The Arup Singapore office recently sent a team of ten to take part in Habitat for Humanity’s Batam Build programme. The programme is aimed at building houses for families who earn less than US$10. Batam Build is designed as a short-term alternative for volunteers who are unable to take a long break. Builds can be as short as 1 day to a maximum of 3 days. Volunteers form their own team of between 8 – 10 people on a build trip. While Batam Build offers an introduction to Habitat builds for first time volunteers, it also provides organisations a platform for team building.

The task – finish the house foundations in three days.

Build Day 1

The team ended the day tired, feeling muscles they have never felt, with lots of mud on gloves and clothes. The general sentiment being sore & aching but happy.

Build Day 2

With extra food and a good nights rest the Arup team was ready to attack day two. With everyone pitching in we were able to complete more tasks even finish digging the 1.5m septic tank hole. Other tasks that were finished on day two included the digging of the rest of the holes for the columns, all rebar work completed on the foundation and the commencement of cement work on the columns.

The team had a great time interacting with members of the community especially the local kids who were quite happy to have us there.

Build Day 3

With the team being ever so enthusiastic, the entire foundation was completed just after noon, and just before the rain came! The final tasks for day 3 included finishing rebar work, sawing wood in preparation for cement pouring and the final cement pour.

While Batam Build offers an introduction to Habitat builds for first time volunteers, it also provides organisations a platform for team building.