We just modeled a draft of a 1,024 cubic foot portable shelter that I want to mockup this summer with the 200+ phenolic/glass/aramid sandwich panels we have been holding onto for some time. After, we will prototype if we can get someone to fund it. The structure is assembled from 4 X 8 foot flame retardant foam core sandwich panels and off-the-shelf extrusions. This crappy theme crops my renderings without my permission, so a slightly better model can be found here.
The low-cost assembled (and heavier) version could be used for semi-permanent homes for the homeless. It would have electrical and water hookups like a travel trailer.
The high-end version would feature solar panels, chemical toilets and an array of optional features dependent on the application, whether it be emergency housing in a remote disaster area or long-term refugee housing. It would be assembled from an air-freight transportable crate measuring 3 X 4 X 8 feet.
Such structures have been around for decades, and clearly we will borrow from all the lessons learned in the “tiny house” concepts and “multi-use” space phenomena. Our niche will be extremely lightweight, portable and customizable.
Our secret sauce is how we would process the sandwich structure – unlike the traditional methods for aerospace applications using phenolic prepregs, aramid core and a multi-platen press. There has to be a better way. More to come.
