Segal Self Build Method

In 1960s, Architect Walter Segal had to shelter his family temporarily while he had to renovate their house. However, the conventional construction methods were too expensive and time consuming to be considered as a construction method for a temporary shelter. Therefore, in this situation the need of architect Walter and his family was to find an inexpensive and fast way of coming up with a temporary shelter. 

So, from the ideation process his approach of fulfilling the need was to come up with a structure which is easy to assemble and disassemble. He saw this more as a construction kit rather than a construction system. This method should help save time and money at the same time as it does not require specialists like architects, contractors or even skills. 

Therefore, timber or wood-based panels were used in a modular layout where the primary structural frame used bolted connections, for ease of disassembly. This structure eliminated wet trades such as bricklaying and plastering, resulting in a light-weight method which can be built with minimal experience and is ecologically sound.

Compared to the conventional construction methods, this new method of construction has advantages. For example, as the first thing, it is fast and cheap. It does not require special hands or knowledge to be able to assemble these houses. Secondly, it is flexible in terms of materials. It can be done with easily available materials. In addition, it will minimize onsite errors and waste which also helps save time and money. Furthermore, these houses can be reused and recycled. Or even sold out when you are done using it.

The main frame (A) cut to length as necessary to allow for variations in ground level (B) rests on small concrete foundation pads cast in situ (C), and supports floor and roof joists (D,E). External walls (F) and internal partitions (G) of standard-sized

Just a thought I had in my mind is what if cities started building up just the structures of the building along with just the floor which is to fit to the standard sizes of modular houses. So, when people had to move maybe for work or other necessities, they can disassemble their house and move it to another such building in the city where they are moving to. This way it can cut cost of construction, save land space, reduce waste, and in general save people and the earth.