From dome-shaped dwellings to hexagonal homes and a mobile unit for homeless people, there are plenty of ingenious shelter designs that stretch our imaginations.
Some of these shelters have been used in space exploration, while others are still being tested here on Earth.
These designs could be the answer to our housing problems or they might simply inspire a new way to think about how we live.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The importance of shelter design in wilderness survival |
| Tips for building a shelter in the wilderness |
| The role of navigation in wilderness survival |
| Best practices for building a bug-out shelter |
| Design ideas and inspiration for building a shelter |
| Understanding the dangers of extreme weather conditions |
| Benefits of a community support system during times of loss |
| How to navigate using a map and compass |
| Materials commonly used in shelter construction |
| Ensuring your shelter can withstand extreme weather conditions |
Here’s a list of eight clever dwellings:
Dome-shaped dwellings
Dome-shaped dwellings are a type of structure that is used to house people. They are usually made of metal and plastic, and have a round roof and a circular wall.
Dome-shaped dwellings can be found in deserts or other dry areas, where they provide shelter from hot temperatures by keeping the heat out and keeping rain from leaking through the roof. This makes them ideal structures for these kinds of environments!
Navigation is an essential skill for anyone who plans to build a shelter in the wilderness. Our guide on expert tips for wilderness navigation can help you avoid getting lost in the wild and ensure you reach your destination with ease.
The Hex house
The Hex house was designed by the firm of CODA, and is a prefabricated home that can be assembled in less than a day.
It is made of steel and aluminum, with a solar panel on its roof. The modular design allows you to add on as needed, so you can grow your home as your family expands.
Hex House Features and Benefits
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Durable steel construction | Offers long-lasting protection in extreme weather conditions |
| Modular design | Customizable and scalable to meet individual needs |
| Solar power system | Provides renewable energy to support off-grid living |
| Water filtration system | Offers access to clean drinking water |
| Easy to assemble | Quick and easy setup for emergency situations |
| Multi-use design | Can be utilized as a temporary home, office, or shelter |
| Eco-friendly materials | Low environmental impact and sustainability focused |
| Cost-effective | Affordable option for those in need of shelter |
| Lightweight and portable | Easy to transport and move to different locations |
| Storm-resistant | Withstands hurricane-force winds up to 200mph |
This table provides a breakdown of the key features and benefits of the Hex House, a modular and sustainable emergency shelter designed for extreme weather conditions. It showcases the various benefits that the Hex House offers, such as durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. By highlighting these features, the table shows how the Hex House can be a valuable asset to anyone in need of shelter during emergency situations.
The Big Dig House
This house was designed by the Big Dig House Foundation, and is made up of two shipping containers one for living quarters and one for storage. The prototype house can be built in just a day by four people, who need only basic tools.
The Big Dig House is meant to be a model for affordable housing that could be used anywhere in the world where space is limited but demand is high.
The Big Dig House Features and Benefits
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| salvaged building materials from the Big Dig project | Offers sustainable, environmentally friendly design |
| 3,000-gallon rainwater collection system | Provides access to clean, free water |
| South-facing, triple-pane windows | Provides natural light and improves energy efficiency |
| Height-adjustable countertops and appliances | Makes it more comfortable for people of all heights to use |
| Green roof system | Improves air quality and insulation |
| Radiant floor heating and cooling system | Efficiently controls indoor temperature and improves air quality |
| Solar thermal panels and photovoltaic cells | Generates renewable energy to reduce reliance on traditional power sources |
| Modern design | Provides stylish and functional living space |
| Located near public transportation | Convenient access to public transportation |
| Energy Star appliances and high-efficiency lighting | Reduces energy usage and saves money on utilities |
The Tavanan Air Pillow
If you’re looking for an air-filled shelter that’s lightweight, easy to inflate, and can be set up in less than a minute, then the Tavanan Air Pillow might just fit the bill. It’s made of waterproof material and comes equipped with a built-in heater that can be powered by solar panels or batteries.
If you’re looking for shelter design inspiration, our article on amazing shelter transformations will leave you feeling inspired. From treehouses to igloos, you’ll have plenty of ideas to consider before building your own shelter.
The Iceberg Living Module
Imagine being able to pack up your entire home in the trunk of your car, then setting up camp anywhere you please. Well, this is what the Iceberg Living Module has done: it’s a prototype of a mobile shelter that can be transported by car or helicopter and then assembled on site.
When you’re done with it, the components can be easily disassembled and recycled into other things, making this an environmentally friendly option for anyone who wants to take their home with them wherever they go.
The idea behind the Iceberg design is simple—the modules are easy to transport and set up in any environment. They’re also self-sufficient and can function as a base for various activities that require minimal tools and supplies (think hunting or fishing).
The portable shelters are made from recyclable materials such as wood pulp mesh panels reinforced with fiberglass strands so they’ll last longer than other shelters while still being light enough not to inhibit mobility when transporting them around!
Iceberg Living Module Features and Benefits
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Invisible support system | Allows the building to appear to float above ground |
| High thermal insulation | Offers energy-efficient and comfortable living spaces in cold climates |
| Triple glazing | Provides noise reduction and improved energy efficiency |
| Light wells | Brings natural light into the building and creates a feeling of openness |
| Innovative mechanical systems | Provides efficient ventilation and heating |
| Water-saving fixtures | Helps conserve water and reduce overall environmental impact |
| Rooftop gardens | Creates additional green space and improves air quality |
| Energy-saving lighting | Reduces energy usage and long-term maintenance costs |
| Access to public transportation | Convenient location near public transportation |
| Eco-friendly materials | Low environmental impact and sustainability focused |
The Ecocapsule
The Ecocapsule is a tiny house on wheels that can be parked anywhere to provide shelter. It’s made of recyclable materials and is powered by solar panels, meaning it can be parked in remote areas for extended periods of time without needing to be connected to an outside power source. The Ecocapsule also features a composting toilet, shower, kitchenette and retractable roof so you don’t have to worry about weather conditions when you’re staying in your cozy home away from home.
Building a bug-out shelter can be a lifesaver during an emergency situation. Our guide on building the ultimate bug-out shelter provides all the necessary information you’ll need to create a safe and secure shelter for your family.
Dymaxion
Buckminster Fuller is one of the most famous designers in history, and he has a lot of impressive achievements to his name. One of his lesser-known projects was an experimental house called the Dymaxion.
The name comes from a type of geometric projection that renders three-dimensional objects in two dimensions, which allowed Fuller to explore new ways of building houses.
The Dymaxion was designed with prefabrication in mind—it was meant to be easy to build and low cost—and it’s possible that this design could have become mainstream if not for World War II.
The military used this technology during the war because it made it easier for them to quickly assemble new structures wherever they needed them. Afterward, however, interest in this kind of construction waned; we tend not think about how our houses were built after we move into them!
Actively Adaptable Shelter
The Actively Adaptable Shelter (AAS) is a prototype for a modular emergency shelter that can be used as an interim solution in areas hit by natural disasters.
The goal of this design is to provide immediate protection and support, while building capacity for self-sustainability over time.
The AAS system consists of four parts:
- The structural frame, which provides stability and strength;
- The panel module, which contains insulation and water-proofing materials;
- An optional sun-shade; and
- A folding bed that can be attached to either side of the structure
Extreme weather conditions can pose a serious threat to anyone in the wilderness. Learn about the best shelter designs for extreme weather and make sure your shelter can withstand whatever nature throws at it.
Zero Energy Shelter By John Tillman Lyle.
The Zero Energy Shelter by John Tillman Lyle is a prototype for a low-cost, portable home that’s designed to be built from recycled materials and without the need for any external energy source.
The entire structure is waterproofed with a mix of foam and hay bales, and it also features solar-powered water heating as well as an insulated sleeping area.
These elements translate into a home that uses zero fossil fuels or electricity the perfect solution for anyone who wants to live off-the-grid or simply save money on utilities.
The concept of designing houses out of recycled materials isn’t new; many modern houses are built using reclaimed wood and other materials that were previously discarded by industry.
But this design takes things one step further by building its walls out of foam insulation derived from old mattresses and couches (which would otherwise end up in landfills).
This reduces construction costs while simultaneously making use of existing waste streams in order to create something new out of what already exists.
This innovative approach has been applied not only within this particular house but also across various other projects around the world:
In addition to being used as part of an emergency shelter program in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew, it was also employed during construction on a sustainable community near Adelaide Australia known as “Cherry Tree Hollow.”
Prefabricated House From The Late 1800s Designed By Swedish Engineer Carl Westman
This cleverly designed house is made of wood and features a kitchen, bathroom and living room. It was designed to be built in less than a week, making it ideal for use by the homeless or other people who need shelter fast. It can also be transported by train a pretty impressive feat given its size!
This design is so ingenious because it cuts down on waste: the house is made from recycled materials like scrap metal and discarded pieces of furniture.
This makes it super easy to assemble; all you have to do is put together pre-cut wooden boards into an organized pattern according to step-by-step instructions included with your purchase order!
Building a shelter in the wilderness can be a daunting task, but our step-by-step guide to building a shelter in the wilderness breaks it down into easy-to-follow steps. From gathering materials to constructing the shelter, this guide has everything you need to succeed.
Mobile Unit For Homeless People Designed By Margot Krasojevic (Not Pictured)
Margot Krasojevic’s mobile unit for the homeless is self-sufficient and can be used to provide shelter for people who are homeless.
The unit has a solar panel, rainwater collection system, and a composting toilet. It also comes with an air conditioning system that will keep the temperature inside at 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit).
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that the designs we’ve covered are not just theoretical. They exist, they work and they can be built.
The designs featured here are but a few of the amazing ones out there and there have been many more in the past. So if you think about it, why should we settle for conventional housing when there are so many other options available?
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources related to shelter design and survival:
Designed to Last: Ten of the World’s Most Ingenious Buildings: This article showcases ten unique buildings from around the world that were built to stand the test of time.
New Underground Storm Shelter Design: This blog post introduces a new underground storm shelter design that can protect people from even the strongest storms.
10 Bomb Shelter Design Ideas & Inspiration: This article features ten unique bomb shelter design ideas and provides inspiration for those looking to create a safe and secure shelter.
FAQs
What is the importance of wilderness navigation when building a shelter?
Wilderness navigation is an essential skill when building a shelter in the wilderness. Without proper navigation skills, it is easy to get lost and struggle to find your way back to camp. By learning how to navigate using a map and compass, you can ensure you reach your destination with ease.
What are some common materials used in building shelters?
There are many materials that can be used to build a shelter in the wilderness, including branches, leaves, grass, moss, and bark. Other materials such as tarps, ropes, and sleeping bags can also be used to create a shelter.
What should I consider when building a bug-out shelter?
When building a bug-out shelter, it’s important to consider factors such as location, material availability, and safety. You should choose a location that is easily accessible but also offers protection from the elements. Materials should be readily available in the area, and the shelter itself should be built with safety in mind.
How can I ensure my shelter can withstand extreme weather conditions?
To ensure your shelter can withstand extreme weather conditions, you should choose a sturdy location and use materials that are durable and water-resistant. Make sure the shelter is properly constructed and can withstand heavy winds and rain.
What are the benefits of a community support system after experiencing loss?
A community support system can provide numerous benefits after experiencing loss, including emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. By surrounding yourself with people who understand and support you, you can find strength and comfort during a difficult time.
Hi! I’m Hellen James, and I am the founder of Unified Survival. I have a deep passion for the wilderness and everything that goes along with it. I’ve been hiking since I was a child, and I grew up camping in state parks all over the country. But it wasn’t until recently that I learned how to survive in the wilderness.