The idea is that reused hemp sacks, in this case animal feed bags, are sewn together to form a dome-shaped structure. Then a series of “Life Elements” can be plugged onto the structure. The functions of these elements offer the potential of a doorway, a window, a cooking facility, sanitation and storage. Two doorway “Life Elements” can be connected to create a corridor between two ‘inflated’ spaces allowing for growth of the structure.

The construction is separated into prefabricated elements that can be assembled off-site or by a local cottage industry and “build-up process” at the site. The separation of the production process allows for a higher production rate and the elimination of the need for use of electricity at the construction site.

The sewn hemp creates a skin that is brought to the site and interconnected with plastice ties. They are also attached to the “Life Elements”, with a maximum of eight per structure. Workers then stuff hemp structure with inflated air-bags or balloons. Once filled plastic ties between the hemp panels are tightened in increase the air pressure and the entire structure is dampened. Morter is sprayed or covered over the form to create a thin concrete shell, much like a papier-mâché model. When covering the outer shell with mortar, inner pressure from the airbags provides the hemp dome with enough strength without using any additional construction devices such as an air-compressor or wooden supports.

Once the mortar has dried teams then cut out excess hemp inside the life elements and let the bags out, which can be deflated for reuse. Internally you mortar and plaster the interior walls, creating a water-proof and thermal insulated shell. The housing unit can easily be combined with other units to create larger living space that adequately meet the need of the residents.

The cost of the original full size prototype, minus labor costs, was approximately $8000 and including extra material for experimentation and a trial run. With input and advice from UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) Japan and the Peace Winds Japan (a Japanese NGO) the team has gone onto make four more prototypes with modifications.

The team believes that adaptability as one of the main characteristics of the design. “we want to offer a transitional house that can be built easily, swiftly and inexpensively with local materials by anybody without special training. Since our model is highly flexible, it can be modified to other building types, such as schools or hospitals.”

Architecture is supposed to provide shelter. In early 1999, nowhere was the need for shelter more critical than in the war-torn region of Kosovo. Hundreds of thousands were without a place to live. Their homes in ruins and the infrastructure of the region collapsed, the returning population needed immediate and highly-dispersed temporary housing.


Architecture for Humanity hosted an open competition to design five-year transitional housing for the returning people of Kosovo. The competition's goal was to foster the development of housing methods that would relieve suffering and speed the transition back to a normal way of life. Architects and designers from 30 different countries responded. We received more than 200 designs. From these, a jury selected 10 finalists and 20 notable entries. This proposal from Technocraft was one of those 10 finalists.

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