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How It Works Habitat for Humanity Houses: Simple, Decent, Affordable Whether in the United States, Canada or in more than 80 other countries around the world, Habitat for Humanity houses are built according to the same guiding principles. Habitat houses are: Habitat Houses in North America Habitat houses in the United States and Canada generally are built using wood frame construction, with Gypsum board interior walls, vinyl siding and asphalt shingle roofs. Some affiliates also use proven alternative building materials such as adobe or straw bale construction. U.S. and Canadian Habitat houses are modestly sized by North American standards -- for example, a 3-bedroom Habitat house may have no more than 1,050 square feet of living space according to HFHI guidelines. Habitat for Humanity International's commitment to build with people in need readily extends to those with disabilities. HFHI's board of directors has endorsed the concept that all Habitat houses should incorporate basic accessible design features, such as a zero-step entrance and wide passage doors and hallways. Houses built in partnership with families with disabilities include additional accessibility features. Habitat Houses Around the World From the tropical islands of the Philippines to the mountains of Peru, Habitat builds houses designed for the local setting. Habitat affiliates build with locally available materials, reducing costs and making it easier for homeowners to maintain the houses. For example, houses in many African countries are constructed with fired clay bricks, with tile roofs made of cement or fired clay. Houses in Latin America often are built with concrete block or adobe walls and metal roofs, while houses in the Pacific are often built with wood frames and are constructed on stilts. People of different countries use their houses in different ways. Habitat's house designs reflect these cultural considerations. Meals are cooked outdoors in many African countries; there Habitat plans call for a kitchen area outside the house rather than inside. In the Philippines, laundry and other chores traditionally are done on a small outdoor utility porch. Filipino Habitat house designs reflect this custom. Habitat houses in developing countries are often considerably smaller than their North American counterparts. No matter where they are built, Habitat house sizes always are designed to meet the homeowner families' needs while keeping costs as low as possible, thereby making the houses affordable to low-income families. Habitat's Environmental Initiative Habitat for Humanity International is committed to resource- and energy-efficient building practices. Habitat's Environmental Initiative teaches affiliate staff and volunteers to use sustainable construction techniques which conserve natural resources and reduce long-term costs for Habitat homeowners. |
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