AHHHA - Self Sufficient Temporary and Permanent Housing

Self Sufficient Temporary and Permanent Housing

THE SOLUTION

"A home that can truly travel the world." The shipping container, the most versatile structure in the world can be used for this purpose. The infrastructure is already in place for shipping these units, whether it is a 20' or 40', either by sea, land or air. These units can be sent and received by nearly all of the countries in the world. Ask yourself, how can we create a new way of life, how can we create a safe temporary or permanent home for millions of people that are now living in tents or shanty's? A single shipping container with everything a family might need packed inside is the answer. The plan is to take a unit and make it completely self sufficient from a power and water standpoint. Using existing technology and keeping the cost down, these units can be purchased or rented by anyone in the world. These units can be used in such hard hit areas as Haiti, Chile, Japan and Africa for temporary or permanent homes, and needed infrastructure buildings. The goal is to have these units distributed by any Organization as they see fit. Example: The Clinton & Bush Haiti Fund, The American Red Cross and many others. Thank you for your time and consideration. Extra Questions

Created by: swainsworld

Idea Stats:

This idea has 17 collaborators.

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Erasmus April 8, 2011, 4:56 a.m.

Have you thought of having a bunch of these that travel from majour sporting event to majour sporting even. So a supporter can go to the football world cup and rent a room that follows his team around. I was thinking something like those pod hotels in japan only inside of an container.

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swainsworld April 8, 2011, 8:56 a.m.

Yes, that is also another great use. Once this "all-in-one" is built, I really think the different places that this could be used,would be many. Thank you.

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probe30 April 15, 2011, 2:21 a.m.

perfect!

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Garibaldi April 16, 2011, 3:33 a.m.

In Phoenix, AZ they are already making these units into homes. They are super cool and they have a model in Phoenix of 4 units made into one home. Called: upcycle living.

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Jerry Seltzer April 18, 2011, 4:12 a.m.

We have a surplus of these containers on the US west coast due to our trade imbalance. No one wants to ship back empty containers. It is apparently easier to make new ones. So the materials are there for you. I don't know about the energy aspects but the portability and infrastructure is absolutely there. Boat, train, truck. And they are stackable. You could tour the world without leaving home.

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owomano April 18, 2011, 8:40 a.m.

i think this is a wonderful idea that will work for countries that take in refugees from war and disaster prone countries.

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swainsworld April 18, 2011, 9:03 a.m.

@Garibaldi Yes, I've seen other areas that have built some homes using containers and there is a place in London called Container City for apartments. Very cool. But, what I would love to do is build a unit that can be separated from the grid, 100%. I really believe if enough people could come together from the different aspects of power, water, waste, etc.. this would be amazing for the world. Thank you.

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swainsworld April 18, 2011, 9:22 a.m.

@Jerry Seltzer I like that, "...tour the world with leaving home." True.

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swainsworld April 18, 2011, 9:28 a.m.

@Jerry Seltzer Oops - I meant to write without, not just with. Thank you.

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swainsworld April 18, 2011, 9:32 a.m.

@Owomano Thank you, and you are correct. That is exactly how I believe a unit like this can be used.

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Jerry Seltzer April 19, 2011, 10:23 a.m.

Imagine a container ship arriving in Haiti with thousands of these basic units days after the quake. Imagine a hotel that was just a series of floors and utilities and the guests brought their own rooms. It gives a whole new definition to Home Depot.

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Marco Lopes April 26, 2011, 8:37 a.m.

It's interesting to see what we can do to build off of the ideas around us that are already in use. Very good job.

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swainsworld April 28, 2011, 3:11 a.m.

@Marcoolio Thank you very much. Hope someone or some group can help lead the charge on this with me.

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Mike Crowe May 9, 2011, 4:28 a.m.

Why stop there? By adding a bit of color, perhaps a window or two with shutters (skylight) and a picket fence out front they could also be used as summer cabins. Mike

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taipoos May 21, 2011, 8:54 a.m.

I think this is a wonderful idea! for emergency situations... is great!

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100windows May 30, 2011, 5:13 a.m.

You could keep the versatility of the container and have it convertable into a mobile home and build cruise liners that ship your home around the globe like luggage. I do think this is a good idea, and something readily available.

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swainsworld June 6, 2011, 11:41 a.m.

Thanks everyone for the "promote" votes. Hopefully, this can keep going so it can be built and starts helping people around the world.

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Laurent VERGNEAU Aug. 19, 2011, 9:09 a.m.

One positive add on would be a water-maker. The principle is that it extracts the humidity from the air and it turns it into drinkable water.

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Dave Sept. 29, 2011, 5:13 a.m.

I think one part of this you may be missing is the possibilities for campers. Lighter material would be needed, of course, but consider the potential.

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Roxe Oct. 18, 2011, 12:24 p.m.

Fantastic idea! This is certainly needed in so many places around the world. It looks like it also can be modified to fit any environment it is being used for. I hope this becomes a reality soon. Good work!

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JakeRussell Dec. 19, 2011, 8:15 a.m.

Lets Go Further... Take this idea and turn it into an underground storm shelter. It is already constructed. Just dig a hole, lower in the Container, i.e. Storm shelter,and cover. Presto! Instant safety for the thousands of people that face threating weather across the world. Just adding an emergency entrance/escape hatch prior to this process is key.

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agarian Jan. 6, 2012, 6:04 a.m.

only the test - this is test :)

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Rumen Iliev Jan. 21, 2012, 11:33 a.m.

Good idea.

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JollyGood411 March 8, 2012, 7:01 a.m.

You have a great heart. This solution may certainly help humanitarian crises and it is sooo adaptable. Best of luck!

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