EX HOUSE There are natural and man-made catastrophic ... · PDF filebamboo kitchen cabinets...

E X H O U S E A R C H I T E C T S F O R S O C I E T Y

Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedA Dignified Living Solution

There are natural and man-made catastrophic events affecting the living conditions of large population groups. With

the prevalence of population displacement across the globe Architects For Society has embarked on designing

building solutions for them that are both dignified and cost effective. As a group of allied professionals from the US,

Europe, India and the Middle East, AFS is a non-profit design practice with a mission to enhance the built environment

of disadvantaged communities through innovative architecture and design.

Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights Reserved


Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedFive Unit Clusters


AFS collaborated with Chalmers University in Gothenburg, Sweden to develop a rapidly deployable shelter prototype

for Syrian refugees in Alzaatari Camp in Jordan. This was the impetus for developing the Hex House prototype, which

is based on the insulated metal panel technology that’s widely used in emergency shelter construction in the camp.


Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedRadial Grid Cluster & Central Plaza


The Hex House is conceived as a low cost, off-grid, rapidly deployable, and durable home which is shipped in pieces

and assembled by the end users. It can easily be erected by people with no prior construction expertise with minimal

instruction. The basic building components are galvanized tube steel for the base, structural insulated metal panel for

walls, floor and roof and can be customized with conventional interior and exterior finishes.


Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedA scalable building solution



Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedCommunity Living


The house is designed for displaced populations such as refugees, natural/ man-made disaster emergency shelters

and off the grid living. With passive and low tech features and durability of exterior shell and base, it can endure ex-

tended occupancy form 15 to 20 years. Most of all the flexibility of the system affords the end user the ability to per-

sonalize their living spaces both inside and out.



A co-housing solution facilitates neighborhood interaction for socioeconomic benefits. These neighborhoods are de-

signed for privacy as well as community. Residents balance privacy and community by choosing their own level of

engagement. Decision making is participatory and often based on consensus. Self-management empowers residents,

builds community, and saves money. The community supports residents in actualizing shared values.

COMMUNITY CENTER

CENTRAL PLAZA

COMMUNITY FARM

102 UNITS

92 UNITS

88UNITS

97 UNITS

68 UNITS

58UNITS

75UNITS

30UNITS


HEX HOUSE COLLECTIVETEMPLEHOF PARK, BERLIN

CENTRAL PLAZA + COMMUNITY CENTER BUILDING

TEMPLEHOF HEX COLLECTIVE



TENSILE FABRIC CANOPY

TIMBER PLATFORM

METAL CHAIN DOWNSPOUT

CENTRAL COURTYARD STEEL COLUMN

SITE SECTION

The community center allows for space and material savings for the outer houses, which in turn increases sustainabil-

ity. Shared resources elevate all individuals to the same level and prevent poverty. Populations of high risk such as the

elderly and children are protected by the community. Maintenance of the community center is shared by all residents

where they can take turns providing needed services such as child care, coordination of activities, gardening, tutoring,

etc.

Clusters of Hex Houses are arranged around a community center or plaza to form a cohe-

sive community by providing exterior and interior space for a range of activities:

• Shared cooking and meals in a well equipped kitchen

• Shared childcare for working parents

• Shared pantry

• Communal event celebrations and holidays

• Computer room

• Public market

COMMUNITY CENTER

HEX HOUSE COLLECTIVETEMPLEHOF PARK, BERLIN



Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedInterior Finishes

Interior Comfort

The interior spaces are designed with all the modern convenienc-

es and are finished with simple, functional and elegant finishes.

Gypsum walls, bamboo plank floors, ceramic tile bathroom floors,

bamboo kitchen cabinets and solid surface kitchen counters.

Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedCopyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights Reserved

GYPSUM WALLS OR PAINTED METAL FINISH

CERAMIC TILE FLOORS (WC)

BAMBOO KITCHEN CABINETS

SOLID SURFACE COUNTER

BAMBOO PLANK FLOORS


Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedBedrooms



Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedLiving Room, Kitchen & Bathroom




Structural Form

Relative to the cube the hexagonal form is inher-

ently more structurally stable without added struc-

ture.

Urban Planning Flexibility

Whether linear or radial, these clusters can be oriented

to allow for accessible drives and pedestrian walkways.

Circulation

Pedestrian access is through shared green space and

4M passages between clusters. Vehicle circulation is

through 8M corridors between clusters.

Radial ClusterUrban Grid

NEIGHBORHOOD PLAZA

CENTRAL PLAZA

COMMUNITY CENTER

Shared Green Space

The 40 SM hexagonal plan can be combined into

various combinations of clusters that enclose shared

green space.

Generative Clustering

A co-housing solution that facilitates neighborhood interaction for

socioeconomic benefits. Designed for privacy and community, the

residents find balance by choosing their level of engagement.

Hex House Collective

FORM + URBAN PLANNING

9 m²

BEDROOM

9 m²

BEDROOM

8 m²

LIVINGROOM

4 m²WC

5 m²KITCHEN

4

7

1 : 501 LEVEL 1


Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedSingle Unit Plan + Section

The 40 SM (431 SF) unit is a compact two bedroom home with all the ameni-

ties intended for small families. Interior walls are not attached to the ceiling

to accommodate customization of layout and provide natural ventilation.

FLOOR PLAN

1:50

VENTILATION SHAFTS

PORCH

SHOWERFOLD OUT

DINING TABLE

GRADE0.00

ROOF3850.00

2900

950

LEVEL 1950.00

RAIN GUTTER

ROOF VENT

INSULATED STEEL ROOF PANELS

SOLAR PANELS

INSULATED STEEL WALL PANEL W/ CE-MENT RENDER FINISH

GALVANIZED STRUC-TURAL TUBE STEEL BASE

WOOD FLOOR, PLY-WOOD, INSULATED STEEL PANEL

ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT, GALVA-NIZED STEEL LEGS

CONCRETE POST FOUNDATION

STEEL POST

RAIN WATER PIPE

WOOD PLANK FLOOR & STAIR TREADS

RAIN WATER FILTER & STORAGE TANK

RAIN WATER SUPPLY PIPE

POTABLE WATER TANK

OPTIONAL SKYLIGHT

SECTION

1:50

PORCH

S.I.P. CANOPY

Building Components The walls, roof and floor are fabricated from rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two sheets of steel known as Structural Insu-

lated Panel (SIP). All exterior wall panels have the same dimension 3M (9’-10”) x 4M (13’-2”) with some variations for door and win-

dow openings. The roof and floor panel sizes are also standardized, insuring efficiency in fabrication, packing and transportation.

Two Bedroom Unit 40 SM (431 SF)

REF.

W

REF.

W

18 m²

BEDROOM

6 m²WC

10 m²

LIVINGROOM

9 m²

BEDROOM

9 m²

BEDROOM

6 m²KITCHEN

7 m²

DININGAREA

12 m²

BEDROOM

6 m²WC

11 m²

LIVINGROOM

15 m²

BEDROOM

12 m²

BEDROOM

5 m²

DININGROOM

2 HEX UNITS - 100SM TOTAL B_3 BED RM SHELTER2 HEX UNITS - 100SM TOTAL

A_3 BED RM SHELTER

6 m²KITCHEN

1 : 501 GRADE - DOUBLE UNITS

REF.

W

REF.

W

18 m²

BEDROOM

6 m²WC

10 m²

LIVINGROOM

9 m²

BEDROOM

9 m²

BEDROOM

6 m²KITCHEN

7 m²

DININGAREA

12 m²

BEDROOM

6 m²WC

11 m²

LIVINGROOM

15 m²

BEDROOM

12 m²

BEDROOM

5 m²

DININGROOM

2 HEX UNITS - 100SM TOTAL B_3 BED RM SHELTER2 HEX UNITS - 100SM TOTAL

A_3 BED RM SHELTER

6 m²KITCHEN

1 : 501 GRADE - DOUBLE UNITS


Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedDouble Unit Options

Three or Four Bedroom Unit - 80 SM (861 SF)Two units can be combined into one larger ‘double’ unit of 80 SM (862 SF)

to accommodate larger families. This combination can accommodate 3 or

four bedrooms. With an emphasis on flexibility and customization, there

are many interior planning possibilities.

FLOOR PLAN

1:50

FLOOR PLAN

1:50


Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights ReservedSustainable + Passive Features

Passive cooling & Solar Panels There are two ventilation shafts on opposite sides of the house. Air is diverted by op-

erable baffles into floor openings, travels up the shaft and out through registers in the

space. The air then moves up though the space via the stack effect and is allowed to

circulate above interior walls and out through an operable exhaust vent. Solar panels

provide supplementary power for lighting and small electronics. The hexagonal roof al-

lows for optimal solar panel placement, with three surfaces oriented for maximum solar

incidence as the sun moves across the sky.

Rain Water Harvesting

Rain water is carried through an integrated gutter and down a downspout sys-

tem. It ’s filtered into a sub-grade storage tank where it ’s manually pumped

back into the house by point of use hand pumps to be used for washing and

flushing. There is also a refillable potable water storage tank below grade that ’s

also manually pumped. Both tanks are insulated by earth’s natural thermal ca-

pacity and sheltered by the house itself.

OPERABLE FLOOR VENTS & WIND CATCHES

BELOW GRADE RAIN WATER STORAGE TANK

BELOW GRADE POTABLE WATER STORAGE TANK

WATER PUMPED TO UNIT

GUTTERS

RAIN LEADER

DRAINAGE PATTERN

INSULATED VENTILATION SHAFT

SUPPLY REGISTERS

EXHAUST VENT

120.00°

150.0015.00

ANCHOR PLATE

ADJUSTABLE LEG

LOCK BOLT

HOLLOW STRUCTURAL STEEL TUBES

CONCRETE FOUNDATION



Wall Panel Assembly Each 150mm (6") thick Structural Insulated metal

wall, roof & floor panel is locked together using a

built-in locking joint. The panels are self-support-

ing, precluding additional structure. The exterior

walls can then be clad with cement render (stucco),

wood cladding, or other materials using mechanical

fasteners. The 150mm (6") panel has a U-value of

.054 (R18.5).

Foundation Assembly Walls are supported on a hexagonal steel frame with

six perimeter and one center support. The height

adjustable supports are anchored to concrete pier

foundations. The steel members are connected with

bolts through pre-drilled holes. The floor panels are

fixed on top and span the horizontal supports.

INTERIOR STEEL SHELL

EXTERIOR STEEL SHELL

120

150 (6")15 (5/8")

JOINT SEALANT

METAL MESH

CEMENT RENDER (STUCCO)

RIGID INSULATION

PACKING AND TRANSPORT

The simple construction method facilitates full assembly by the

inhabitants, using simple tools and a little training. All the com-

ponents are designed to be packed and shipped flat in conven-

tional transport trailer. The average capacity of one trailer can

accommodate three units.

ROOF COMPONENTS

INTERIOR COMPONENTS

PORCH COMPONENTS

EXTERIOR COMPONENTS

FLOOR COMPONENTS

1 UNIT = 56 CBM (2,000 CF)

TRUCK CAPACITY = 172 CBM (6,082 CF) = 3 UNITS

FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

Assembly + Transport

UP

A1007

A100

A100

A100

8

6

5

10 m²

BEDROOM

10 m²

BEDROOM

10 m²

LIVINGROOM

5 m²WC

5 m²KITCHEN 42

50

500

1170

910

1170

500

2

1

3

4

56

78

9

A1115

585910

2125 2125

10

1380

580

A1007

A100

A100

A100

8

6

5

2

1

3

4

56

78

9

10

3606

10.0

10.0

GRADE0

ROOF BEARING - LOW3610

1900

800

910

FLOOR LEVEL910

A1113

14 910

2

1

3

4

56

78

9

A1111

A1124

101200

102

150

1380

3606

3606

4163 4163

3606

GRADE0


FLOOR LEVEL910

GRADE0


FLOOR LEVEL910

1 49 10

GRADE0


FLOOR LEVEL910

14 9

800

10

2700

910

GRADE0


FLOOR LEVEL910

2700

800

PROJECT NO:DRAWN BY:CHECKED BY:

OWNER:

SHEET TITLE

COPYRIGHT:

PROJECT ARCHITECT:PROJECT MANAGER:

CONSULTANT:

SEAL:

PROJECT STATUS:

NOT

FOR

CONS

TRUC

TIO

N

ARCHITECTS FOR SOCIETYAMRO SALLAM, AIA, NCARB

9/7/

2016

7:3

3:21

PM

A100

PLANS

ProjectNumber

Hex House

Checker

AFS

Issue DateProject Status

1 : 501 FLOOR PLAN 1 : 502 ROOF PLAN

1 : 503 SECTION

1 : 504 BASE FRAMING PLAN

1 : 505 SOUTH ELEVATION 1 : 506 WEST ELEVATION

1 : 507 EAST ELEVATION

1 : 508 NORTH ELEVATION

A R C H I T E C T S F O R S O C I E T Y

w w w . a r c h i t e c t s f o r s o c i e t y . o r g Copyright © 2016 AFS PSC. All Rights Reserved

1

Hex House

A rapidly deployable, dignified home Current temporary refugee shelters are beset with a number of social,

economic, and cultural problems; displaced populations live in conditions that

are uncomfortable, unsanitary, and inhumane—very often for extended

periods of time. We, Architects for Society (AFS) in response to these

conditions, have created housing solutions for displaced individuals and

families that are long-term, dignified, and can be easily integrated into the

urban fabric of large cities. We present one such solution—the Hex House.

We are a group of allied professionals from the North America, Europe and

the Middle East who came together to establish a global non-profit design

practice in 2015 with a mission to enhance the built environment of

disadvantaged communities through affordable, innovative architecture and

design. We recently worked with Chalmers University in Gothenburg, Sweden

to develop a rapidly deployable shelter prototype for Syrian refugees in

Alzaatari Camp in Jordan. This collaboration was the impetus for developing

the Hex House prototype which is also conceived as a sustainable, rapidly

deployable shelter based on an insulated metal panel technology that is low

cost, can be shipped flat-pack to a suitable site, and easily assembled by the

end-user.

A Democratic Housing System The Hex House is a revolutionary system by which home design and

ownership is made economically and physically accessible to the general

public and those who otherwise couldn’t afford it. By streamlining the



2

construction processes to its bare essentials, and allowing the end-users to

build their own homes using well designed, prefabricated elements, a

substantial cost savings can be realized.

The system also allows the inhabitants to be part of the design process by

giving them the power to compose the prefabbed components into custom

modular spaces. This not only further reduces the process and the associated

time & money, it also gives them a sense of ownership. The home’s ability be

easily modified with minimal disruption gives families the capacity to expand

their space over time, as they grow. Adding sustainable features like solar

panels, passive cooling, rainwater harvesting and biogas toilets give families

more independence and operational savings.

Urban and architectural design Our Hex House project concept addresses a need for refugee and disaster

relief housing, but more importantly, it creates communities. The goal is to

create an environment that supports interaction and exchange of ideas and

treats all members of the community with dignity and respect. Our site

planning layout shows how the 40 square meter hexagonal plan can be

combined into various combinations of clusters to create shared gardens and

gathering spaces within as well as in-between these arrangements. These

green spaces reminiscent of courtyards and urban gardens, promote social

interaction between residents and their life as a community.

Hex House clusters because of their flexibility, will easily adapt to urban and

suburban sites of various configurations. Whether linear or radial, these

clusters can be oriented to allow for accessible drives and pedestrian

walkways for internal movement as well as forming connections with the



3

surrounding city which are essential for integrating displaced communities

into society.

Hex House Collective: promoting community

The Hex House Collective is a cohousing solution that facilitates

neighborhood interaction for socioeconomic benefits. These neighborhoods are designed for privacy as well as community. Residents balance privacy

and community by choosing their own level of engagement. Decision making

is participatory and often based on consensus. Self-management empowers

residents, builds community, and saves money. The community supports

residents in actualizing shared values.

Clusters of Hex Houses are arranged around a central communal house to

form a cohesive community. This Communal House provides space for a

range of activities:

• Shared cooking and meals in a well equipped kitchen • Shared childcare for working parents

• Shared pantry • Communal event celebrations and holidays

• Computer room • Public market

The communal house allows for space and material savings on the outer

houses, which in turn increases sustainability. Shared resources elevate all

individuals to the same level and prevent poverty. Populations of high risk

such as the elderly and children are protected by the community.

Maintenance of the main house is made by all residents where they can take



4

turns providing needed services such as child care, coordination of activities,

gardening, tutoring, etc.

Usage: An adaptable solution The Hex House is designed to be an adaptable, scalable solution which can

be rapidly deployed by government and relief agencies as well as erected by

end-users and volunteers with no prior construction expertise and minimal

training and instruction. It is also dignified and comfortable, with typical home

amenities designed for displaced populations. With passive and low tech

features and durability of exterior shell and base, it can endure extended

occupancy for 15 to 20 years. These features make the Hex House suitable

for both long-term or short-term housing solutions. The flexibility of the

system, most of all, gives the end-users an ability to personalize their living

spaces both inside and out. Units can easily be arranged next to one another

in desired patterns, joined and share walls for enhanced thermal

performance, or also be combined to form larger units described below:

Two Bedroom Units:

The 40 SM unit is a compact two-bedroom home with all the amenities

intended for small families. Interior walls are not attached to the ceiling to

accommodate customization of layout and provide natural ventilation.

3-4 Bedroom Units:

Two units can be combined into one larger ‘double’ unit of 80 SM to

accommodate larger families. This combination can accommodate three or

four bedrooms. With an emphasis on flexibility and customization, there are

many interior planning possibilities.



5

Construction The inherent structural stability of the hexagonal form and the rigid

construction of Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) preclude the use of added

structural support. The wall and roof panels are designed to be self-

supporting and when locked together with integral locking joints, form a rigid

structural shell. The basic building components are galvanized tube steel for

the base, structural insulated metal panel for walls, floor and roof and can be

customized with conventional interior and exterior finishes.

Building Components:

The walls, roof and floor are fabricated from rigid foam insulation sandwiched

between two sheets of steel known as Structural Insulated Panel (SIP). All

exterior wall panels have the same dimension 3M x 4M with some variations

for door and window openings. The roof and floor panel sizes are also

standardized, insuring efficiency in fabrication, packing and transportation.

Wall Panel Assembly:

Each 150mm thick insulated metal wall/ roof panel is locked together using a

built-in locking joint. The panels are designed to be self-supporting and don't

require additional structure. The exterior walls can be clad with cement

render (stucco), wood cladding, or other materials using typical mechanical

fasteners. The 150mm panel has a U-value of .054 (R18.5). Foundation Assembly:

The walls are supported on a hexagonal steel frame with six perimeters and

one center support. The supports are height-adjustable to allow leveling the



6

house on uneven terrain. The structural steel base members are connected

with steel bolts through predrilled holes. The floor panels are then fixed on

top and span from one horizontal support to the other.

Interior Finishes:

The interior spaces are designed with all the modern conveniences and are

finished with simple, functional and elegant finishes. Gypsum walls, bamboo

plank floors, ceramic tile bathroom floors, bamboo kitchen cabinets and solid

surface kitchen counters.

Sustainable strategies Rainwater harvesting:

Rainwater is carried through an integrated gutter and downspout system. It is

filtered into a sub-grade storage tank from where it is manually or electrically

pumped back into the house by hand pumps to be used for washing and

flushing. There is also a refillable potable water storage tank below grade that

is also pumped into the unit. Both tanks are insulated by earth’s natural

thermal capacity and sheltered by the house itself.

Passive Cooling & Solar Panels:

There are two ventilation shafts on opposite sides of the house. Air is

diverted by operable baffles in floor openings, travels up the shaft and out

through registers in the space. The air then moves up though the space via

the stack effect and is allowed to circulate above interior walls and out

through an operable exhaust vent. Solar panels provide supplementary power

for lighting and small electronics. The hexagonal roof allows for optimal solar

panel placement, with three surfaces oriented for maximum solar incidence as

the sun moves across the sky.



7

Packing and transport:

The simple construction method of the Hex House facilitates full assembly by

the inhabitants, using simple tools and a little training. All the components are

designed to be packed and shipped flat in a conventional transport trailer.

The average capacity of one trailer can easily accommodate three units.

To read more about Architects For Society and the HEX HOUSE project, and /or help

fund us to reach our goal, please click here gofund.me/g7bdy.

https://www.gofundme.com/g7bdy

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