Ensuring that people have shelter is a critical part of disaster relief. But what happens if the disaster is ongoing? Or if another disaster hits? A humanitarian shelter from Extremis Technology is designed with just that thinking. The Hush2 can be erected in two hours and can withstand hurricanes.
Two hours is by no means the quickest of assembly times as emergency shelters go. The Rapid Deployment Module from Visible Good, for example, can be assembled without any tools in 25 minutes. Alastair Pryor's Compact Shelter, meanwhile, can be erected in just two minutes, albeit as a much more rudimentary facility. Whilst not as quick to deploy as these examples, the Hush2 is designed to afford more protection to those inside and is transitional to long-term use after a disaster.
The shelter is designed to be highly portable so that it can be transported quickly and easily to disaster relief areas. It is built from marine plywood and can be repaired or enhanced using local materials. It is also designed so that it can be easily repurposed after being used.
Once constructed, the Hush2 measures 4.3 x 4.4 x 2.4 m (14.1 x 14.4 x 7.9 ft). It is split into two compartments which can be used, for example, as separate living and sleeping spaces. The shelter is also modular and can be deployed in groups to form larger buildings. It is built using noise reduction materials and has a heat deflection coating to help control temperature. It is also possible to install water purification and solar cooking facilities.
Although it looks like a traditional rectangular shelter, the Hush2 has a special party trick. In the event of strong winds or a hurricane, the shelter can be quickly reconfigured into a more sturdy shape to provide extra protection. To adopt the shelter's "storm-safe position," the two sides of each end are folded diagonally inwards and the shelter's sides are also folded inwards to create a triangular shape.
This formation means that the Hush2 maintains a solid base, but reduces wind resistance. It also reinforces parts of the structure and covers the door and windows. Internal space is naturally reduced, although floor space remains the same. According to Extremis Technology, the process of converting the shelter takes just seven minutes and, once complete, the shelter can withstand hurricanes with category 5 winds of up to 200 mph (322 km/h).
The video below shows the Hush2 in action.
Source: Hush2
