poles

Characteristics of:

Sizes- varies depending on availability.
Strength- very strong.
Types- gum, mpani and mukwa.
Availability of- very common in Zambia.
Weaknesses- vulnerability to termites.

The structure is similar to brick columns, offering the support while adding possibilities for openings.

Main function is to support the roof structure. The walls could be merely "infill". The strong poles allows for openness.

Gum poles are used to support the main ridge of the roof structure. Length could be up to 4 meters. The poles are often supported by interior walls.

The roof is supported at ends by the poles. In brick construction, poles are cantilevered up to 2 meters. This creates a verandah space.

Bamboo construction needs poles for support. The poles are placed in the ground, up to 1 meter deep and adds extra support.

Burning:

It was noted in the Kalomo village area, some builders believed that if poles were burned and charred before constructed, then the poles were stronger and could resist termites better. ( This could neither be confirmed or denied).

Both interior and exterior walls support loads from the roof. Poles are used which have a "Y" shape to it and cut it to desired length.

Interior walls support these poles which support the main roof ridge.

Exterior walls support poles coming down from the ridge. Loads are evenly distributedon the exterior walls.

Loads are transferred from smaller poles to larger poles.

Poles are joined either by bark from a tree or by nails if they can be afforded. Also poles can be notched out to take the weight of another pole.

Thatch is layered on top of battens and tied down with bark or twine. Thatch is layered on top, covering a distance of about 1.2 meters. This will cover 2-3 rows of battens and will be tied down on each batten.

Both of these houses are built with the roof on top of brick walls. The example on the left shows the roof structure built already and waiting to be lifted onto the walls. The other structure has the roof being built on top of the walls which is more common place.