Better Shelter

Product Description

Better Shelter is a temporary shelter that can be disassembled and reused, designed with and for refugees. The Better Shelter ships flat-packed, with all parts and tools included. It is a weatherproof and lockable temporary shelter, which offers 17.5 m² of space for a displaced family of 4 to 5 occupants. The delivered package includes mosquito nets and solar powered interior lighting.

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Better Shelter and the IKEA Foundation

Manufacturing/Building Method

Building kits are prefabricated in their home office in Sweden. Upon arrival on site, Better Shelter staff often offer training to local experts in erecting the structures. A correct, timely and safe installation requires a minimum of four people.

Intellectural Property Type

Select Type

User Provision Model

The Better Shelter Team delivers product building kits to International Relief organizations (for example, 10,000 units to the UNHCR in 2015), and in some cases, send their experts to assist in erecting the structures.

Distributions to Date Status

60,000 shelters had been delivered to 70 countries, where they serve as temporary homes, clinics, class rooms and more

Intended number of occupants (#)

5 occupants

Speed of assembly

Assembled by 4 people in 5-6 hours without the need for electricity

Footprint area (m²)

17.5 m²

Internal volume (m³)

31.5 m³ by eave height (minimum internal height)

Material composition

Panel: polyolefin sheet

Floor: tarpaulin sheet

Openings: UV stabilized polymer, galvanized steel

Mosquito net: polyester/polyethylene

Lifespan (years)

3 years

Flammable Flash Point Temperature (°C)

35 °C (High-density polyethylene)

Maximum snow load (kg/m²)

10.5 kg/m²

Maximum wind speed (km/h)

101 km/h

Suitable climates

5-40°C

Design Specifications

Design specs and detailed installation instructions are included with delivery. 3 parts: Frame, Polyolefin foam panels, PV System 71 pipes 35 panels Approximate assembly time: 4 - 8 hours Man power: 4 people Building order: 1) Foundation 2) Metal Frame 3) Roof with ventilation and solar panel 4) Walls with windows and door

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Instruction manuals are included with the product

Replacement Components

Unknown

Lifecycle

Designed for a lifespan of three years, portions of the structure can be updated over time with more permanent components, such as earthen walls. Warranties are made available only under certain circumstances.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Floor area: 17.5 m² Minimum ceiling height: 1,840 mm Sphere compliant: Yes Windows: 4 pieces (640 cm² each) Ventilation: 2 pieces (620 cm² each) Door: 1 piece (740 × 1690 mm) Expected lifespan: 3 years with basic maintenance Fire safety Tested and classified according to international building standards EN ISO 11925-2:2010 and EN 13823:2010 Resistance to UV load: 2,700h UVA – 100% functionality Wind speed [EN 1991 EC1]: 18 m/s Snow loads [EN 1991 EC1]: 10 kg/m² Modular: Yes PV system: 4h light/day and USB power Package weight / volume: 160 kg/1.15 m³ Package A: 1990 × 1090 × 240 mm (85 kg) Package B: 1990 × 1090 × 290 mm (75 kg) Pallet dimensions 2010 × 1080 × 140 mm Container 40 feet HC 48 shelters Container 40 feet 36 shelters

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

Unknown

Complementary Technical Systems

None

Academic Research and References

Robert, P., Hviid, M., 2019, Analys av fästelement for temporära flyktingbostäder-Better Shelter, Dissertation

Compliance with regulations

Tested and classified according to international building standards EN ISO 11925-2:2010 and EN 13823:2010. Developed according to the Sphere minimum standards.

Other Information

Honored at the Swedish Design Awards