Site Selection

Site selection determines long-term safety, access, and infrastructure cost before any building starts.

Key Concepts

• —Flood, fire, and slope hazards can negate later construction quality.
• —Solar exposure and wind regime shape thermal comfort and energy use.
• —Distance to water, soil, and timber drives daily labor burden.
• —Settlement patterns should allow future expansion and sanitation buffers.

Practical Guide

1. 1.Map seasonal water flows and avoid floodplains and unstable slopes.
2. 2.Track sun and wind patterns on site over several days or weeks.
3. 3.Assess soil bearing and drainage using simple pits and infiltration checks.
4. 4.Reserve corridors for paths, water systems, and waste handling before lot layout.
5. 5.Keep buffer zones between housing, livestock, and latrine systems.