1.4. Improved shelter training and
model construction
The ability to build permanent
houses for the returnees depends
on the availability of materials and
the existence of labour and skills. To
this effect 70 trainees were selected
and received training for 21 days on
alternative shelter, building materials
and building designs. The objective
of the training was two fold: to
introduce new building materials
available locally for low cost housing
to be used by the returnees in their
areas and to have trained builders
for the new intervention.
Practical Answers Sudan
The Construction of the Timberless House Model
The curriculum for the training consisted of theoretical and
practical parts with special emphasis on practical application to
all steps of the construction process. The training finished with
the completion of four demonstration housing units which were
different in design and utilised different building materials. The
training was convened at a piece of land at Um Shigaira which
was provided by the Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning
to a Womens Group who was to use the housing models as a
training center once they were completed.
1.5. The Dome Roofed House as a Viable Alternative
Following the building of the four demonstration houses the
consensus of opinion of those who took part was that the most
appropriate design was the dome roofed house model (also
referred to as the timberless house model as it is built without
the use of wood). The traits and characteristics of the dome
roofed house make it a suitable alternative to other forms of