Ians wrote:Why, any good reason over cavity wall with columns and beams considering it us something most builders are good at / happy to do etc.
Hi Ian,
I did go a little way for reasons in my original post. My reasons for exploring possible local techniques for a load bearing wall structure are;
1) It's a building method I'm very familiar with.(I'm also familiar with column/beam construction, with a stressed concrete background, so I understand how easy it is to get it wrong, ie concrete strengths, rebar cover, pour joints etc)
2) I feel I can keep control over quality and costs more so than with a column/beam technique.
3) It's faster and less labour intensive.(although labour is cheap here)
4) Allows for a "raft slab" construction for footings/slab on ground.(advantages as above)
5) It is possible for me to be on site for the duration of the build.
I also realise that the locals are very familiar with their techniques but that is something I'll consider when I finally make my decision which way to go.
As pointed out by other posters, there are others factors such as geotechnic, earthquake, cyclonic, thermal etc to consider.
At this stage I'm mainly fact finding and the input by posters as yourself is invaluable.
I want to check the "build" threads on this site as time allows, as I'm sure many of my questions will be answer there.
Regards
Rod