earth lander provides low cost, efficient housing for those in need

earth lander provides low cost, efficient housing for those in need 

the ‘earth lander’ is an attempt to provide an economical solution for those in need by combining ready-made items with architectural thinking. an affordable, effective homeless shelter; the form uses inter-connected umbrellas to create a geodesic dome. the design is efficient spatially and thermally, and the objects create a structurally secure water and wind-resistant skin. air-filled garbage bags and a space blanket lining help to insulate and retain heat resulting in an internal space that is completely protected and sealed from exterior conditions.

prototype: experimenting with geometry and structure

the structure uses umbrellas to create a geodesic dome 

a bottom section is connected to the dome by solder and hinged along an aluminium cylinder

hinging motion can be done by one person

space blanket insulation and inflatable window 

umbrella handles anchor the bottom cushion to the ground

the umbrellas were altered, but retain their structural integrity 

an ‘earth-lander’ inhabitant looks out of an inflatable window

construction process and connection between umbrellas 

creating inflatable windows

orthographic drawing of the project

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