Imminent economic downturns, booming global population, heartbreaking wars tearing country after country, and environmental irregularities show that habitable spaces on our planet are dwindling fast. Martin Azua’s “Basic House” is a brilliant idea to alleviate the crisis, which uses a self-inflating shelter that can be blown into a two person tent while can be easily folded up and put into your pocket!
The lightweight tent-like structure offers a cozy low-impact shelter that is easy to set up, move and even repair, making it perfect to be used in disaster struck areas where the lack of shelter is a major issue. The tents are also a godsend for the war refugees who struggle to find a roof to their heads.
The Basic House is made from metallic polyester and is a tiny, self-inflating prefab home. The material is unique as upon heating from body temperature or the sun the flat sheet of material turns into an insulating layer that protects the inhabitants against the elements. During summers, the sheet can be turned inside out which then, reflects the sunlight and protects against the heat.
We have already seen some great shelter ideas to be made out of trash, but this particular design aims at curbing our runaway consumption and urging people to turn to more simple lives. The designer’s products have been featured at MoMA since 2007 and the Vitra Design Museum, and has the potential to help millions in need!
You can learn more about the foldable “house” from the video below!
