Safe Haven Bathhouse

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

TYIN Tegnestue Architects, who have retired in 2019 and started a new studio.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The building was constructed on site with local workers and materials that are locally sourced and transported from Mae Sot. The new bathhouse was constructed on top of an existing structure, which served as a framework for the updated design. The design features two concrete brick masses that are partially covered by tilted bamboo covers creating a connecting passageway in the building. The semi-privatization of the covers is adapted to Karen culture.

The designer used the following methods to address drainage concerns: (1) design a sewage system capable of managing large amounts of rainfall, (2) add layers of stone and gravel to drain the wet areas, and (3) use wooden floors that are easy to keep clean and dry.

Intellectural Property Type

Select Type

User Provision Model

TYIN organized a workshop at the Safe Haven Orphanage that addressed the client’s need for a new sanitary building and library. As participants (including 15 students from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology) worked on the library, TYIN worked together with local workers to construct the new Safe Haven Bathhouse.

Distributions to Date Status

One unique building design

Design Specifications

The addition of new toilets (two pits and a western toilet) are designed within two concrete masses that are constructed from CMU blocks. In the middle, there are concrete containers for washing in semi-privacy, as is customary in the Karen culture. The façade is a bamboo screen on an angle, which provides a wall and roof in a passageway created beneath it. The floor is made from gravel and locally-sourced wood, which are easy to clean and drain. The sewage is handled on-site and incorporates a drainage system for rainwater.

The building has wood columns that perform well in seismic events, especially if the roof is light. The bamboo material used has a high seismic resistance due to its flexibility. CMU construction, such as the one used in the project, can perform well in earthquakes if designed to a high level of quality and incorporating the necessary tensional components.

Technical Support

The bathhouse was built using local labour, so these craftsmen could give support if needed.

Replacement Components

The bamboo shingles can be individually replaced. More gravel can be added if needed. All of the materials can be sourced locally.

Lifecycle

Unknown.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Designer specified performance targets include: privacy, sanitation, natural daylight, and durability.

Vetted Performance Status

Given the small scale of the project, it is likely structural engineering was not needed. It is unknown as to whether a civil engineer contributed to the sewage and drainage scheme.

Safety

During construction, the user is subjected to the associated risks including sharp tools, heavy objects, and heights.

Complementary Technical Systems

A solar lighting system could be added so the bathhouse can be more easily used after dark.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

TYIN designed and built a library for the orphanage simultaneously.