Project Name: Cube for Life
Project Type:
5) architecture
Project Mission/Goal:
3) respond to our growing need for clean water, power, shelter, healthcare, education
Project Description:
Cube for Life is a project that was born after the earthquake in Aquila city, Italy last April, but thanks to its humanitarian purpose it can be used in many areas in poor countries and particularly to meet the needs of increasingly frequent relocation of entire populations as a result of environmental disasters or armed conflicts.
Cube for Life is a single project that can be easily modified for multiple purposes. It is designed to be housing at first (in emergency cases) and later to be transformed into many other functions, such as retail, schools, or government buildings. It can also be used in regular areas thanks to its strong ecological orientation and qualities.
The Cube consists of partially prefabricated components and everything is modular (the modularity is based on mathematical relations). There is a bearing structure in prefab reinforced concrete and modular wood panels. The concrete structure can be easily transported by truck; if there is local labor force it can be built locally.
In the case study, modular wood panels were used to complete with insulation and plants of the firms DATAHOLZ (www.dataholz.com) and Lignotrend (www.lignotrend.it) - providing an example with tested materials in accordance with European standards.
It is possible to select the material depending on the climate and the place where the Cube is built and to change the type of material or insulation to make best use of the local materials. For example, the insulation could consist of sand, cellulose, glass fiber or wool from sheep. Inside the modular panels, all the plants are prearranged during the production phase. The connections between the various units are completed and the plants are tested during the assembly.
CUBE FOR LIFE is an eco-sustainable building. It includes the following principles:
• Smart design _easy shape and modular components
• Eco-materials _wood and local materials
• Energy efficiency _restriction of sunlight, photovoltaic generation, rooftop planting, HE heating equip.
• Water conservation _rainwater utilization system
• Healthy environment _ventilation and lighting control
The project still in the development phase but we think it has merit because the Cube:
• is easy to build
• is quick to build
• is a comfortable housing solution
• can be reusable/transformable
• can be relocated
• is eco-sustainable
• is calamity resistant
We believe the Cube for Life, using local materials and labor, can be a great solution for all people in emergency situations. Individuals can have not only a quick, sustainable, comfortable house but can also build by themselves a small city.
We did a presentation about our project October 9th in Santa Monica for the "California for l'Aquila Earthquake Fund" a no-profit organization (www.savelaquila.org). Cube for Life is an emerging project and we didn’t participate to any contest and we didn’t present the project to any organization yet.
http://www.suite101.com/blog/alinasandor/2009
www.dataholz.com
www.lignotrend.it
www.savelaquila.org
http://www.123people.it/ext/frm?ti=person%20finder&search_term=alessio%2...
Credit:
© Boards by: Elena Acefalo and Alessio Zampaglione
CC: License
Project Details: (Per project detail form)
Location: Italy
Concept/Lead Architect(s)/Designer(s): Alessio Zampaglione
Project Architect(s): Elena Magda Acefalo
Year (s): 2009
Client:
User Client:
Number of beneficiaries/users: It can be used in every area in poor countries and particularly to meet the needs of increasingly frequent relocation of entire populations as a result of environmental disasters or armed conflicts.
Project Phase:
Major Funding: not defined yet
Cost/Cost per unit:
Area (if applicable): from 1164 sq ft to 3492 sq ft
Structural Engineers:
Electrical/Mechanical Engineers:
Contractor/Manufacturer:
Additional Consultants:
Other:
Nominated by Elena Acefalo and Alessio Zampaglione
