Cost efficient construction

In all buildings, the UCBP utilizes the Cost Efficient Construction methodology, which was developed in an earlier Ethio-German development project.

Cost Efficient Construction methodology allows for rapid construction without compromising quality standards. It streamlines established principles in construction efficiency and saves money by reducing both construction time and material wastage. It is labor intensive, modular, simple and flexible, so that planners are able to adapt it according to soil and climatic conditions.

Slab construction principles are the basis of cost efficient construction. Slab construction is the use of wide, concrete slabs as foundations on which further construction levels are added. UCBP workers are trained onsite to build prefabricated elements such as hollow blocks and pre-cast beams. These elements are then assembled together as formwork. Once cement is poured on the formwork and allowed to cure, the slab is created.

Cost efficient construction methodology saves time and cost in the following ways:

• Its modular architectural design minimizes the need for room-specific details. Standard measurements for all windows and doors allow construction to take place at a fairly regulated and predictable pace, lessening dependence on highly skilled inputs.
• Its use of prefabricated elements instead of wood for slab construction minimizes the harmful impact construction has on the surrounding environment. Additionally, slabs made with prefabricated elements shorten the length of time construction workers must wait before each layer is strong enough to support them. This allows workers to continue with other aspects of construction more quickly.