At Pitan, we pride ourselves in challenging convention through design.
While our main commitment to quality and timely completion of projects is unmatched, we are set apart by the innovation and implementation of alternative building, materials and technology. After the clients state their preferences, needs and budget, our team of experts have a sitdown and provide them with various options and include cost estimations and timeline expectations, all in comparison. In this way, we are able to provide flexibility.
We have extensive experience is areas of low cost and energy efficient housing such as
Use of waffle slabs as opposed to solid slabs
What are waffle slabs?
Waffle slabs, as implied by the name, have a pattern underneath similar to that in waffles. The top is flat while the underside consists of concrete ribs running in opposite directions.
They can be made insitu, precast then assembled on site or prefabricated.
They provide better aesthetics, have less deflection in longer spans, are less prone to cracks in the concrete, great resistance to earthquakes and are more energy efficient than solid slabs.
Use of EPS panels for suspended slabs and walls, both load bearing and non- load bearing.
Eps panels; definition, advantages and disadvantages
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight cellular plastic material consisting of polystyrene beads sandwiched by a mesh on both sides. Applications include insulated panel systems for walls, roofs and floors for both domestic and commercial buildings. EPS does not rot and does not attract pests such as rats or termites. Its strength, durability and lightweight nature makes it a versatile as a building product. This material provides fire resistance, is sound proof and is environmentally friendly since its recyclable. Labor costs reduce significantly since it requires only few laborer. One person can comfortably lift a panel. Because of it’s resistance, it performs exceptionally well in earthquakes.
Use of lighter hollow pots for slabs
They are laid side by side in equally spaced rows forming a long hollow tube in the process, ribs are the small spaces left in between the rows and that’s where the blocks derive their structural strength.
Some of the advantages include thermal insulation, noise reduction, general reduction of the deadload of the slab.
A huge disadvantage is the reduced load bearing capacity in hollow pots.
Use of Interlocking Stabilized soil blocks for walling
Interlocking stabilized soil blocks
These are blocks that are made from soil commonly mixed with cement, water and stabilized either mechanically, by compaction or additives. The interlocks. Increase the structural stability of the wall and reduce the amount of cement needed as mortar.
They are affordable, versatile in use, eco-friendly, weatherproof so no plaster is required, only a little cement is used for mortar since they interlock and the machine used for making them is quite user friendly. The quality is impacted by soil type, method of stabilization and good practices during production and implementation.
Use of Bio digesters instead of Septic tanks
A biodigester is a system which decomposes waste by use of bacteria, converting the waste into methane, carbon dioxide and water. The water is released to the environment via French drain. Besides the affordability, biodigesters have no odour, minimal maintenance, can be customized to fit a client’s needs and most installers offer warranty.
Use of Suspended foundations in Black cotton soils as opposed to mass removal of the soil
Excavation of black soil and back filling is tedious and the cost implications are huge therefore use of suspended slabs is increasingly attractive. Pad foundations. Are done and columns raised from stable ground then the beams soon to specific columns and the slab is laid on these.
