Low-cost Building Method
![Ram press](img/building-rampress.jpg)
A Soheyl-type ram press for pressing interlocking cement blocks in a village of Lao PDR.
When U-blocks are lined together to form a horizontal structural beam, they create a floating foundation over which can rest hollow interlocking cement blocks, some of which are filled with mortar to serve as columns. Such a modular cost-effective construction method is easily replicable by rural communities which contribute the sand, pebbles and labour for their schools.
![Prefab cement blocks](img/building-cementblocks-3.jpg)
Novatech's prefab cement blocks
![Rural factory under construction](img/building-cementblocks-2.jpg)
Rural factory under construction
![Prefab roof trusses](img/building-rooftruss.jpg)
Novatech's prefab roof trusses
In Lao PDR like many rural communities, wood is usually expensive and does not resist termites, which pose a challenge to the maintenance of buildings, namely of rural schools that must require low maintenance.
![School building plan](img/building-school-details.jpg)
Locally-made school building using interlocking blocks: 3 classes of 40 seats, with administration
![School building](img/building-school-2.jpg)
![School building](img/building-school-1.jpg)