jovoto / Lattice House / 'The $300 House' Challenge / $300 House

'The $300 House' Challenge

Lattice House

For every Lattice House sold, one will be given to a person or family in need.

Solution

The Lattice House is comprised of a lightweight, low cost, easy to assemble kit of parts. The flexibility of the system allows for regional and cultural adaptation while providing an entry point into home ownership for people living in developing nations.

Designed around a kit of parts that is readily available (both in developed and undeveloped nations), the Lattice House aims to create a system of building that over time can be added onto, personalized and take full advantage of local building resources. Additionally, due to its weight, it can be transported to places with minimal vehicular access. The house utilizes a simple barrel vault for both structural efficiency and to maximize space while reducing required materials.

Safety was of key concern during the design of the structure and was a primary reason for selecting a light weight wood lath system. Unlike masonry and earth formed structures, if the wood lath frame failed, it would likely cause little harm to the occupants and could be repaired with ease.

While altruistic in nature, Lattice House will be based on a for profit business model where a similar structure will be sold to consumers in the developed world to use as backyard shelters. For every Lattice House sold, a Lattice House will be donated to a person or family in need.

Comments

teigan

about 9 years ago

weeks ago, i suggested that ilines make her kamaboko shape house with tensioned wire. she didn't listen to me though. your wood lattice makes the frame more expensive since you'd need some regularity. safety isn't an issue because the tensioned cloth counterbalances the tension of the frame. if you need anchors, consider incorporating my free usage concrete mini pier design.

jeffgowner

about 9 years ago

Agreed, a tensile structure would definitely reduce costs. However, I see the wood lath frame being an enduring element that can be reused, refashioned and/or re-clad thus extending the lifespan of the structure.

Also, your conc. mini piers are an interesting idea. I've got a couple of ideas in that regard that I'll leave on your mini pier page.

nsonne

about 9 years ago

Well, the last picture seems a bit ironic when talking about housing the poor ;), however it seems like a really good approach! Also nice how you implemented access to water. I didn't quite understand though if we're talking about pre-fabrication or not? Does your cost estimate include everything already? Good work, kudos!

teigan

nsonne

about 9 years ago

he reused that image from the $300 car challenge.

jeffgowner

about 9 years ago

Thank you for the kind comments. I agree that the last image is a bit ironic. However, I believe if we can succeed in creating a shelter that a person living in suburban America wants to park their BMW under, then we will have succeeded in creating a shelter that brings dignity to the worlds poor, as well as reinforcing the legitimacy of the business model I am proposing.

Regarding the manufacture of this product, I foresee it being prefabricated in factories based in the regions where they will be used.

Chandrima

about 9 years ago

Very generous initiative. I absolutely adored the idea! :)

jeffgowner

Chandrima

about 9 years ago

Thank you for the kind comment.

bemarketing

about 9 years ago

This looks like a green house. Are you sure it won't be too hot inside.

jeffgowner

bemarketing

about 9 years ago

I would think both the door and window openings would provide enough natural ventilation to help keep things cool. Also, for sunnier climates it would probably be a good idea to utilize a high albedo roof material in order to minimize absorption of solar energy.

waivej

bemarketing

almost 9 years ago

In some ways I like that it looks like a structure we recognize. That means that it is an idea that has passed the test in other situations. Green houses are hot because they don't breath well and let a lot of sunlight in. People often use a similar structure at Burning Man with heavy fabric that makes them dark inside and they do fine.

I especially like the ground anchors because anchor it down and start the poles off in the right direction. Though you might need guy wires since a structure like this takes a side load of wind by flexing. Enough "cross" boards that anchor together might lessen it.

PStouter

almost 9 years ago

I always wonder if there's a way to use the water-proofing of a tarp and allow more covering of thatch or natural materials on top to extend the life/ soften the look. This is a naturally very strong shape. I think there might be significant resistance by users to living in a vaulted home. But hey, it's less confining than a dome.

jeffgowner

PStouter

almost 9 years ago

Definitely finding ways to extend the lifespan of the roof would be excellent. However, there are already many single-ply membranes that are currently used in construction that have lifespans that far exceed 20 years. While more expensive than tarps, these could be a good solution.

On another note, I could foresee the wood lath frame being thatched or covered with a multitude of other regional roofing materials other than a tarp. This would actually be the best outcome as it would integrate the lattice house with the regional building culture for which it is deployed in.

Thanks for the comment!