The Module

THE MODULE

The Module is a government funded, cyclone-resistant housing kit for communities in the South Pacific. The simple timber frame provides affordability through adaptability, through the use of local materials and incremental expansion.

The Module addresses the need for affordable cyclone-proof housing that can respond to the varied challenges and cultures of the South Pacific. The Module will be delivered to site as a set of parts, allowing for easy assembly in response to disaster, whilst the cyclone-resistant construction ensures long-term protection of life.

The Module will be rolled out as a government funded initiative, with families providing 1/3 of the cost for each kit. The kit will provide a set number of modules, with a 4-6 module kit currently proposed. This would see families contribute an initial cost of between £2300-£3700, with the opportunity to purchase further modules when finances allow.

The Module Kit is assembled by the community, providing on-site construction training and an increased understanding of cyclone-resistant building techniques. Once constructed, the Module can be in-filled with materials available to the families, either grown locally or purchased, such as woven bamboo cladding, weatherboarding, rice sacks and wattle and daub. This enables the module to respond locally to family finances, climatic challenges and traditional building methods. The Module also proves a framework for communities to develop the use of Compressed Earth Blocks, replacing the need for expensive imported materials or reliance on crops that are often destroyed in cyclones.

Moving the project forward, I would be keen to undertake further research on the introduction and development of Compressed Earth Blocks within the communities of the South Pacific. I would also be interested in progressing the Module through community engagement and feedback sessions.

The following pages set out how the Module can be adapted by each family, whilst ensuring comfort, resilience and education.

THE MODULE

AFFORDABILITY THROUGH ADAPTABILITY

A modular cyclone-resistant housing kit for the South Pacific

Module Dimensions : 2m x 4.5m

The kit : Currently proposed as 4-6 Modules

Approx Module Cost : £1,000 per module, £800 per secondary attached module. The Kit (4-6 modules) costs approximately £3,500-£5,500.

Module Kit cost for community members :£2300-£3700

The Module is a government funded, cyclone-resistant housing kit for communities in the South Pacific. The simple timber frame provides affordability through adaptability, through the use of local materials and incremental expansion.

The Module will be delivered to site as a set of parts, to be assembled by the local community. Through on-site construction training you will develop knowledge on the cyclone-resistant features of the Module and how to safely adapt your home. Once constructed, the Module can be in-filled with materials available to your family, either grown locally or purchased, enabling you to adapt your home to suit financial and climatic restraints.

The following pages explain the cyclone-resistant features of the Module Kit and the Do’s and Dont’s for adapting your home.

Orientate gable ends EastWest to reduce overheating.

ASSEMBLY

Assemble the frame on the ground.

Adaptable overhangs allow for shading North and South.

Orientate house to catch prevailing winds to aid ventilation and reduce humidity.

The frame consists of 6x2 and 8x2 timber. Use 5 “ nails and steel cyclone strapping at each joint.

Dig foundations at least 0.75m deep. The timber post it bolted to a steel strap, set within reinforced concrete. Remember to leave a gap between the steel strap and the post, as this will prevent rotting.

Elevation of the Module 1:50 A1

YOU WILL NEED

Lift frames onto foundations, a small crane will be needed. Secure frame with both nails and cyclone strapping.

Brace frames from strong point to strong point. Remember to brace each wall, below the roof and around all doors and windows.

STRONG KEEP CYCLONES

NAILS ARE NOT ENOUGH. REINFORCE EVERY CONNECTION.

CYCLONE NAILS USE MORE NAILS AT ROOF EDGE.

CORRUGATED STEEL ROOFING SHEETS. THIS HELPS HEAT THE AIR THAT PASSES THROUGH YOUR HOUSE TO REDUCE HUMIDITY.

A FIXED OVERHANG WILL ENABLE A CYCLONE TO DESTROY YOUR ROOF. AN EXPOSED ROOF TRUSS PROVIDES A REMOVABLE OVERHANG TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE COOL AND PROTECT FACADE FROM RAIN.

STRONG FOUNDATIONS HOUSE TIED DOWN IN CYCLONES

SPRUNG TIMBER FLOOR INCREASES VENTILATION TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE COOL

BRACING PREVENTS YOUR HOUSE FROM BEING PUSHED OR PULLED APART IN CYCLONES

BRACED FROM STRONG POINT TO STRONG POINT

PILE FOUNDATIONS ALLOW ADAPTABILITY. TO UNEVEN SITES. RAISE HOUSE IN COASTAL LOCATIONS TO AVOID CYCLONIC FLASH FLOODING.

HOW TO ADAPT YOUR HOME

THE DO’ AND DONT’S ON HOW TO IN-FILL YOUR HOME

Ensuring your home remains safe and comfortable

EXTERNAL WALLS

Ventilation must be maintained prevent damage to belongings Without bracing your house will be pushed or pulled down by cyclonic winds. You MUST NOT remove bracing of external walls.

Bracing must be used if cladding your house in non-rigid materials such as plastic sheeting, woven mats or infilling your house with wattle and daub.

Bracing must be used if cladding your house with rigid materials such as weatherboarding or metal sheeting. Secure cladding with long nails, using more nails at edges.

Bracing can only be removed if being replaced with rigid panels or compressed earth bricks.

Pair breathable materials cyclonic winds building

If shutters and doors are severely damage your home.

COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCKS

Timber frame. In-filled with available materials such as woven bamboo, wattle and daub or rice sacks.

maintained to keep house cool and belongings from humidity.

PREPARATION SAVES LIVES

SECURING YOUR HOME AFTER A CYCLONE WARNING

materials and openings to prevent up internally.

Removable overhangs attach to the exposed roof truss. You can use any lightweight materials however they must be easy to remove prior to Cyclones. Use wooden pegs or rope to ensure you do not damage timber frame.

REMOVE

Module home pre cyclone lock-down.

are not secure, cyclonic winds will home.

Locked-down Module home when Cyclone warning has been received

SHELTER FAMILY AND BELONGINGS IN SAFE ROOM

Create a safe room by cladding a module in a weather proof material such as boards or earth blocks. This will provide a safe and dry space for your family and belongings to shelter during cyclones

LOCK ALL SHUTTERS AND DOORS REMOVE PARTIAL CLADDING OR EXPOSED ROOFS

A simple timber frame allows local materials to be used, providing a framework to be in-filled as the resident chooses. This will also allow the transition to Compressed Earth Blocks, a material that reduced the need for imported timber and provides a readily available material, even after a cyclone. Earth blocks can initially be used as an infill, allowing ongoing testing to achieve a structurally stable mix.

Earth blocks used as a weatherproofing and insulation infill, allowing for ongoing testing of Compressed Earth Block performance.

Earth blocks used as rigid structure, with timber frame acting as secondary structure.

HOW TO USE YOUR MODULES

AN EXAMPLE OF A MODULE KIT HOME

Ways to use your modules to provide space for sleeping, living, washing and cooking

The drawings below highlight how you could use your Module Kit, with options for 4-6 module kits.

EXAMPLE OF MODULE KIT HOUSE

Drawings at 1:100 at A1

SEPARATE SLEEP HOUSE, OUTDOOR TOILET AND SHOWER AND BUSH KITCHEN

This modular home has a core of 4 modules, which provide an indoor kitchen, living space and two sleep rooms. It highlights what your home may look like as it is extended, to provide an indoor bathroom and larger sleeping quarters.

INDOOR KITCHEN/LIVING, CONNECTED SLEEP HOUSE AND OUTDOOR TOILET AND SHOWER

Removable woven bamboo overhangs provide shading and protect facade from weather

CONTAINED HOUSE WITH INDOOR KITCHEN/LIVING AND INDOOR BATHROOM

ACCESSIBILITY

Modular houses can be easily adapted for accessible living. Ensure that ramp access is provided at a 1:20 gradient and doorways have a clearance of 1.5m.

TRADITIONAL BUSH KITCHEN

The Module can also be used as an external bush kitchen, replacing the sprung timber floor for perimeter timber benches and the metal sheet roof for a breathable bamboo weave, to allow smoke to pass through.

This also allows kitchens to be extended for celebrations and community events. Remember to remove bamboo matting and partial cladding before a Cyclone.

Compressed Earth Blocks and timber weather boarding create a safe room to protect family and belongings

Sliding partitions allow sleep rooms to adapt to family sizes and open up into larger living spaces

Cross ventilation ensures humidity is reduced and keeps house cool

Lockable shutters protect house internally when cyclones hit, as well as preventing glass louvres from shattering External sleep house entrances allow ‘bedrooms’ to be create to provide separate space for children, parents and grandparents.

DETACHED TOILET AND SHOWER

The Module can also be used as an external toilet and shower, especially when there is no running water available. Rain water can be collected in tanks and fed into the toilet and showers, for washing and flushing.

Doors are paired with windows and breathable bamboo cladding to provide cool sleeping spaces

Extra Module added and gradually in-filled when finances allow

Exposed internal bracing used as kitchen storage

THE MODULE

AFFORDABILITY THROUGH ADAPTABILITY

A modular cyclone-resistant housing kit for the South Pacific

Module Dimensions : 2m x 4.5m

The kit : Currently proposed as 4-6 Modules

Approx Module Cost : £1,000 per module, £800 per secondary attached module. The Kit (4-6 modules) costs approximately £3,500-£5,500.

Module Kit cost for community members :£2300-£3700

The Module is a government funded, cyclone-resistant housing kit for communities in the South Pacific. The simple timber frame provides affordability through adaptability, through the use of local materials and incremental expansion.

The Module will be delivered to site as a set of parts, to be assembled by the local community. Through on-site construction training you will develop knowledge on the cyclone-resistant features of the Module and how to safely adapt your home. Once constructed, the Module can be in-filled with materials available to your family, either grown locally or purchased, enabling you to adapt your home to suit financial and climatic restraints.

The following pages explain the cyclone-resistant features of the Module Kit and the Do’s and Dont’s for adapting your home.

Orientate gable ends EastWest to reduce overheating.

Assemble the frame on the ground.