CHAPTER - 4

COSTFORD AND ACTIVITIES

COSTFORD – ORGANISATION
The Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development (COSTFORD)
A nonprofit, voluntary organisation of architects, engineers, technologists, professionals, social workers,
educationalists, and others, strives to facilitate for empowering and enabling the poor and weaker sections of society to
improve their living conditions by application of appropriate and people-friendly technologies and adopting participatory,
transparent, and gender-sensitive processes. The Costford was founded as a non profit organization in 1985 by Sri. C. Achutha
Menon, Kerala’s former Chief Minister.
ABOUT COSTFORD
The architectural practices of COSTFORD are based on the philosophies and principles of late renowned Dr. Laurie Baker .
Dr. Bakers honest, affordable, efficiently planned use of interior space coupled with environmentally energy efficient, sustainable
designs brought overwhelming response both nationally and internationally. The architecture of Laurie baker is devoted to and
inspired by Nature and its patterns, a so-called “ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE”. The firm is an ardent proponent of
environmentalism and believes man should live in harmony with Nature. COSTFORD represents grassroots activity operating as a
living architectural laboratory with eco-friendly design and construction strategies heightening social and environmental
consciousness as a path to positive societal change.

CONCEPTS OF COSTFORD
• The organisation has been practicing architecture and planning, in the state of Kerala since 1985, serving clients through
their design of residences, public buildings, institutions, commercial buildings, resorts, slum renewal projects, cluster
housing and renovation works.
• COSTFORD has advanced the practice of architecture by engaging in the design of socially conscious, affordable,
sustainable housing in urban and neighborhood redevelopment.
• Over the years Costford has shown that it is possible to create excellent livable spaces for all sections of the society.
• COSTFORD believes an architect owes something to their community, and as such, their members are active in civic
affairs.
• COSTFORD demonstrates that commitment to affordability, sustainability and good planning make for better
communities and better quality of life.Sustainable and environmentally sensitive communities can be demonstrated by
homes which are low energy consuming as well as low cost
• .As a pioneer organization in India, in the field of cost effective and eco friendly principles of design and construction, the
organisation is providing services for entire planning, architectural and consultancy services.
METHODOLOGY
The client or the representatives deputed by the client shall visit few projects executed by Costford and get first hand information about the

technologies and concepts practiced by Costford. Costford shall assist them in identifying the sites and also for organising the visits. A

session for imparting an introduction to these methods shall also be organised during this visit.During this visit discussions shall be held

regarding the services to be provided and the scope and nature of the services to be provided by Costford.On finalising the proceedings

mentioned above, the Architects from COSTFORD would visit the project sites in order to have a firsthand idea and have detailed

discussions with the officials of the Clients organisation before preparing designs. It is expected that besides Design Standardization for all

categories of buildings, the Engineers/Technologists would also supervise and provide guidance for all such new constructions in the

following manner:-

 The Architect(s) of COSTFORD would visit the proposed sites to prepare the design prototype of the proposed buildings being

constructed

 COSTFORD Architect would supervise the construction of such cost effective buildings being constructed from time to time till

their completion.

 They would visit the building sites in order to have first hand idea of the work pertaining to the design .they would also supervise

and provide guidance for such new construction.

 COSTFORD would take care that such building design facilitate energy and resource efficiency and remains almost maintenance

free without compromising on the aesthetics, strength or quality.

 SCOPE OF THE WORK
COSTFORD shall prepare and provide architectural drawings, basic structural drawings, working drawings for non-

conventional details, detailed specifications and detailed estimates based on local rates supplied by the client

 The design and details of the buildings shall follow the cost-effective, energy efficient and environment friendly principles followed by

Padmasree Laurie Baker and Costford

 Costford shall extend all the support required to clarify technical issues raised by the site team, remotely.

COSTFORD’s mission is multi-faceted and includes:

 Promoting local level planning and development for empowering communities.

 Encouraging multi-disciplinary technical support teams.

 Supporting study of vernacular architecture along with research and development in architectural design and construction technology.

 Serving as a conduit for transfer of technology appropriate for climate, culture, and resources.

 Fostering human resource development at all levels with special attention to women.

 Publishing and distributing educational material related to its philosophy and technologies.

 Conducting seminars, workshops, exhibitions, training programmes, and site visits

 COSTFORD’s very visible presence in Kerala is the thousands of buildings it has designed and constructed for over a quarter

of a century. There is special emphasis on providing cost-effective, energy efficient housing, especially in rural areas, along with

rehabilitation of urban slums. The organisation, with thirteen centres in Kerala, creates and implements design and construction

strategies sensitive to indigenous building practices, environmental considerations, and integration of appropriate modern technology.

With over twenty-five years of experience in gathering knowledge and human resources from such fields as science and technology,

education and social work, and ongoing training of skilled workforces, COSTFORD creates awareness and action for energy

conservation, use of renewable energy, and eco-friendly building practices. COSTFORD is also sensitive to the aesthetics of the built

environment and the buildings, whether public or private, display a beauty in line and form and a celebration of such basic and time-

honored materials as brick and mud, stone and bamboo.

AIMS and OBJECTIVES

• To introduce new occupation, means and modes of production on the basis of newer knowledge of technology, as relate to the locally
available resources and undertake field trials and training to ensure he emergence of viable professions for the unemployed and
underemployed in the villages.
• To provide a channel for laboratory scientists and technologists to interact with rural life and its realities thus enabling them to learn
from the accumulated knowledge of the villagers’ traditional methods, so that the scientific basis of such knowledge of the ages is
understood and its technological improvements attempted.
• To provide a forum for rural innovators to interact with science and technology experts so that they imbibe the scientific method in
their work, when appropriate, and encourage the multiplication of innovative endeavours.
• To collect information, and prepare documentation and dissemination of the results of scientific and technological experiments and
research which provide techniques and processes having the potential of benefiting the villages.
• Aimed at designing the technology suitable to locally available raw materials and skills.
• To conduct short term training programmes for rural people to enable them to have gainful employment.
• To disseminate scientific information of relevance to villagers and women through brochures, booklets, monographs, films .

• To formulate block-level plans and district development plans by preparing resource inventories of the block and district and
identifying the less privileged.

• These Aims and Objectives are modified, as appropriate, in addressing the housing and community needs of slum residents in
rehabilitation projects.

TECHNIQUES OF COST REDUCTION

The Cost effective techniques being adopted by Cost ford in construction of various
buildings are as detailed below.

 RAT-TRAP BOND

Rat-trap bond masonry is an innovative and popular technological option in brick

masonry. It is like a cavity wall construction. This double- wall technique uses
bricks on edge with a cross brick between each and produces a 9-inch thick wall
with an insulating air cavity in between. Surprisingly, this technique reduces the
number of bricks required by 25%, thereby reducing material used, including
mortar (1:8 mix), and overall cost. Rat-trap technique is equal to the strength of a
solid 9-inch wall in either Flemish or English bond.
RAT TRAP BOND CONSTRUCTION
Finishing of such walls is generally not required and exposed brick themselves are appealing and form beautiful patterns. This saves the
cost of plastering, painting, and maintenance. But the sizes of the bricks vary, so only one surface of the wall can be even. The other face
(generally inner) can be smoothed by patch pointing. By avoiding unnecessary plastering, we can save materials in that account also.
It has got good thermal comfort due to the cavity in between the bricks. Though this is a labour intensive technology, the
requirement of labour can be reduced through proper management.

 FILLERSLAB
 Lightweight, inexpensive materials such as low grade Mangalore tiles, bricks, coconut
shells, glass bottles, etc. are used as filler materials in filler slabs to replace the
redundant concrete in tension zones.
These materials are laid in the grids of steel reinforcement rods (6mm or 8mm dia.),
and concreting is done over them. The concrete mix should be as specified by the Code of
Standards. The grid size depends upon the design, span, and the material used. For
Mangalore tiles (size 23cm by 40cm), the grid size is 33cm by 50cm.
This technique saves energy-consuming concrete. Roofs and intermediate floors account
for 20-25% of the total cost of the house.
This roofing costs 30-35% less than conventionally used concrete roofing. Thus a
considerable amount is saved in terms of materials, energy, and cost. This technique
also reduces the unwanted dead load of roofing. Through trained labourers, the labour
component can also be reduced to a great extent. Filler Slab
 RUBBLE MASONRY

 Random rubble masonry can be safely used as foundation at places where stones are readily
available.

 According to Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), New Delhi, an 18” (45 cm)
foundation base is adequate for most soils and single or double storey buildings without
compromising the strength. Depth and size may vary with the addition of number of floors.

 Utilization of mud mortar instead of cement mortar in foundation is a popular cost effective
option adopted for low rise buildings in Kerala. If the soil is strong enough, even the dry rubble
masonry is enough for safely carrying the load. Proper joints (dovetail) must be provided for
stronger bonds as in the case of any other masonry works.
Rubble Masonry
 Stones must be large in size and the gaps between stones must be filled with smaller stones for
proper bonding and stability. Care must be taken to ensure bonding of stones along the length of
the wall. Skilled labour is necessary for these types of works.

 ARCHES

 One of the most effective ways of spanning an opening is by constructing arches.

 Arches can be a cost-effective alternative to the lintels.
 In addition, they look more appealing than flat and dull lintels. Arches can be of different
shapes and sizes depending upon the span and availability of skilled masons
Arches
 Most common arch shapes come in semi-circular, pointed, corbelled, and bell shapes.
 ARCH CONSTRUCTIONS
The easiest of the arches is the corbel arch. It can be constructed without any framework and needs less skilled
labour. Each row of bricks projects 4-1/2 inches beyond the course below it, until the bricks meet together in the middle. Corbel arches can
span openings up to 5 metres. Flat brick arches can span openings up to 1.2 metres. Skilled labour and framework are two essentials in
making of arches.

 JALI WALL
Creative bricklaying is a defining visual characteristic of COSTFORD buildings with varied arrangements for providing
natural ventilation instead of costly and environmentally damaging air conditioning. Jali walls also provide privacy, security, cost
reduction in windows needed, and – most dramatically -- aesthetic appeal.

Jali Walls
  REINFORCED BRICK LINTEL
 In general, RCC lintels are not required over doors and window openings, up to
four feet in width. This is because the actual load on the lintel is of the small
triangle of masonry just above it.
 If required, two rows of bricks on edge are placed along the length of the
opening, on either side.
 The space between the bricks is filled with R.C.C. of mix 1:2:4 and 6mm or
8mm dia. bars can be used
 . This kind of lintel saves cement and steel and costs almost half the
conventionally used R.C.C. lintels.

 BAMBOO CONSTRUCTION
 For most parts of India, bamboo is a locally available material and has been used as
building material for centuries.
 It can be easily grown and is one of the cheapest construction materials. A good
bamboo cut into strips has the tensile strength almost equal to that of steel.
 It is used for reinforcement, shuttering, scaffolding, roofing, piles, filler material and
much more.
 Bamboo in lime concrete can be used for foundations, especially in the sandy areas
along the seacoast.
 It is resistant to seawater and remains intact whereas other foundations will crack
with shifting sands. For places where stones and bricks are not available, foundation
for mud walls can be of moist soil with layers of split bamboo reinforcement inserted.
  Flooring
 Flooring is often of terracotta tiles or colour oxides.
 The bed is made out of broken brickbats (this saves wastage of brick), over which a 3” mortar layer is laid and tiles are placed over
it. Various patterns and designs are worked out, dependent upon shape, size of tiles, span of flooring, and clients’ personal taste.
 These tiles require little maintenance and are cheap. Also the patterns of tiles are visually attractive.
 Most commonly, tile shapes include square, rectangular, hexagonal, and triangular or can be customized. Also, electrical cables can
be run through these floors.
 These types of floors cause little or no health problems to the inhabitants when compared to the costly materials like vitrified tiles,
marbles or granites.
 method of handling flooring is poured cement with colour oxide finishes, usually in red, black, or ochre, and sometimes with red for
most of the floor and black as a border.

Terra cotta Floors

 Mud Construction

 Very few houses are built entirely of one material. For example, only in dense forest
areas where wood seems plenty are piles, floors, walls and roof all made of wood.
 A concrete house has a concrete frame and slabs, but walls are often infillings of
bricks or glass or metal sheeting, etc.
 A brick house usually means only walls are of brick, but floors and roofs are of
other materials, and so on. So when it is thought of a mud house, it doesn’t mean
making the entire house with mud.
 Bricks use a lot of fuel to burn them; stone needs quarrying, shaping and
transporting. Concrete needs a great deal of energy to make the cement and then
skilled labour to turn these materials into concrete. But in many parts of the world
mud is right there on the site as an old, well-tried wall building material.
 All over the country mud of some sort or other is found. Even if the surface soil is
unsuitable for wall building, there may be suitable mud beneath, or by adding
stabilizers the mud may be made suitable.
 Compare this situation with the burnt brick industry. Comparatively few areas have
suitable mud for the purpose of burning mud into a burnt brick. So the ideal is to
find mud on one’s own site.