Onsite Housing

MOUNT MILANO

SITE LOCATION & CONTEXT

Mount Milano is an onsite labour colony

MATERIALITY

GI sheets used for walls, doors and roofs
Square hollow steel sections used for structural framework
Extra tiles and PCC from site used for flooring

Effects of Materiality

The material properties of GI (galvanized iron) sheets significantly impact the indoor environment. GI sheets, being made of metal, are highly conductive and tend to absorb and retain heat from the sun. As a result, buildings or structures with GI sheet roofs experience much hotter temperatures inside, especially in warm climates. Without proper insulation, the heat transfers easily from the metal roof into the interior, causing discomfort.
The situation is worsened when there are no windows. Windows allow for cross-ventilation, which is essential for cooling indoor spaces. In the absence of windows, air circulation is poor, trapping heat inside. Consequently, residents are compelled to leave doors open to promote airflow, as a way to reduce the heat and bring in cooler air. This also leads to more time spent outdoors, where conditions are often more comfortable due to natural breezes.
Another issue arises from the inconsistent sizes of GI sheets used in construction of these housing. When sheets of different sizes are used, gaps can form between the roof and walls. These gaps allow for water leakage during rainfalls. To address this, people often use plastic sheets to cover these spaces.

SCALABILITY AND REPLICABILITY

These types of housing are designed with affordability and practicality in mind, making them cheap, easy to build, and relatively simple to maintain. The use of low-cost materials such as GI sheets, plastic coverings, and hollow steel sections allows for rapid construction, which are particularly used for labor housing situations . Since they require minimal labor and expertise, these units can be constructed quickly and scaled up across larger areas to accommodate growing populations. This scalability makes the model attractive for developers/builders trying to minimize their costing, as the units can be replicated in large numbers with minimal investment in both time and money.

However, the trade-off for such efficiency is the poor living conditions these housing units offer. The use of inexpensive materials like GI sheets results in poor thermal insulation, leading to uncomfortable indoor temperatures, especially in hot climates. Additionally, the lack of proper ventilation, poor sanitation infrastructure, and inadequate protection from the elements further degrade the quality of life. These housing units are often cramped, have insufficient lighting, and shared amenities that may be overburdened.

SOCIO- SPATIAL RELATIONS:

In this case the socio-spatial relations are not planned and are organically formed.
Due to higher temperature inside and no ventilation, most of the time is spent outside. Since the doors of the housing units face each other, the narrow alleys formed between the clusters naturally evolve into communal social spaces for the residents, particularly the women who stay back. Given the small, often cramped interiors of the housing units, the outdoor spaces between the units offer a more comfortable and open environment for socialization.
The common toilets and bathrooms have evolved into informal social spaces, particularly for women who remain at home during the day. These areas, often used for tasks such as washing clothes and fetching water, serve as natural gathering points where women can interact while carrying out daily chores.

Aanganwadi :

The Aanganwadi, serving as a community childcare and early education center, is a crucial social space for the children of workers. Throughout the day, it becomes a lively spot where kids gather to play, learn, and socialize. The Aanganwadi not only facilitates early childhood development but also acts as a communal space where the children of the workers interact, form friendships, and participate in group activities. It serves as a vital part of their social lives, offering a safe and nurturing environment away from the constraints of the cramped housing units.
The neem tree near the Aanganwadi has become a gathering spot, offering shade and a cool resting place throughout the day. The tree serves as a natural focal point, drawing people from the community to sit, relax, and engage in conversation.

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