Innovative temporary emergency shelter ideas for quality and maintenance of life while sheltered and living outdoors

1. Innovative Temporary Emergency Shelter
Ideas for Quality and Maintenance of Life
While Unsheltered and Living Outdoors
.
Basic Need: Shelter from the elements
Compiled by Julia McKenna for Community Services Consortium
June 2017
Contact: Julia.McKenna.edu@gmail.com

2. Contents
• Combination Emergency Gear
• Shelter Suit by Bas Timmer and Alexander de Groot
• “Satellite Shelter” Insulated Sleeping Bags by students at Carnegie Mellon’s annual Impact-a-Thon
• Polarmond Sleeping Bag Tent by Polarmond
• “Wearable Dwellings” by Students at the Royal College of Art in London
• Temporary Shelter Ideas
• The Cocoon Emergency Shelter by John Moriarty
• Instant Housing by Urban Nomads
• Mobile Homeless Shelter by Paul Elkin
• WheelLY Recycled Homeless Shelter by Zo-Loft Architecture & Design
• Cardborigami: Folding Portable Homeless Shelter by Tina Hovsepian
• The Accordion reCover Shelter by Matthew Malone, Amanda Goldberg, Jennifer Metcalf and Grant
Meecham
• Compact Shelter by Alastair Pryor
• Accordion Tent by Mr. Ye Haoyu, Mr. Zhang Hao and Ms. Shen Yiqing
• Sanctuary Shelter by Jonathan Kim
• Studio D Concept
• Sphere by Felix Stark
• SHRIMP (Sustainable Housing for Refugees via Mass Production)
• Basic Housing Unit for Urban Natural Hazards
• Conestoga Huts

3. • 1:03 WATCH: This Sleeping Bag Transforms into a Mobile Tent!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV5GJyvEGRg
• 0:45 WATCH: Satellite Shelter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu46hMUSvh8
• 8:05 WATCH: 25 Innovative Tents and Temporary Shelters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qocwYMce6ks
• 1:11 WATCH: Students Make A Jacket That Transforms Into A Sleeping Bag
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7UQIM4jqoQ
• 1:56 WATCH: Cardborigami
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRmBFXaIItw
 11:19 WATCH: Tina Hovsepian on Cardborigami and ending
homelessness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLbKyBFa7Tc
Watch playlist of all videos in presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI4GeG_uYQkXoacFTtQvlV58VaQRbpNQY

4. Shelter Suit
by Bas Timmer and Alexander de Groot
• The Sheltersuit is a wind- and water-resistant
jacket and sleeping bag, constructed of water
repellent and insulating fabrics from abandoned
festival tents.
• The suit has a detachable zipper portion at the
bottom that works as a waterproof sleeping bag
to protect the person from the elements, and it
also comes with a storage backpack.
• The sleeping bag portion is detachable and can be
stored in the backpack, making it easy to
maneuver if needed.
• This suit can be transformed into a full-body
sleeping bag.
Reference Links: http://www.trueactivist.com/charity-salvages-abandoned-festival-tents-to-make-sleeping-bags-
for-the-homeless/?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=antimedia

5. “Satellite Shelter” Insulated Sleeping Bags
by students at Carnegie Mellon’s annual Impact-a-Thon
• The “Satellite Shelter,” is an insulated sleeping bag
that also converts into a tented structure. The
students used Mylar, a reflective material
frequently used in greenhouses and space
blankets, and wool blankets to ensure the shelter
would keep anyone in it safe from the cold.
• It also has wheels and shoulder straps, making it
easy to transfer from place to place.
• Reference Links: http://magazine.good.is/articles/blizzard-homeless-shelter-convertible-tent;
http://www.trueactivist.com/these-sleeping-bags-convert-into-insulated-tents-ensuring-homeless-stay-warm-
during-winter/?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=antimedia

6. + “Satellite Shelter” Insulated Sleeping Bags
• 1:03 WATCH: This Sleeping Bag Transforms into a
Mobile Tent!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV5GJyvEGRg
• 0:45 WATCH: Satellite Shelter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu46hMUSvh8

7. Polarmond Sleeping Bag Tent
by Polarmond
• Camp smart with this combination sleeping bag and tent.
• A group of scientists from Switzerland developed a new kind of tent; one with the sleeping bag and
pad built in.
• Based on astronaut's spacesuits, it uses an insulation technique called “sandwich construction”.
• The human body gives off a lot of heat, but that heat often escapes conventional tents. This tent
utilizes that heat through insulated fabric, keeping you warm all night.
• The designers say the combo-tent can keep you a toasty 25°C (77°F) when it is -30°C (-22°F) outside.
Reference Links: https://www.ecowatch.com/revolutionary-magic-tent-combines-tent-sleeping-bag-and-pad-in-
one-1882107146.html; http://newatlas.com/polarmond-sleep-shell-personal-sleeping-bag-bivy-tent/38902/

8. + Polarmond Sleeping Bag Tent
 8:05 WATCH: 25 Innovative Tents and Temporary Shelters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qocwYMce6ks

9. “Wearable Dwellings”
by Students at the Royal College of Art in London
 Students in the UK
came up with a 3-in-1
jacket that transforms
into a sleeping bag and
a tent.
 0:53 WATCH:
https://www.facebook.c
om/ajplusenglish/video
s/682764425198401/
Reference Links: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/02/11/london-students-created-3-in-1-coat-sleeping-
bag-tent-for-refugees_n_9206884.html

10. The Cocoon Emergency Shelter
by John Moriarty
Simply hang it from a tree or
any other off-the-ground
location, climb inside and let
the insulated materials keep
you warm.
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2008/11/12/lifesaving-temporary-emergency-shelters-buildings/

11. Instant Housing
by Urban Nomads  Tiny mobile homes that can easily be
carried around by a single person
consist of a metal container with a
pop-out tent-like structure, fitted with
wheels.
 The housing unit contains a retractable
padded bed, a first aid kit, mirror,
whistle, multi-tool, flashlight and a
plastic hood with a viewing window.
 Affordable and easily transportable,
the units could also be used for
emergency housing in the event of a
disaster, or recreational camping.
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2012/03/19/housing-for-the-homeless-14-smart-sensitive-solutions/

12. Mobile Homeless Shelter
by Paul Elkin
 Portable and water-tight and
resembling an extremely
compact version of an RV, this
low-impact structure contains
fold-away furniture, a mattress,
a toilet, and even a kitchen.
 Theoretically it could be built at
a very low cost, eliminating the
need to sleep out in the open.
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2012/03/19/housing-for-the-homeless-14-smart-sensitive-solutions/

13. WheelLY Recycled Homeless Shelter
by Zo-Loft Architecture & Design
 Portable and temporary, this unusual-looking
design provides a safe storage space for one’s
belongings during the day, and expands into a
tent at night.
 The ‘WheelLY’ is made of a rolling aluminum
frame fitted with two polyester tents made of
recyclable or recycled materials.
 The rolling design enables it to hold up to 250
pounds of personal items, and the push-
handle also functions as a brake.
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2012/03/19/housing-for-the-homeless-14-smart-sensitive-solutions/

14. Cardborigami: Folding Portable Homeless Shelter
by Tina Hovsepian
 This portable emergency shelter was
designed based on the principles of origami.
 Cardborigami is made from recycled
cardboard; it starts out as a flat package and
expands into a sort of paper tent.
 The material was chosen because it is
inexpensive, lightweight, sustainable and
naturally insulated.
 Hovsepian plans to refine the design to make
it waterproof, fire-retardant and more
comfortable.
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2012/03/19/housing-for-the-homeless-14-smart-sensitive-solutions/

15. + Cardborigami
 1:56 WATCH:
Cardborigami
https://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=VRmBFXaIItw
 11:19 WATCH: Tina
Hovsepian on
Cardborigami and ending
homelessness
https://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=OLbKyBFa7Tc

16. The Accordion reCover Shelter
by Matthew Malone, Amanda Goldberg, Jennifer Metcalf and
Grant Meecham
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2008/11/12/lifesaving-temporary-emergency-shelters-buildings/

17. +The Accordion reCover Shelter
• The origami-like structure can be entirely collapsed into a horseshoe or flat
shape.
• It takes only a few minutes to set up and it can be done by one person.
• The ridges in the structure can be used to collect drinking water. Whatever
materials that are on hand, or even ground cover can be used to insulate the
structure in harsh weather.
• It can sustain a family of four following a disaster for up to a month.

18. Compact Shelter
by Alastair Pryor
Reference Links: http://inhabitat.com/35-pound-foldable-compact-shelter-provides-lightweight-disaster-housing-in-under-two-
minutes/

19. +Compact Shelter
• 35 Pound Foldable Compact Shelter Provides Lightweight Disaster Housing in Under Two
Minutes
• DIMENSIONS: When completely opened, individual tents measure 6.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 feet.
individual units can be joined together to create larger shelters or multiple rooms,
depending on the number of family members needing shelter.
• NUMBER OF PEOPLE: four people
• ASSEMBLY: the collapsible tent is flat packed for easy transport, weighs just 35 pounds, is
suitable for all climates and only takes two minutes to pop up.
• MATERIALS: The Compact Shelter is made out of a UV stabilized polypropylene, a
durable, weather resistant and thermally insulative material. After passing rigorous
testing standards, which are set by various aid relief organizations, the pop up dwelling
proved to be suitable in even the most extreme weather conditions. Pryor also designed
the tent with various manually-operated air vents so that as cool air enters through the
shelter’s base, warm air is expelled, further adapting the shelter for all types of climates.
the materials used to make the tents are 100 percent recyclable.
• TRANSPORT: Easy to ship, easy to erect, and lightweight
Reference Links: http://inhabitat.com/35-pound-foldable-compact-shelter-provides-lightweight-disaster-housing-in-under-two-
minutes/

20. Reference Links: http://inhabitat.com/35-pound-foldable-compact-shelter-provides-lightweight-disaster-housing-in-under-two-
minutes/

21. Accordion Tent
by Mr. Ye Haoyu, Mr. Zhang Hao and Ms. Shen Yiqing
• The Accordion Tent has two walls in the center and expands out on either side.
Reference Links: https://www.humanosphere.info/2012/07/la-tente-accordeon-oui-une-belle-idee-pour-les-cas-durgence/

22. Sanctuary Shelter
by Jonathan Kim
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2008/11/12/lifesaving-temporary-emergency-shelters-buildings/; http://sofortiga-
shelter.blogspot.com/2011/10/recent-research-new-tempoary-sheltering.html

23. +Sanctuary Shelter
• The biodegradable shelter pops open on its own with no need for
tools or tent poles.
• The water-repellent material is insulated to keep residents safe, and
the top of the shelter even features a reflective “X” to help rescue
helicopters find those who need assistance.
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2008/11/12/lifesaving-temporary-emergency-shelters-buildings/; http://sofortiga-
shelter.blogspot.com/2011/10/recent-research-new-tempoary-sheltering.html

24. Studio D Concept
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2008/11/12/lifesaving-temporary-emergency-shelters-buildings/
• Studio D‘s concept for temporary shelters would give each person their own
living space and a place to keep their own possessions.
• The shelters use common materials and are simple to erect

25. Sphere by Felix Stark
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2008/11/12/lifesaving-temporary-emergency-shelters-buildings/
• Provides for not only
the basic physical
needs of disaster
victims, but the social
needs of displaces
people as well.
• The center of these
tents can be used as a
meeting place for
residents, while
individual units can be
used to maintain
privacy and personal
space.

26. SHRIMP (Sustainable Housing for Refugees via
Mass Production)
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2008/11/12/lifesaving-temporary-emergency-shelters-buildings/

27. +SHRIMP
• Each unit houses up to four people and can be assembled on-site
with only basic tools.
• Since the units can be set up on solid ground or float on six inflatable
pontoons, they are extremely versatile for different types of
situations.
• It is built of sustainable materials
• housing units are compact, durable structures that can fold up to fit
into 1/4 of a standard shipping container.
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2008/11/12/lifesaving-temporary-emergency-shelters-buildings/

28. Basic Housing Unit for Urban Natural Hazards
Reference Links: http://weburbanist.com/2008/11/12/lifesaving-temporary-emergency-shelters-buildings/
• The temporary
housing unit
incorporates a PV
film and inflatable
structure.

29. Conestoga Huts
Reference Links: http://www.opportunityvillageeugene.org/2012/12/the-conestoga-hut.html
• The 6 by 10 foot shelter can be built
for between $250 and $500
depending on the utilization of re-
used or donated materials.
• There are four components to a
Conestoga hut: a basic 6 by 10 foot
insulated floor, two solid, insulated
walls in the front and back, and a
metal wire roof that is curved to
connect to the long sides of the floor.
The roofing frame is then covered
with insulation and outdoor vinyl that
is attached to the base of the
structure.