#construction methods

Over the past few years there’s been growing interest in using mass timber for high-rise buildings (now colloquially referred to as “plyscrapers”).

One project that got a lot of attention last year is Brock Commons (student residence) at the University of British Columbia. It is an 18-storey hybrid mass timber tower.

The first and second floor (slab) and the two cores are poured-in-place concrete. After that, the other 16 floors of the tower consist of 5-ply cross laminated timber (CLT) panels and glue laminated timber (glulam) columns running every 10 feet. The roof is steel and metal decking.

Below is a great time lapse video of the building under construction once it had switched over to timber. The wood construction portion started on June 6, 2016 and finished on August 10, 2016. So 2 floors per week.

The video is well-annotated so that you know what week of construction it is, how many wood installers are on-site, which structural members are going in (along with their dimensions), and so on. The CLT panels are only 169mm thick.

Click here if you can’t see the video below.

Modern construction is moving toward smarter and more sustainable building methods.

Owning a home is a dream for many families in India, but rising costs often make it seem out of reach. With the right planning and modern construction methods, you can build a quality home without spending more than necessary. Using low cost construction techniques helps lower expenses while ensuring strength and comfort. This guide explains how to plan and carry out an affordable house construction project in India.

What Is Low-Cost House Construction?

Low cost house construction means building homes in a smart way that reduces costs but maintains quality. It doesn’t mean taking shortcuts or using weak materials. Instead, it focuses on using locally available resources, efficient designs, and skilled labor to save money.

Affordable housing depends on proper planning, good design, and resource management. When done right, house construction becomes more budget-friendly without sacrificing safety or durability.

Planning to Save Money

Good planning is the key to cost-effective house construction. The layout and design you choose can make a big difference in total spending.

Choose simple floor plans that reduce construction time and material use.

Make use of sunlight and natural airflow to lower electricity costs.

Select materials available in your local area to cut down transportation expenses.

Before starting, check the soil and select a stable site. Hiring trustworthy local workers also helps save money and time. Careful planning is one of the most reliable low cost construction techniques to manage expenses from the start.

Popular Low-Cost Construction Methods in India

Across India, builders now use several efficient construction methods to create strong and affordable homes. The table below highlights the most common methods that combine quality with cost savings.

Construction Method

Key Features

Cost Efficiency

Best For

Load Bearing Walls

Uses less steel and cement

High

Small independent houses

Prefabricated Panels

Made in factories; install quickly

Very High

Urban or mass housing projects

Rat Trap Bond Masonry

Uses fewer bricks; better insulation

High

Low- and mid-rise homes

Stabilized Mud Blocks

Eco-friendly; made from soil and lime

Moderate

Rural and semi-urban homes

Precast Concrete

Ready-made slabs and beams

High

Large housing developments

These construction methods help save time and reduce costs while keeping your house construction strong and sustainable.

Simple and Smart Building Techniques

Modern low cost construction techniques can help you build faster and spend less. They are energy-efficient, durable, and suited for different budget levels.

Fly ash bricks are lightweight, eco-friendly, and cheaper than regular bricks.

Bamboo or timber reinforcement reduces costs in smaller projects.

Rat trap bond walls use fewer bricks and improve indoor comfort.

Precast walls and slabs save time by cutting down on on-site labor.

Cool roofs and solar tiles reduce heat and electricity bills.

These smart techniques make house construction more affordable and environmentally friendly.

Cost-Saving Tips for Home Builders

If you want to keep your house construction budget under control, follow these simple tips:

Hire reliable local contractors who know your region’s materials and weather.

Use simple finishes like exposed brick or polished cement to avoid expensive tiles.

Reuse leftover materials whenever possible to limit wastage.

Track progress regularly to avoid delays and cost overruns.

Install solar panels and build rainwater systems to save money long term.

These small steps collectively make a big difference in making your home affordable and efficient.

Government Support for Affordable Housing

The Indian government actively encourages low-cost house construction through several schemes. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) helps families buy or build their first homes by offering subsidies and low-interest loans.

Many states also offer housing programs that promote sustainable construction methods and energy-efficient materials. Using these government benefits can reduce your overall building costs and make homeownership more accessible.

Conclusion

Owning an affordable home in India is no longer just a dream. Using smart planning, efficient construction methods, and practical low cost construction techniques can turn that dream into reality.

My dad immediately goes, "No, opposed to stick built. Our house was stick built on site. These houses built somewhere else, and either the entire thing or half of it was loaded onto a trailer and brought here."