Agriculture
August 15, 2021
Updated on September 11, 2020
·Created on July 18, 2016
circHouseĀ is a prototype for a modular yurt structure that can be constructed using local plastic or wood paneling to produce a transitional shelter.
circHouseĀ is a prototype for a modular yurt structure that can be constructed using local plastic or wood paneling to produce a transitional shelter. It aims to be durable, with rapid deployment to answer to a number of needs, either humanitarian or logistical. All roof and wall panels can be interchanged to fit the user’s requirements. It complies with the Shelter Center international guidelines.
Distributors / Implementing Organizations
Manufacturing/Building Method
circHouse Inc. does not manufacture any parts, but relies onĀ national materials suppliersĀ to provide material and fabrication of each circHouse in a given country. The structure is erected on-site using the materials, a drill, grinder, and tin strips.
Intellectural Property Type
Open Source
User Provision Model
Village Environment will use third party organizations working in disaster-affected areas to distribute the shelters. circHouses will be sold to distributors, and the distributors will determine how the end users will finance the home.Interview with representative The circHouseĀ packs on a 3 m x 1.2 m palletĀ with a height of 75 cm, weighing about 600 kg. Without pallets, an 8 m shipping container can accommodate approximately 10 units.
Distributions to Date Status
Several circHouses have been constructed in the USA, but none have been used in the context of a refugee camp or post-disaster situation. The product is still undergoing testing and preparation for distribution for humanitarian application. Interview with representative
Speed of assembly (h)
Less than 24 hours
Footprint area (m²)
Internal volume (m³)
Material composition
Roof panels are 24 gauge, exterior wall panels available in ABS plastic or 24 gauge steel roof panels, window panels are polycarbonate, interior wood panels are luan or veneer plywood,Ā 1 1/2ā insulating foil backed foam roof panel, powder coated or spray painted steel components, and conventional galvanized fasteners (nuts, bolts, washers and connecting screws), andĀ polycarbonate sliding windows.
Lifespan (years)
15-30 years
Flammable flash point temperature (ĀŗC)
Unknown
Maximum snow load (kg/m²)
Unknown
Maximum wind speed (km/h)
48.6 km/hInterview with designer
Suitable climates
All climates
Design Specifications
The designĀ of circHouse include the following features:
Technical Support
Village Environment will repair or replace a material or workmanship defect as a result of installation for a period of ten years from the date of purchase (at their discretion).Ā Interview with representative Since most materials are sourced locally, any minor issues that occur can most likely be fixed by the homeowner or a trained general contractor.
Replacement Components
According to Village Environment, parts areĀ easily repaired and/or substituted using local materials.
Lifecycle
Expected lifespan ofĀ 15 to 30 yearsĀ depending on materials selected for construction, weather, and climate variations. Village Environment, Inc. will repair or replace an material or workmanship defect as a result of installation for a period of ten years from the date of purchase (at their discretion). Within the first year, any necessary repair and/or replacements (at their discretion) will be completed at no expense to the customer. Any replacement parts will be provided at no cost, but the customer will be responsible for shipping and handling costs.Interview with representative
Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters
Performance targets listed by the manufacturer:
Vetted Performance Status
The design has been tested for structural integrity and building code compliance in Colorado. circHouses built several years ago are assessed in the field. One of the first circHouses was constructed in Colorado ten years ago, experiences extreme weather, and is still functioning well.Interview with designer
Safety
The circHouse's main goal is to protect the users from harsh outdoor conditions. The circHouse can be designed to provide adequate ventilation in hot climates and sufficient insulation in colder climates, based on the materials used during construction. The structure is designed to protect from high wind speeds (up to 48.6 m/s).
Complementary Technical Systems
Additional options:
Academic Research and References
None
Compliance with regulations
Since there are no existing building codes for transitional, post disaster or displaced persons shelter, the circHouse isĀ designed to conform to most standard US building codes. LGSEA standard light gauge steel framing components, EPDM floor passes ASTM water penetration testing as a roof membrane and provides a seal to the wall sections, ABS wall panel materials all exceed ASTM flame test criteria. The circHouse is fabricated from LGSEA standard light gauge steel framing components routinely used in United States commercial and residential construction. The steel frame is ASTM rated and Powder coated, and the ribs are composed of ABS plastic and fire rate, though the fire rating information has not been disclosed.Ā Interview with representative
Other Information
The circHouse was initially designed for vacation/luxury outdoor housing, and has since pivoted their business structure to meet the needs of disaster refugees around the globe through Village Environment. The Village Environment website is currently down while they work on obtaining funding and partners for implementation of circHouse for humanitarian purposes.Interview with designer
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