Since April 2023, we have been a Landmark "HoffnungsBAUer" (builder of hope) and thus part of the Habitat for Humanity initiative, which brings together companies from the construction and real estate industries to help people in need. The vision: everyone should have a safe, sustainable, and affordable home.
After two of our colleagues were in Warsaw last year to create housing for Ukrainian refugees, our colleagues Benedikt Schlicht and Peter Eichelmann were now in Zemeş, Romania. In one of the poorest regions of Europe, they helped build a new semi-detached house for two families in need. Peter Eichelmann —in real life a commercial project manager at Landmarken—has recorded his experiences for us.
The housing situation in Romania is one of the most difficult in the EU: 5.5 million people need renovations, over 41 percent live in overcrowded conditions, and 21 percent do not have access to a bathroom with running water. In the municipality of Zemeş in the district of Bacău, over a third of adults live in relative poverty.
Diary
Inhalt
Day 1
Flight to Bucharest and arrival in Zemeş
benedikt and I arrived safely in Romania and found everything in good order. Our group consists of nine volunteers, as well as Eda from HoffnungsBAUern in Cologne and Viktor, the local coordinator.
The construction site is the best-organized construction site I have ever seen. There are clean toilets, washing areas, lounge areas, and a well-equipped kitchen. We met the local craftsmen and the families who will later move in. The partner families are actively involved in the construction of the houses.
The shell of the semi-detached house (concrete foundation, timber frame construction, roof with potential for expansion) was already erected last week by a group of 45 people. A concrete walkway is to be built around the house. Today, Benedikt and I helped to clear the area, build and assemble formwork, and prepare the reinforcement. Tomorrow, the concrete will be mixed and poured. We also helped to cover the interior walls with plasterboard and fill in any uneven areas."
Day 2
After the work is done
benedikt and I lie flat and tired on our beds. In the morning, we installed plasterboard panels overhead on the ceiling. It's a job that can only be done as a team. In the afternoon, we mixed concrete.
Three buckets of water, two bags of cement, and 50 shovels of sand and gravel make four wheelbarrows of concrete, which we spread out to create the path around the house. We repeated this countless times. The mood is good; we talk and laugh a lot together. Now we turn off the lights."
Day 3
The limbs become heavy
all day long, Benedikt and I carried drywall panels into the house, cut them to size, and screwed them to the wall. We both came to the conclusion that we don't see our professional future in drywall construction
Day 4
Tired bones, great joy
"We are entering the home stretch; tomorrow is our last day of work here in Zemes.
This morning, we found it quite difficult to get started. The unfamiliar physical work is taking its toll. Tense and sore from the previous day, we drag ourselves out of bed and make our way to breakfast and then to the bus.
Once we arrive at the construction site, our motivation and mood improve immediately. The partner families welcome us and are happy to have our support. "Building hope" – that's why we're here. It fills us with great satisfaction. Suddenly, the work becomes easier again.
Today's agenda included removing the formwork from the concrete work, sealing the base, and tidying up. During the lunch break, Benedikt and I took a short stroll through the neighboring residential area.
The streets are gravel roads. The single-story buildings usually have one floor for living quarters, while the high hipped roof is used for storage. Often, the toilet and a chicken coop are located in the garden. Many of the very simple houses appear to be empty. A large number of Romanians, including people from this part of the country, work abroad. It all seems very bleak."
Day 5
Emotional farewell
our work week in Zemes ends with a small farewell party. There is cake and non-alcoholic sparkling wine. In addition to Victor, the local coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, Michail, one of the fathers of the two partner families, gives a short speech. It is a very emotional moment for him. Until now, he has been living with his family of four in a small apartment with relatives. Michail thanks us for our efforts. In a few weeks, he and his family will be able to move into their new house.
Benedikt and I will be heading back home tomorrow. Grateful for the experience, but also for the realization of how good we actually have it, we are looking forward to going home. We had a great time in Romania, full of work and new experiences, and met many nice people."
