Modular emergency homes that are built like Lego

Could this new method help to provide emergency housing quickly?

Spotted: Climate change is amplifying both the frequency and severity of natural disasters, whether that’s floods, wildfires, or hurricanes. These extreme weather events pose an increasing risk to housing and infrastructure, with researchers predicting that extreme weather could destroy 8.35 million homes a year between now and 2040. 

Now, scientists at the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) have developed a solution that could help to provide housing quickly and safely in times of crisis.

The team has developed a modular construction method that involves around 70-80 per cent of the major structural components of a home being pre-made in factories. These components are then transported and fully assembled on-site. A crane lifts the various modules and simply slots them into place, without the need for concrete. Once the modules are assembled, the roofing, stairs, and corridors are retrofitted, leaving a structure that is fully habitable. 

This method enables a much speedier, quieter, and more streamlined construction, and helps to minimise the risks that construction workers would normally face building homes in the traditional way. If the structure is no longer needed, the modules can be easily disassembled for reuse or recycling. As Dr. Lim, Seok-Ho of the KICT research team highlighted, “The developed modular construction method will offer effective solutions for addressing environmental issues in the construction industry and housing shortages”.  

There’s plenty of room for innovation in the construction industry. Springwise has also spotted this alternative construction method using layers of sand and aggregate instead of bricks as well as these recycled plastic tiles that look like clay. 

Written By: Archie Cox