ABSTRACT
The recent and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa have brought renewed awareness to the issues facing displaced populations around the world and to the need of providing adequate shelter for them. The housing needs of refugee families continue to pose a great challenge to the international community and to organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) because they affect a broad range of populations across vast geographic areas and require the resolution of a complex design problem. Currently there are a number of shelter prototypes available for distribution though an assessment of these options suggests that more research could be conducted to propose competitive solutions in terms of overall efficiency and cost. When it comes to designing an emergency shelter the challenge lies in the ability to create a comfortable, healthy and structurally sound yet lightweight building that can be fabricated inexpensively and in a sustainable manner.
The prototype we are presenting would function both as a short term and long term housing solution. The concept not unlike other shelter solutions is based on a flat pack prefabricated modular system that can be assembled in a matter of hours with few simple tools. The prototype is based on a modified version of a structural insulated panel system in order to meet stringent weight and affordability requirements.
The paneling system used for walls and roof is fabricated by laminating Fiber Reinforced Plastic over rigid insulation boards using a formaldehyde free adhesive. The roof panels are thicker when compared to the walls in order to provide adequate insulation in hot climate applications. The assembly of the entire shelter can be completed in a few hours by connecting wall and roof panels with metal clips. The building is safely anchored by means of a ground anchoring system which connects the bottom of the walls directly to the ground. The flooring system is composed of an extruded and interlocking plastic paneling system.
Key design features of this shelter prototype include high insulation value, ease of assembly, access to natural light and affordability. These housing units allow natural cross ventilation and should only require minimal heating in cold climate. A small photovoltaic system provides enough energy to power LED lights and charge a cell phone battery.
This project was initiated in a special study course where students proposed a series of prototypes as part of a small design competition. The project is nearing completion of its design phase and is scheduled to be built as a prototype to verify feasibility before it can be presented to the UNHCR and a number of non-profit organizations.
