09-10-2023, 10:09 PM
I have been dealing with this here for thirty years. There have been a small number of attempts in the state to produce locally sourced building materials. I have tried to do this as well. All attempts have failed to date. Part of this is due to the general lack of local raw material. Recycled material technologies hold the most promise but run up against the wood mafia and corruption in general. I still keep my eyes open for potentials.
Best I have been able to do is focus on building materials and systems that offer the lowest maintenance burden and longest lifespan. If one an produce a home that will predictably last 100 years instead of the (HUD) average of 33 years here then one could say you have effective built three homes for the price of one.
My own home has an engineered lifespan of 200-300 years and has a six hour fire rating and is 9x more resistant to earthquakes and hurricanes. I built it myself for about $80 psf. Most people I've met show no interest in anything beyond their own projected lifespan... which is too bad because it is not necessarily more expensive to build better it just takes a willingness to do things differently. We have the technology.
Best I have been able to do is focus on building materials and systems that offer the lowest maintenance burden and longest lifespan. If one an produce a home that will predictably last 100 years instead of the (HUD) average of 33 years here then one could say you have effective built three homes for the price of one.
My own home has an engineered lifespan of 200-300 years and has a six hour fire rating and is 9x more resistant to earthquakes and hurricanes. I built it myself for about $80 psf. Most people I've met show no interest in anything beyond their own projected lifespan... which is too bad because it is not necessarily more expensive to build better it just takes a willingness to do things differently. We have the technology.