Finnish students have developed a prototype home that's conceived as an alternative means of sheltering the country's asylum seekers, homeless, students, and anyone else who needs a temporary roof over their head. Dubbed Kokoon, it can be assembled from its three prefabricated modules in just one day.
Designed in the Wood Program Studio at Aalto University School of Arts Design and Architecture, Kokoon is envisioned as a short-term housing solution, used for up to one year while a more permanent home can be sourced.
It comprises three very similar prefabricated sections that are moved into place atop each other using a crane, then secured in place and a layer of sealant added. The assembly process takes a single day.
To be clear, this is a student project only and there's no suggestion that it will actually be rolled out to those in need anytime soon. However, it seems pretty well-equipped to serve as temporary housing. The interior includes a dining area, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom over its three floors, with each floor accessed via a small staircase.
The exterior is clad in spruce, and the frame and fixed furnishings are built from laminated veneer lumber (LVL). The interior is finished in natural wood and looks simple, plain, and clean. According to Arch Daily, the total available floorspace is 35 sq m (376 sq ft).
Though not explicitly stated by the team, it's a pretty safe bet that Kookoon gets its water from a utility company and electricity from the grid. Water is heated by an onboard hot water heater and the dwelling is kept warm with underfloor heating and cellulose fiber insulation.
Kokoon is currently on display at the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Design Museum. Access to see it is free. Once its residency at the museum is over, the shelter will visit several other locations in Finland.
Sources: Wood Program, Kokoon
