The study of building material quality of a low cost flats in Jakarta

Abstract

The form and layout of dwelling unit in low cost flats which provided by the government as a substitute for landed house in slums or high density neighborhoods, is very different from their homes. Physical quality of building materials is very standard and often it does not meet the expectations of the residents. Currently the use of environmentally friendly materials (eco-materials) in buildings is being actively socialized by the government to support sustainable development programs. This research was conducted with the aim to know the type of physical changes made by the residents to their residential unit, and the dominant building materials used by residents when making physical changes, as well as the proposed environmentally friendly materials that can be used by residents. The results showed that the dominant physical changes were performed by occupants: (1) physical changes that are related to the aesthetic reasons and improving the quality of dwelling unit (aesthetical and physical adjustment); (2) physical changes that are related to the fulfillment of function of dwelling unit in low cost flats (functional adjustment). Wall paint and ceramic materials are dominant materials that are often replaced and used by residents when making physical changes in residential unit. The proposed of wall paint and ceramic materials are used even from the beginning of the construction of low cost flats there are eco-materials and interior furnishings that good quality and minimize chemical emissions also promote good air quality.