EcoShells Solve World Housing Problems
The EcoShell UniShell provides family housing at an affordable price. In most areas, a unit can be built with native labor and materials for $1500 to $5000, including all costs. Many working people who keep a country’s economy going can afford EcoShell homes.
 David B. South, President of the Monolithic Dome Institute |
Great Need for Low-Cost Housing
In countries such as the Union of South Africa, Korea, Mexico, Ghana, Philippines, Honduras and others, the need for low-cost housing is staggering. Reported housing shortages range from 500,000 to 1,000,000. Can you imagine the effort it takes to initiate a project for 1,000, 10,000 or 100,000 units? Example: Building 25,000 homes in a timely manner, with a goal of 20 completed units per day, for 250 days per year, requires 5 years.
The logistics are enormous and the financing presents another problem. In many areas, families must maintain themselves with an annual income of $1,000 to $5,000. If a home costs two years’ salary, it will sell for $2,000 to $10,000—and that price must include land, roads, utilities, etc. There are other problems as well. Fire is often a danger, but fire protection usually is limited. Other hazards include earthquakes, hurricanes, rot and decay.
EcoShell Homes Are the Answer By our standards, a 20’ diameter dome with a floor area of 314’ square is small. But, exactly that size is considered adequate for low-cost housing. On the world market, the concrete and rebar required for such a dome costs about $1,000. Windows, doors, finish out inside, labor, overhead, equipment, profit, infrastructure, add considerably to the cost.
Sponsors Needed
Obviously, sponsorship and financing are needed. To hold the line on costs and still solve the shortage problem, each project must be for hundreds and thousands of units. To the direct costs, overhead costs, training, and infrastructure financing must be added. So, to make the project a reality, sponsors with millions of dollars, who have political connections or are political units, must be found. In most developing nations, housing is tied to politics. Consequently, nothing happens unless it’s cleared by government bureaus and political units. In many locations, the governments will have to be the sponsors. EcoShells are the physical answer to the dream of solving much of the world’s housing problem. But sponsors must be found to make that dream a reality.
Related Links:
- Solid House Foundation
- Progress on the Owiti Children's Home And Medical Centre
- Ultra Low Cost Housing in a Developing Country
- Surf City Cabins - Costa Rica
- Monolithic Seeks Sponsors for Developing Nations Housing Projects
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