DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
BUILDING MATERIALS AND
CONSTRUCTION
BY ; DAGMAWIT GETAHUN
ID ; 1505633
SUBMITTED TO. LEC. ERMIAS.
RELATING MATERIALS FOR MIXED USE DESIGN
Assuming a contemporary mixed-use building in Bahir Dar, with similar potential uses
(retail/commercial lower, residential/office upper), considering the local context and the
materials .
1. Structural Part (Foundation, Beam, Column, Slab, Roof, Stair)
Material Choice: Reinforced Concrete with Seismic Considerations. While Bahir Dar may
have lower seismic risk than other parts of Ethiopia.
Less Carbon Footprint: using locally sourced pozzolans( portland pozzolana cement),
optimized concrete mixes, and recycled aggregates..
Economical (Local): Concrete
Durable: Suitable for the local climate.
Fire Consideration: Inherently fire-resistant.
Demolition: Mechanical crushing, steel recycling.
2. Non-structural Part
a) Internal Finishing Parts of the Building
Flooring:(pocelain tiles,bamboo and cork)
Locally Sourced Tiles (Ceramic or Terrazzo): porcelain tiles Affordable, durable, and easy
to clean (sanitary).
Bamboo Flooring : sustainable (on upper floors)
Thermal Comfort: Tiles offer thermal mass. Bamboo can provide some insulation.
Walling (Internal Partitions):
Locally Made Clay Bricks/Blocks (non-load bearing): Affordable, can provide thermal
mass, and a unique aesthetic.
1
Thermal Comfort: Clay bricks offer thermal mass. Gypsum board with insulation improves
thermal comfort.
Ceiling:
Gypsum Board.
bamboo or timber ceilings for a more natural and potentially affordable aesthetic.
Openings (Doors & Windows):
Aluminum Frames with Thermal Breaks and Low-E Glazing: While potentially more
expensive upfront, they offer good thermal performance and durability, which can lead to
long-term savings.
Explore locally crafted timber frames
Furniture: locally made furniture using bamboo, locally sourced wood, or recycled
materials to support the local economy and potentially reduce costs.
b) External Part
Cladding:
Locally Sourced Stone: Durable, low maintenance, aesthetically fitting for the region,
and offers thermal mass.
Render with Local Pigments: Affordable and can create unique finishes.
bamboo cladding (treated) for a sustainable and potentially locally available option,
offering a unique aesthetic.
Thermal Comfort: Stone and well-designed bamboo cladding can improve thermal
performance.
Fire Consideration: Stone is fire-resistant. Treated bamboo can have improved fire
resistance.
2
Roofing:
Locally Made Clay Tiles: Affordable, durable, and suitable for the climate.
Consider a green roof for its insulation and stormwater management benefits.
Fence: Locally sourced stone, bamboo, or timber. Living fences using local plants.
Landscaping: native and drought-resistant plants like ; acacia, ziziphus ,commiphora ,
shrubs and flowers.
Integrating Sustainable Materials
Bamboo (Flooring, Alternatives to Wood, potentially Cladding/Furniture): Rapidly
renewable, can be aesthetically modern.
Natural Linoleum (Flooring): Made from renewable resources.
Recycled Aggregate Flooring/Countertops: Utilizes waste materials.
Cork (Flooring): Renewable resource.
Recycled Stone/Ceramic/Glass Tiles: Reduces waste.
Low/Zero VOC Paints & Natural Plasters/Paints: Healthier indoor environment.
for facade cladding:
Given the emphasis on affordability and local sourcing, a combination of locally sourced
stone (perhaps for lower levels ) and local pigments (for larger surfaces) could be a good
balance. treated bamboo cladding could be an interesting and sustainable modern element,
perhaps for specific sections or as a screen.
