Global Peace Containers International has
been established in an effort to create sustainable, low-cost alternatives
to traditional construction methods. It is our intention to employ and train
community members in becoming fluent with the various components and construction
of such projects. Our first working model is a primary school built in Cross
Keys, Jamaica during the months of August and September 2000. The construction
team was lead by Professor Dick Martin, Russell Jackson, and Charles Petrakopoulos,
all who had previously worked on concepts and designs while at the Georgia
Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Osbourne Grant (native Jamaican)
led a crew of local laborers. This fast track construction method shortened
a project that would have normally spanned nine months to one that began and
finished in only five weeks. The completed school cost roughly half that of
a typical Jamaican school built by traditional and available construction
techniques. The design consists of four 20’x8’x8’ containers placed corner
to corner in a cross pattern. This arrangement leaves a 20’x20’ space in the
middle of the school. The 20’x20’ space was leveled and then a concrete floor
was poured. This space would eventually be covered with a tin roof. Steel
trusses that are welded straight to tops of the containers support the roof.
Next an Oxy/acetylene torch was used to cut out openings for windows and doors.
Traditional Jamaican louvered windows and solid wood doors were used throughout
the school. All work was completed except painting and electrical work, which
was completed by locals. The school is now in use, and we have received nothing
but positive feedback. For further information regarding this project visit our website at
www.gbs-gpc.com
