Sub-permanent Disaster Relief Housing

DOMUS. A solution to help in recovery and transition to normalcy.

Domus is an unconventional take on alleviating the pain of those displaced by the unforgiving natural hazards. This post-disaster housing solution is designed to bridge the gap between temporary first-response shelters and permanent housing. Domus attempts to inspire recovery and promote well-being through a secure, portable, modular, harmonious housing solution.

Design Objective

This project focused on the development of an original solution for an existing large-scale issue through the principles of problem solving, user experience and aesthetic exploration.

THE PROJECT, IN A NUTSHELL.

The Problem.

Every year 100,000s of people are affected by natural hazards.
Water based disasters have high occurrence rates with the most impact.
Even in the best scenarios, water and power are the 1st to go, for a period of at least 2 weeks.
Natural hazards destroy property, lives and families.
High toll on personal and social well-being, with low chances and long periods of recovery.
Communication with loved ones - a necessity - becomes a big problem.
Life becomes physically and emotionally taxing.

The Solution.

The very basic Physiological and Safety needs of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, are addressed by the solution. This allows the higher needs to then be pursued.
The housing in particularly designed for water based disasters. It is impractical to develop a universal solution for every natural hazard.
Water collection and purification system provides auxiliary water supply.
SIPs Construction - Aluminium + BetR-blok + Aluminium. The solution is structurally sound, incredibly light-weight, has excellent insulation and is ecologically responsible.
Modular construction (akin to pre-fab housing) offers customizability.
Multiple usage possibilities: single/connected homes, community-building areas, medical/administrative/operational bases, facilities for morale, welfare and recreation.
Passive motivation inspires recovery and return to normalcy.
Future scope: Solar panel roof for auxiliary power supply; Communication Hub customization to locate and reach out to loved ones.