CHAPTER 2- Cost Reduction Techniques

2.1. Foundation and footings……………………………………………………………….5
2.2. Plinth……………………………………………………………………………………...6
2.3. Walling…………………………………………………………………………………....6
2.3.1. Rat trap Bond…………………………………………………………....6
2.4. Doors and windows…………………………………………………………................7
2.5. Lintels and chajjas………………………………………………………………………7
2.6. Roofing…………………………………………………………………………………...8
2.6.1. Filler slabs……………………………………………………………….8
2.6.2. Jack arch roof...................................................................................8
2.7. Bricks……………………………………………………………………………….........9
2.7.1. Concrete blocks……………………………………………………........9
2.7.2. Sundried mud blocks…………………………………………………...9
2.8. Precast materials………………………………………………………………………10

CHAPTER-3 Norms for low cost housing

1.3. General …………………………………………………………………………………11

1.4. Planning………………………………………………………………………………...11
1.5. General building requirements……………………………………………………….12
1.6. Roads and pathways………………………………………………………………….14
1.7. Other requirements…………………………………………………………………....14
1.8. Site and services schemes ………………………………………………………….15

CHAPTER-4 Case Study

4.1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………….16
4.2. Architectural View…………………………………………………………………….16
4.3. Dwellings……………………………………………………………………………….16
4.4. Dwellings Plan ………………………………………………………………………...17
4.5. Area Statement………………………………………………………………………...19
4.6. Used techniques for cost reduction………………………………………………....20

CHAPTER-5 Comparison and Analysis

5.1. Comparison ……………………………………………………………………………21
5.2. Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………21

CHAPTER-6 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….22
CHAPTER-7 References ……………………………………………………………………23

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Chapter 1- INTRODUCTION

1.1. Low cost housing

A concept which deals with effective budgeting and following of techniques which
help in reducing the cost construction through the use of locally available materials
along with improved skills and technology without sacrificing the strength,
performance and life of the structure. There is huge misconception that low cost
housing is suitable for only sub standard works and they are constructed by utilizing
cheap building materials of low quality. The fact is that Low cost housing is done by
proper management of resources. Economy is also achieved by postponing finishing
works or implementing them in phases.

1.2. Aim and objective

 Study on all methods used in low cost housing.

 Study of all norms about low cost housing.

 Study on all possible cost reduction factors.

 Design low cost housing project using all studied norms and methodologies.

1.3. Methodology

 Data Collection from low cost housing related books, government’s low-cost
housing scheme’s norms.

 Live Case Study on M.P. Housing & Infrastructure Development Board’s project
in Atal Ashray Yojna scheme at Gaurav Nagar, Bairagarh chichli kolar Road,
Bhopal.

 Collection of information about Methods, Materials, Standards and

Techniques by Internet Study.

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Chapter 2- Cost Reduction Techniques

Through Construction

2.1. Foundation and footings

Normally the foundation cost comes to about 10 to 15% of the total building and
usually foundation depth of 3 to 4 ft. is adopted for single or double store building
and also the concrete bed of 6″ (15 Cms.) is used for the foundation which could
be avoided.

It is recommended to adopt a foundation depth of 2 ft.(0.6m) for normal soil like

gravely soil, red soils etc., and use the uncoursed rubble masonry with the bond
stones and good packing.

It is further suggested adopt arch foundation in ordinary soil for effecting reduction
in construction cost up to 40%. This kind of foundation will help in bridging the loose
pockets of soil which occurs along the foundation.

In the case black cotton and other soft soils, it is recommended to use under ream
pile foundation which saves about 20 to 25% in cost over the conventional method of
construction

Shallow foundations are more convenient in low cost housing because their
structural design consumes less concrete.

Fig1.1.-Under reamed pile foundation Fig 1.2.- Shallow Foundations

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2.2. Plinth

It is suggested to adopt 1 ft. height above ground level for the plinth and may be
constructed with a cement mortar of 1:6. The plinth slab of 4 to 6″ which is
normally adopted can be avoided and in its place brick on edge can be used for
reducing the cost. By adopting this procedure, the cost of plinth foundation can be
reduced by about 35 to 50%. It is necessary to take precaution of providing
impervious blanket like concrete slabs or stone slabs all-round the building for
enabling to reduce erosion of soil and thereby avoiding exposure of foundation
surface and crack formation.
2.3. Walling

Wall is the main part in any type of buildings it consumes 20-25% of total building
cost so it should be a most convenient way to reduce a cost by using some different
types of brick bonds and masonry materials as explain below: -

2.3.1. Rat-trap Bond

Rat trap bond is a brick masonry method of wall construction, in which bricks are
placed in vertical position instead of conventional horizontal position and thus
creating a cavity (hollow space) within the wall. Architect Laurie Baker introduced it
in Kerala in the 1970s. By adopting this method of bonding of brick masonry
compared to traditional English or Flemish bond masonry, it is possible to reduce in
the material cost of bricks by 25% and about 10to 15% in the masonry cost. By
adopting rat-trap bond method one can create aesthetically pleasing wall surface
and plastering can be avoided.

Fig1.3.-Rat-Trap Brick Bond

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2.4. Doors and Windows

It is suggested not to use wood for doors and windows and in its place concrete or
steel section frames shall be used for achieving saving in cost up to 30 to 40%.
Similarly for shutters commercially available block boards, fiber or wooden practical
boards etc., shall be used for reducing the cost by about 25%.

Fig1.4.-wooden door and frame Fig1.5.-Steel section door/window frame Fig1.6.-Precast Door /window frame

2.5. Lintels and Chajjas

The traditional R.C.C. lintels which are costly can be replaced by brick arches for
small spans and save construction cost up to 30 to 40% over the traditional method
of construction. By adopting arches of different shapes, a good architectural
pleasing appearance can be given to the external wall surfaces of the brick masonry.

Fig1.7.-Arches over windows

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2.6. Roofing

Normally 5” (12.5 cms) thick R.C.C. slabs are used for roofing of residential
buildings. By adopting rationally designed in-situ construction practices like filler
slab and precast elements the construction cost of roofing can be reduced by about
20 to 25%.

2.6.1. Filler slabs

They are normal RCC slabs where bottom half (tension) concrete portions are
replaced by filler materials such as bricks, tiles, cellular concrete blocks, etc. These
filler materials are so placed as not to compromise structural strength, result in
replacing unwanted and nonfunctional tension concrete, thus resulting in economy.
These are safe, sound and provide aesthetically pleasing pattern ceilings and also
need no plaster.

2.6.2. Jack arch roof

They are easy to construct, save on cement and steel, are more appropriate in hot
climates. These can be constructed using compressed earth blocks also as
alternative to bricks for further economy.

Fig1.8.-Filler Slab

Fig1.9.-Jack arch roof

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Through Materials

2.7. Bricks-

Normal bricks are expensive and not convenient for low cost housing. So now in
modern era some special kind of bricks and blocks available. By adopting them in
masonry total cost can reduce up to 20-25%.

2.7.1. Concrete blocks

In view of high energy consumption by burnt brick it is suggested to use concrete

block (block hollow and solid) which consumes about only 1/3 of the energy of the
burnt bricks in its production. By using concrete block masonry, the wall thickness
can be reduced from 20 cms to 15 cms. Concrete block masonry saves mortar
consumption, speedy construction of wall resulting in higher output of labour,
plastering can be avoided thereby an overall saving of 10 to 25% can be achieved.

Fig1.10.-Concrete Block (Hollow)

2.7.2. Sundried mud blocks

This is very old, well tried and tested mud brick system Common in most of rural
areas. If properly made, these mud Sun dried bricks are capable of being used for a
two storey House. And cheaper than normal burnt bricks

Fig1.11.- Sundried Mud Block

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2.8. Precast materials

Prefabrication is the practice of assembling components of a structure in a factory

or other manufacturing site and transporting complete assemblies or sub-
assemblies to the construction site where the structure is to be located. Precast
Walls, floors, slabs, door frames etc. are the example of prefabricated materials.
Because of low labour cost, precast blocks are cheaper than onsite made
Components.

Fig1.12.- Precast Wall Fig1.13.- Precast slab panels

Fig1.13.- Precast staircase

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Chapter-3 Norms for low cost housing

3.1. General

1. The planning and general building requirements in case of Low income housing
(EWS and LIG) developed as cluster shall be as provided herein. These norms shall
be applicable to all such housing projects undertaken by the Government
departments an all Public/Private agencies.
2. Such development should be as far as possible in cluster of 400 dwelling units, so
distribute to maintain the overall densities of the development for the area.

3.2. Planning
(1.) Type of development-The type of development for low income housing
may be-
(a) Plotted development
(b)Flatted/Group housing.
(2) Density- The Maximum density in terms of dwelling units/hectare shall be
as provided in the following table:-

S.no. Density (dwelling units/hectare) No. of Stories

EWS LIG permitted
1. 2. 3. 4.
(i) 130 85 1
(ii) 250 170 2
(iii) 300 225 3
(iv) 350 260 4

NOTE:-
1. Vertical incremental housing shall be permitted in single ownership
plot.

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2. These densities include provision for open spaces, convenient shopping,

nursery and all internal roads and pathways, but do not include peripheral
road around the clusters.
3. The minimum density shall be 75 per cent of the above.
4. The height of the building having four stories as above shall not exceed
12.5 mars.
(3) (i). Size of plot/ built up area- The plot area or the built up area for economically
weaker section and Lower income group houses shall be such, as may be decided
by the state government. The ground coverage may extend to a maximum of 75 per
cent
(ii) Minimum frontage- The minimum frontage of the plot shall be 3.6 mars.
(4) Height of building- The height of a building shall be as mentioned in sub rule
(note-4) above, which shall not exceed 12.5 mars. Lifts shall be provided. The
density in terms of dwelling units per hectare shall be accordingly determined.

3.3. General building requirements

The following norms shall also be adhered to:-

1. Plinth- The minimum height of plinth shall be 30 centimetres from the surrounding
ground level.
2. Size of room

(A). Habitable Room-

(i). I n the case of one-roomed house, the size of the multipurpose room including
space for cooking shall be not less than 10 square meters with a minimum width of
2.4 meters.
{b} Ii In the case of two roomed house, the size of a room shall not be less than 6.5
square meters with a width of 2.1 meters.
Provided that total area of both rooms is not less than 15 square-meters. In
case of incremental housing to be developed as a future two roomed house,
the total area of room to be provided in the initial and later stages shall not be
less than 16 square meters.
[b] water closet/bath room.
i] Size of independent water closet shall be 0.9x1.0 meters.

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ii] Size of independent bath shall be 1.0x1.2 meters.

[ii] Size of combined bath and water closet shall be 1.0x1.8 meters and this may
have permitted in one roomed house.

[C] Kitchen. - The size of cooking alcove serving as cooking space shall not be less
than 2.4 square meters with minimum width of 1.2 meters. The size of individual
kitchen provided in two-roomed house shall not be less than 3.3 square meters with
a minimum width of 1.5 meters.
[B] Balcony – the minimum width of individual balcony, where provided, shall be 0.9
meter
[3][a] Minimum height-the minimum height of room/ spaces shall be as follows;-
I] Habitable room-2.6 meters.
Ii] Kitchen -2.4 meters.
Iii] Both/ water closet -2.2 meters.
iv] Corridor -2.1 meters.
[b] In the case of slopping roofs, the average height of roof for habitable rooms shall
be 2.6 meters and the minimum height at eaves shall be rule 82.
4] Lighting and ventilation. The opening window, ventilation and other for lighting
and ventilation shall be as provided in sub-rule 3 of rule 82.

Note; the window and other opening shall abut on to open spaces either through
areas left open within the plot or the front, side and rear spaces provided in the
layouts which shall be treated as deemed to be sufficient for light and ventilation
purposes

5] Stairs. The following criteria shall be adopted for internal individual

staircase;-
[A] Minimum width
1] 2 storeyed – straight 0.60 meter
Ii] 2 storeyed – straight 0.75 meter
Iii] 3 or more storeyed – winding 0.90 meter
B] Riser 20 Centimetres max.
C] Tread

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ii.] 2 storeyed 22.5 centimetres

Ii] 3 storeyed or more 25 Centimetres minimum

Note; this could be reduced to 20 centimetres as the clear tread between

perpends with possibility of open rise as well as nosing and inclined riser to have an
effective going of 22.5 centimetre.
D] Head Room. -The minimum staircase clear head room shall be 2.1meters..
6] Circulation Area .- Circulation area on any floor including staircase shall not
exceed 2.0 square meter/unit where 4 dwelling units are grouped.
3.4. Roads and pathways. –

1] the area under roads and path-ways in such housing projects shall not ordinarily
exceed 25 per cent. of the total land area of the project. Access to the dwelling
units, particularly where motorised vehicles are not normally expected shall be by
means of paved footpaths with right of way of 6n meter and paved –way of minimum
2, meters only. The right of way shall be adequate to allow for the plying of
emergency vehicles and also for road side drains and plantation. Where motor able
access-way is not provided and pedestrian’s path-way is provided, the minimum
width of such pedestrian path-way shall be 3 meters with maximum length of 100
meters.
2] The community open spaces shall not be less than 0.2 Hectare shall be
provided for a population of 1500 and shopping centres at 4 shops per thousand
populations will be provided.

3.5. Other requirements

1] one water tap per dwelling unit may be provided where adequate drinking water
supply is available. If supply is inadequate, public hydrants shall be provided. In the
absence of piped water supply, it could be done through hand pumps.
2] The infrastructural services shall be provided before the plots are handed over
to the individual owners.

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3.6. Site and services schemes

1] Services would have to be laid by the agency concerned as per the provision of
these rules.
2] The agency may instead of building the housing provided for site and services
schemes. Such scheme shall provide for the following; -

a] Infrastructure needed for a permanent housing in an accordance with the

provision hereinabove;
b] A service sanitary core in the plot; and
c] Temporary construction on a developed plinth.

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Chapter-4 Case Study

4.1. Introduction

Site which is selected for case study is under government’s low cost housing scheme
‘Atal ashray yojna’ by this scheme people who belonging from lower income group or
who is economically weak can buy a better house at cheap rate. This site is following
modern low cost housing concept because it has flat system with parking at ground
floor, and every flat of this site has proper ventilation and privacy for each room.

4.2. Architectural view

Gaurav nagar Bhairagarh chichli near Kolar road, Bhopal,462042

Fig1.14. - Location plan

4.3. Dwellings

In these dwellings all standard and norms are used as given in Bhoomi Vikas
Adhiniyam
These dwellings has well orientation that because every units getting bright natural light
at day time

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4.4. Dwellings Plan

Fig1.14. - EWS Building plan

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Fig1.14. - LIG Building plan

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4.5. Area Statement

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4.6. Used techniques for cost reduction

1. Strap footing used for reducing cost because in strap footing 2 and more
columns can stand on one base.

2. Structure span is between 2.6-3.5 mtrs C/C. By this span reduction method
tension of the structure has been reduced and less tension means less steel
consumption which automatically helps to reduce construction cost.

3. Concrete Block is used for walling instead of regular brick because concrete
block is cheaper than regular brick, and no strength compromise needed.

4. Steel Frame is used for doors and windows which is cheaper than wooden
frames. And door shutters is of plywood which is less expensive than hard
wooden shutters.

5. All rooms’ sizes are as per Bhoomi Vikas Adhiniyam and Atal ashray yojna’s rule
book.

6. Proper ventilation given which helps to less use of electricity at day time.

7. Hollow steel bars are used for Railing.

8. Only kitchen has Tile flooring and remaining rooms has simple concrete floor.

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Chapter-5 Comparison and analysis

5.1. Comparison

S. Cost reduction Data Collection Case study

NO. factors
Construction and materials
1. Foundation and Shallow foundation and strap Strap footing
footings footing or under reamed pile
foundation
2. Walling techniques Rat-Trap bond walling, Concrete block
Concrete block walling, Precast walling
walling and sundried walling
3. Door and window Steel section frame Steel section frame
frame
4. Door and window Plywood and Aluminium Plywood
shutter
5. Slab Precast slab panels, filler slab, Thin RCC slab
jack arch roof and thin RCC
slab
6. Flooring Simple concrete floor Simple concrete
floor
Only kitchens has
tile flooring
Sizes
1. Plinth 30 cms (minimum) 45 cms
2. Habitable Rooms 6.5-10 sqm. (minimum width 8.2 sqm
2.4 mtrs)

3. Kitchen 2.4-3.3 sqm (minimum width 4.32-4.86 sqm

1.5-1.2 mtrs) (minimum width 1.8
mtrs)
4. Toilet
Combined Toilet 1.0x1.8 mtrs
Independent WC 0.9x1.0 mtrs 1.0x1.2 mtrs
Independent Bath 1.0x1.2 mtrs 1.6x1.0 mtrs

5.2. Analysis

Government project is opted for case study and there no such new cost reduction
techniques used only BHUMI VIKAS ADINIYAM’S standards and norms have been
used. Because this site is under flat system so there is ground floor parking and small
gardens, for better living atmosphere.

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Chapter-6 Conclusion

In cities making houses is challenging for designers, architects and

engineers because peoples want to live in better house but it should be
cheap too. This is a great myth that Bamboo and mud has to be used in
low cost housing.
There is no need to use bamboo and mud as compulsory material, now a
day’s construction industry has new techniques like precast materials and
new form of concrete blocks that helps for making strength full houses at
cheap rates, that fulfills economically weak people’s dream to live in a
better place. By this study one thing is to be mentioned that today’s need is
not only a better house but need of all the amenities like parking, gardens
and roads are necessary at low cost, these things are raising creativity
levels and invention of low cost materials, that helping designers/architects
and engineers to build better houses with full of services and necessary
amenities at lowest price range.

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