Paulownia Plantation

 A Lumber Plantation for Haiti

There are numerous issues that stand out when looking at the country of Haiti, the devastation of the recent earthquakes, the massive deforestation that has claimed well over 90% of the once bountiful rainforests, and the poverty of the citizens. My proposal is an ambitious one: the introduction of a renewable lumber plantation that would address all these problems directly. The destruction of the earthquakes in January was heightened by the fact that there is a minimal amount of timber construction in Haiti, mostly load bearing concrete. Had timber been used the buildings would have had a much higher shear strength and thus, a better chance of surviving the quake. The introduction of a renewable lumber source would eliminate the need for the harvesting of the rainforests on the island that have almost been wiped out. Finally, the ability to export this lumber would create a brand new source of revenue for a country that desperately needs it.

               

The timber I am proposing is called the Paulownia Tree. The Paulownia is a quick growing deciduous hardwood that can grow up to 30 feet in its first year. The timber is 2/3 the weight of other common woods, like Douglas Fir, but with greater strength. It can be successfully grown in the tropic environment and can be harvested multiple times during its life. The wood is great for glu-lam beams, veneers, or even pulp for paper. Since the Paulownia tree grows so quickly, (can be ready for harvest after 2 years), the need for cutting down the country’s minimal rainforests could be eliminated, and these forests could be allowed to grow once again. This plantation would begin to provide timber throughout the island, rebuilding the country with better quality construction. Because the Paulownia is so light and strong, it is a highly valued wood product, as well as for its veneer. This will make it easy to introduce to markets and turn a profit.

                This lumber plantation, if executed effectively, can rebuild a struggling nation, it can introduce a source of income for the country, and help to bring an entire tropical rainforest back to life.

                Overall site plan. The layout is very straight-forward and can be changed and tweaked to fit the topography of the chosen site.

The housing units are very simple in design as they are based upon a 15' grid. The smaller units measure 15'x30' and are arranged into complexes that wok with the landscape.

                                          

The construction of the housing units is based almost exclusively on the lumber harvested from the Paulownia tree. The 15' grid is constructed from sandwich beams made or three 2"x10" beams. Each unit also has a rain screen system with 2"x2" boards.

The housing complexes can be placed anywhere and in any layout. The grid allows for a great deal of flexibility with the design while still being practical. There are also numerous areas that can be paved to create gathering places and common areas.

The sawmill at each site is a simple system of shed roof combined with enclosed work spaces. The climate allows for much of the work to be done outdoors. The design features a large courtyard area at the center which would allow for people and machinery to move freely from the workshop or saws to the kilns, in order to dry the wood.

The actual workshop will be open-air and allow for easy movement of the cut lumber.