The Basic of Biomass Roofing (GTZ - ITDG - SKAT - CRATerre-EAG, 1997, 36 p.): BASIN

The Basic of Biomass Roofing (GTZ - ITDG - SKAT - CRATerre-EAG, 1997, 36 p.)

		(introduction...)
		Introduction
		Grass thatch
		Palm thatch
		Wood tiles (shingles and shakes)
		Roof sheets with organic fibres
		Treatment of biomass materials: preservation
		Fire protection
		Sources of further information
		Key questions
		Recommendations
		BASIN
		Back cover

BASIN

Figure

BASIN

Building materials and construction technologies that are appropriate for developing countries, particularly in the low-income sector, are being developed, applied and documented in many parts of the world. This is an important prerequisite for providing safe, decent and affordable buildings for an ever-growing population.

But such new developments can do little to improve the building situation, as long as the information does not reach potential builders. The types and sources of information on standard and innovative building technologies are numerous and very diverse, making access to them difficult.

Thus, in order to remedy this drawback, Shelter Forum, GATE, ITDG, SKAT, CRATerre are cooperating in the Building Advisory Service and Information Network, which covers five principal subject areas and coordinates the documentation, evaluation and dissemination of information.

All five groups have a coordinated database from which is available on Documents, Technologies, Equipment, Institutions, Consultants as well as on Projects and Programs. In addition, printed material or individual advice on certain special subjects is provided on request. Research projects, training programs and other field work can be implemented in cooperation with local organizations, if a distinct need can be identified and the circumstances permit.

BASIN is a service available to all institutions and individuals concerned with housing, building and planning in developing countries, but can only function efficiently if there is a regular feedback. Therefore, any publications, information, personal experiences, etc. that can be made available to BASIN are always welcome and will help BASIN to help others.

Advisory Service provided by
	SAS/BASIN Shelter Forum P.O. Box 39493 22 Chiromo Access Road Off Riverside Drive Nairobi, Kenya Phone: + 254 - 2 - 442108 Fax: + 254 - 2 - 445166 e-mail: it.kenya@commsol.sprint.com

Shelter Forum (SF) is a coalition of non-governmental organizations, which deal with issues on affordable shelter in Kenya. The main goal of SF is to enhance access to affordable shelter for all, particularly the poorest, among whom the most vulnerable are women and children, through advocacy, extension and networking.

Advisory Service provided by
	WAS/BASIN GATE-GTZ P.O. Box 5180 D-65 726 Eschborn Federal Republic of Germany Phone: + 49 - 6196 - 79 3190 Fax: + 49 - 6196 - 79 7352 e-mail: hannah.schreckenbach@GTZ.DE

GATE (German Appropriate Technology Exchange) a programme of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fhnische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, acts as a centre for the dissemination and promotion of appropriate technologies for developing countries.

Advisory Service provided by
	CAS/BASIN ITDG Myson House Railway Terrace Rugby CV21 3HT United Kingdom Phone: + 44 - 1788 - 560631 Fax: + 44 - 1788 - 540270 e-mail: itdg@gn.apc.org

The Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) is an independent British charity, founded by Dr. E.F. Schumacher, author of Small is Beautiful, to help increase the income-generating and employment opportunities of small-scale industrial activities in developing countries.

Advisory Service provided by
	RAS/BASIN SKAT Vadianstrasse 42 CH-9000 St. Gallen Switzerland Phone: + 41 - 71 - 228 54 54 Fax: + 41 - 71 - 228 54 55 e-mail: 100270.2647@COMPUSERVE.COM

SKAT (Swiss Centre for Development Cooperation in Technology and Management) is a documentation centre and consultancy group which is engaged in promoting appropriate technologies in the Third World.

Advisory Service provided by
	EAS/BASIN CRATerre - EAG Maison Levrat, Parc Fallavier BP 53 F - 38092 Villefontaine Cedex France Phone: + 33 (0) 474 95 43 91 Fax: + 33 (0) 474 95 64 21 e-mail: craterre-eag.villefontaine@grenoble.archi.fr

CRATerre, the International Centre for Earth Construction, is a specialised unit of the school of Architecture of Grenoble, dedicated to the promotion of earth as a building material.