The Use of Flat Sheet Materials in the Design of Housing for Low-Income Individuals (with a Maximum Area of 150 sq.m.)

Abstract

This study aims to (1) examine and evaluate the properties of flat sheet materials in housing design and (2) develop a design approach using flat sheet materials for low-income housing with a maximum floor area of 150 square meters, focusing on cost reduction and sustainability in construction. A simple random sampling method was employed to select 47 communities in Nonthaburi Province and investigate the use of flat sheet materials in low-income housing. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and material property testing, including moisture resistance and temperature durability. The findings reveal that most middle-income communities primarily use wood for construction, while lower-income communities predominantly rely on corrugated metal sheets. The analysis of flat sheet materials indicates that fiberboard can reduce construction costs by up to 20% and has an average lifespan of 15 years in tropical climates. Additionally, the study found that using particleboard helps reduce the consumption of natural wood resources and decreases production waste by up to 30%. The study proposes a housing design approach using flat sheet materials to enhance durability and promote sustainable development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).