What is Hive Earth Construction ( continued)

Hive Earth is a construction process developed by hive properties using sustainable and most importantly, local materials in building residential, commercial and industrial structures,some of the materials we use are earth,wood,stone,and glass to revolutionize the local mud house(ATAKPAME)as we all know it. It’s the use and combination of different sustainable construction methods that makes this technique unique and provides a cost effective solution to the housing deficit in the country not forgetting the aesthetics of the building. Hive earth construction was introduced after extensive research into the housing industry and noting the possible solutions to building more affordable homes for the majority of people who need access to quality, affordable, eco-friendly and sustainable homes.  Efforts made by local Research Institutions over the years have resulted in technical progress in the use of Earth as a sustainable and durable building material.

Currently, Estate developers import most of their materials for their buildings, making it expensive and out of reach for most Ghanaians. The introduction of Hive Earth in building residential homes is going to revolutionize the Real Estate industry and make it possible for developers to build more homes in a shorter time whilst making homes available to Ghanaians at affordable prices.

Building with Hive Earth will create a lot of jobs because 50%- 70% of what makes up a Hive Earth Home are sourced locally. This construction method we have developed, uses mostly sustainable and other materials sourced locally to cut import cost. The construction industry is important because of the outputs and outcomes of its activities. It contributes to national socio-economic development by providing the buildings, which are used in the production of all goods in the economy.

Why build a Hive Earth home in Ghana

A growing trend toward selecting building materials that are sustainable.

More and more people are becoming aware of sustainaable building materials. With the cost of cement going up and the environmental impacts that it can cause people are looking at sustainable alternatives.

An increased emphasis on selecting building materials that contributes to healthy indoor air quality.

Often, man-made ingredients of modern construction (like concrete) contribute to an environment that is filled with toxic chemicals and gases. When buildings are built with hive earth, because of its natural material it doesn’t generate toxic gasses. Hive earth is non-toxic, non-polluting and ‘breathes’. This creates safer, more people-friendly buildings. It is very low in embodied energy, and extremely comfortable to live in.

The awareness that stabilized Earth Walls has a substantially longer life cycle than more conventional building materials.

Earth buildings have proved to be extremly durbale; some of the most iconinc buildings in the world, i.e the pryamids, Great Wall of China have lasted for centuries. Earth buildings are extremely durable and weather resistant. Years of hands-on experience, backed up with scientific testing, ensure maximum strength and durability for every earth building.

Regulates the room tempretures

The external walls of a hive earth building are a very thick, providing excellent protection from extremes in our tropical climate. The thickness and density of the material means that heat (or cold) penetration of the wall is very slow and the internal temperature of the building remains relatively stable, with the end result of it feeling warmer in colder tempretures and cooler when its hot outside.

Low maintenance

Earth walls are extremely low maintenance.  Once they are built and sealed, they shouldn't need any further attention for 10-20 years. At that point they may perhaps need a second coat of sealer, which is a very easy process. They are features that stand alone and don’t need finishing with plasterboard or render. There is no need to ever again spend time and money painting as the walls already come in a variety of different earth colours.

Building Green

A green building is a structure that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout its life cycle. Green building is not only a wise choice for our future; it is also a necessary choice. The Real Estate & Construction industry needs to take its own initiative and find alternative ways to build, using green, renewable energy resources and adopt non-polluting practices and materials before we reach a point of irreversible damage to our life supporting systems.

According to the World Watch Institute, about 40% of the world's total energy usage is dedicated to the construction and operation of buildings. The Global building industry consumes 3 billion tons of raw materials annually, 40% of the total material flow in the global economy. Only about 0.003 % of earth's water is readily available as fresh water for human use. Manufacturing of building materials, construction and operations consumes 16% of available fresh water annually. The cement sector alone accounts for 5 % of global man-made CO2 emissions.

With the inevitability of declining fossil fuels and the threat of global climate change, reducing our energy consumption is an essential survival strategy. Energy efficiency is a major concern and an essential component of green building. It is a major factor in its success. A green building must always be fitted with solutions that offer enhanced electrical energy management, reduce consumption and contribute to supplying quality energy.  Choosing to build green saves energy. The low embodied energy of green products ensures that very little energy went into their manufacture and production, with a direct reduction in carbon emissions. Eco-friendly design methodology can further reduce energy consumption by minimizing energy inputs for heating, cooling and light, whilst incorporating energy efficient appliances;

There are many good reasons why we should use eco-friendly/sustainable construction methods and materials. It can improve the health of our planet and the health of our own lives. Housing forms the most important basic necessities of life for all of us. It also supports local businesses and helps strengthen the local economy, which in turn helps to build our communities into vibrant, prosperous and desirable places to live. Research continues to identify and clarify all of these benefits and costs of green building, and of how to achieve the greatest benefits at the lowest costs.

Published by: Joelle Eyeson