The Posterus Times - Second Edition

H THE POSTERUS TIMES

ex House; a rapidly deployable, dignified home Current temporary refugee shelters are beset with a number of social, economic, and cultural problems; displaced populations live in conditions that are uncomfortable, unsanitary, and inhumane very often for extended periods of time. We, Architects for Society (AFS) in response to these conditions, have created housing solutions for displaced individuals and families that are long-term, dignified, and can be easily integrated into the urban fabric of large cities.

We present one such solution -the Hex House

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We are a group of allied professionals from the

North America, Europe and he Middle East who came together to establish a global nonprofit design practice in 2015 with a mission to enhance the built environment of disadvantaged communities through affordable, innovative architecture and design. We recently worked with Chalmers University in Gothen burg, Sweden to develop a rapidly deployable shelter prototype for Syrian refugees in Alzaatari Camp in Jordan. This collaboration was the impetus for developing the Hex House prototype which is also conceived as a sustainable, rapidly deployable shelter based on an insulated metal panel technology that is low cost, can be shipped flat-pack to a suitable site, and easily assembled by the end-user.

ARCHITECTS FOR SOCIETY- HEX HOUSE rban and architectural design Our Hex House project concept addresses a need for refugee and disaster relief housing, but more importantly, it creates communities.

The goal is to create an environment that supports interaction and exchange of ideas and treats all members of the community with dignity and respect. Our site planning layout shows how the 40 square meter hexagonal plan can be combined into various combinations of clusters to create shared gardens and gathering spaces within as well as in-between these arrangements. These green spaces reminiscent of courtyards and urban gardens, promote social interaction between residents and their life as a community.

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Hex House clusters because of their flexibility, will easily adapt to urban and suburban sites of various configurations. Whether linear or radial, these clusters can be oriented to allow for accessible drives and pedestrian walkways for internal movement as well as forming connections with the surrounding city which are essential for integrating displaced communities into society.

Hex House Collective: promoting community The Hex House Collective is a cohousing solution that facilitates neighbourhood interaction for socioeconomic benefits. These neighbourhoods are designed for privacy as well as community. Residents balance privacy and community by choosing their own level of engagement. Decision making is participatory and often based on consensus. Self-management empowers residents, builds community, and saves money. The community supports residents in actualizing shared values.

Clusters of Hex Houses are arranged around a central communal house to form a cohesive community. This Communal House provides space for a range of activities: • Shared cooking and meals in a well equipped kitchen • Shared childcare for working parents • Shared pantry • Communal event celebrations and holidays • Computer room • Public market

The communal house allows for space and material savings on the outer houses, which in tum increases sustainability. Shared resources elevate all individuals to the same level and prevent poverty. Populations of high risk such as the elderly and children are protected by the community. Maintenance of the main house is made by all residents where they can take turns providing needed services such as child care, coordination of activities, gardening, tutoring, etc.

Usage: An adaptable solution The Hex House is designed to be an adaptable, scalable solution which can be rapidly deployed by government and relief agencies as well as erected by end-users and volunteers with no prior construction expertise and minimal training and instruction. It is also dignified and comfortable, with typical home amenities designed for displaced populations.

With passive and low tech features and durability of exterior shell and base, it can endure extended occupancy for 15 to 20 years.

These features make the Hex House suitable for both long-term or short-term housing solutions. The flexibility of the system, most of all, gives the end-users an ability to personalize their living spaces both inside and out. Units can easily be arranged next to one another in desired patterns, joined and share walls for enhanced thermal performance, or also be combined to form larger units described below.

Two Bedroom Units: The 40 SM unit is a compact two-bedroom home with all the amenities intended for small families. Interior walls are not attached to the ceiling to accommodate customization of layout and provide natural ventilation.

3-4 Bedroom Units: Two units can be combined into one larger 'double' unit of 80 SM to accommodate larger families. This combination can accommodate three or four bedrooms. With an emphasis on flexibility and customization, there are many interior planning possibilities.

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