ISOphonix in cooperation with ArteCOOP present the ISOform Hexome sustainable shelter and modular housing solution, using an new emission free Structural Insulated Panel (SIP).

The ISOform Hexome is modular format for housing and shelter using a natural honeycomb design principal. The basic building material is the ISOphonix SIP, built into ISOform Hex units. These units are then combined and stacked in any number of ways to form shelters, houses, communal buildings, even entire communities and towns.

The ISOform Hex unit has been designed specifically for application within third world countries to enhance general living standards, and to provide a mechanism for fast deployment in times of emergency, war and natural disasters; lightweight flat-pack design, modular implementation, ease of construction, cost, re-use and re-location are of primary concern.

ISOforms are earthquake-proof, bullet-proof, water-proof, and heat-proof (i.e. reflects the suns heat during the day, and retains heat during the night). The expected life-span is anticipated to be in excess of 60 years depending on treatment, utlisation and environmental conditions.

ISOphonix SIPs meet all current international standards and ecological initiatives, including the the Kyoto and Montreal Protocols; no Ozone Depleting Potential, no Global Warming Potential. They are pre-fabricated and factory engineered prior to distribution and can be constructed in a matter of hours or days (depending on scale) by easily trained construction workers. The lightweight design, and modular construction allows for easy re-use and re-location, ideal for temporary and semi-permanent encampments.

The modular Hex format promotes re-use and community living, whilst providing significant economies through shared walling and resources (water + electricity) when grouped into small communities and village configurations.

The basic ISOform Hex unit has a 7.2m diameter footprint, with options for access doorways and various window configurations. The modular design allows the ISOform to be increased in size by addition of more SIP panels, or by grouping into larger complex structures. ISOforms can also be stacked upto four stories high where real estate is at a premium.

The roof design acts as a water collection reservoir that feeds into an optional bio-water purification system and storage tank. Electricity can be provided with the addition of the SunHopes Helium Filled Photovoltaic Arrays by Geotecura or other solar/wind systems providing a completely autonomous solution.

For information and enquiries please contact david.carry@artecoop.net or call David Carry on +972 (0) 54 231 9641.

ISOphonix in cooperation with tSUBO Design and the ArteCOOP present the ISOform Shelter using its eco-sustainable Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs) technology.

ISOphonix SIPs are an in-expensive, eco-sustainable, and durable building technology, utlising a sandwich of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and a Polyurothane core (PUR).

The ISOform Shelter is earthquake-proof, bullet-proof, water-proof, and heat-proof (i.e. reflects the suns heat during the day, and retains heat during the night). The expected life-span is anticipated to be around 15 years depending on re-utlisation and weather conditions.

ISOform Shelters are pre-fabricated and factory engineered prior to distribution, and can be constructed in a matter of hours by easily trained construction workers. The lightweight design, and modular construction allows for easy re-use and re-location, ideal for temporary and semi-permanent encampments.

The ISOform Shelter has been produced by the ArteCOOP in collaboration with ISOphonix, specifically in response to requests from the British Embassy in Israel to devise an inexpensive housing and shelter solution for the Palestinian refugees in the Gaza and the West Bank. Subsequent to initial talks the ISOform Shelter will be presented to UNRWA as a potential solution for mass production and distribution.

UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) is a relief and human development agency, providing education, healthcare, social services and emergency aid to over 4.4 million refugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab republic.

For information and enquiries please contact david.carry@artecoop.net or call David Carry on +972 (0) 54 231 9641.

In a call to the challenging competition held by Arup and WaterAid to improve the access to safe water for billion people we suggested the integration of existing ideas and technologies through sustainable guiding principles.

The WatAir design will simply produce water from the air. WatAir should bring Change and Hope with its simple and efficient approach! We looked at the spider web and the water on leafs for inspiration. Our water web is a social design inspired by nature through its symbiotic relationship both with nature and rural dwellings and can be easily deployed within the eccentric environments as well as deployment on rooftops in dense cities. Minimal footprint of the device on the ground together with vertical and diagonal design will increase collecting area via gravitation and will save space on the ground for other activities such as: Shading for outdoors activities, playground for children etc. The shading canopy will prevent vaporization while protecting from rain and heat the people beneath. Parachuting capabilities to remote and isolated communities increase transportation efficiency and gives greater freedom, saves time and improves productivity.

The compact lightweight packing can be installed easily via its flexibility in the spatial arrangement through different layouts and even folding option during day time. Optional PV elastic panels can produce clean & free energy along side the dew and rain collection in order to supply all the energy needed for the other basic necessities.

In order to increase public’s awareness to the problem and to the possible solutions we used simplicity as our design process. Our design should be with in reach for all people around the world. Our architectural background helped us to see beyond the technological solution and to give more functions and deeper meanings to it all.

The WatAir has humanitarian aspects, education potential and sheltering capabilities. In order to make safe water an accessible reality worldwide we had to take into consideration minimal cost for the manufacturing of the product, easy and quick deployment in remote places, practical solution that will also work as environmental regenerator and as educational icon.

By printing logos and advertisements on the canvas sheets it will be easy to convince potential sponsors to pay for the manufacturing and the shipment cost of the products. Local art and literature will make it a culture event. The design has minimal special demands. It is low tec and low cost and in fact can be even produced with local means.

Designer Name:
Joseph Cory + Eyal Malka . Geotectura

Link:
www.geotectura.com

Awards:
1st prize in the Drawing Water Challenge Competition

The i-rise manifests an ecological approach that is far removed from the romantic attitude of the common single family house. The i-rise is an experiment of both practical and theoretical level transforming the single family house from its traditional horizontal land wasting state into a vertical state which is much more economical and ecological.

The footprint of the new residential structure is only 5 meters by 7.5 meters. The re-configuration of the house holds great potential in reducing existing social, economical and technological gaps. The construction of the i-rise is significantly cheaper and faster, due to industrial prefabrication of the structure, easy transportation options, and a quick building process. People will be able to inhabit the i-rise in several weeks.

The process of “planting” the building in the foundations is very similar to the process of planting a tree, and does not require extended infrastructure preparations. It is just as easy to uproot the construction in order to recycle it or to move it into a new location.

The Brain Unit functions as a heat isolated hanging roof and contain other systems such as a simple solar system, utilizing 3-D pyramidal panels that expand the active surface area of the unit, thus achieving maximum exposure to the sun. Energy utilization through simple and easily-sustainable technologies on the one hand, and energy saving through built-in recycling systems on the other hand are all basic necessities in the sustainable era and should not be luxuries and expensive elements.

By bringing the ecological awareness to the majority of the people we will be able to make a positive impact on our planet. Frederick Kiesler once said that:

“The answer is not in the comforts of technology… The answer lies beyond the idea of function. As we can see around us, the whole idea of function is in constant evolution, and I think it is the duty of the architect to foresee, to plan, to forefeel his way toward the future in order to be planning properly for today.”

Designer Name:
Joseph Cory + Eyal Malka . Geotectura
Links:
www.geotectura.com

Awards:

• 3rd prize in the International Shinkenchiku Residential Design Competition, Japan, 2005
• 1st prize in the Project of the Year Award (Conceptual projects category), Israel, 2006
• Runner-up in the Metropolis Next Generation Award, USA, 2007

Although Bamboo is usually associated with traditional building style the Bamboo Diamond prototype is a modern interpretation combining the traditional benefits of this ecological material together with the sustainable needs of today.

These are the leading principles of the design:

Structural Integrity:
Skeleton infrastructure of structural bamboo straps & lattice joists
Bamboo poles in a spatial arrangement for strength & stability
Optional reinforced brace panels
Simple girded layout

Material & Technology:
Cost effective materials
Prefabricated construction
CAD into CUT & numbered process effectiveness
Fast structural & cladding installation
Individual aesthetics adjustments on the site
Modulated system panels with different functions & colors
Double layer inner wallboard for fire protection
Insulation & acoustic layer + air gap layer
Dual glazed windows + sliding louvers

Function Flexibility:
One or two story building (120 sq.m. for up to 8 visitors)
Multiuse functionality (Family/Resort/Hybrid)
Can be attached to other Bamboo Diamonds
Different floor plan options & façade arrangements
Livable roof garden on top of the structure
Affordable investment

Ecological Responsibility:
Minimal site impact via minimal footprint on the ground
Adjustable panels according to climate & orientation
Indoor air quality through climate regulators
Passive ventilation & proprietary ventilators
Vertical and horizontal wind shafts
Sun and rain shading canopy
Natural daylight is manifested in the entire space
Organic vegetables garden using rain accumulation

Energy Concerns:
Self sufficient house
Off-the-grid electrical system
PV panels with maximum sun exposure on the roof
Passive solar gain panels for thermal storage
Wind turbine

Designer Name:
Joseph Cory

Link:
www.geotectura.com

The term sustainable development goes beyond the boundaries of science, business development and trade, to include human development, values, and differences in cultures. In fact, many organizations are referring to sustainable human development as opposed to sustainable development in order to emphasize issues such as the importance of gender equality, participation in decision-making processes, and access to education and health.

Cities have become the focal points of these components as major consumers and distributors of goods and services. However, many cities tend to be large consumers of goods and services, while draining resources out of external regions that they depend on. As a result of increasing consumption of resources, and growing dependencies on trade, the ecological impact of cities extends beyond their geographic locations. It has been recognized that the concept of sustainable development is an evolving, debatable term. This article gives you an overview of how sustainable (urban) development is defined by the Artecoop and how it is defined by different organizations in different geographical regions.

The most widely known definition of sustainable development comes from the Brundtland Commission, which defined sustainable development as

“development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Rees, William E. and Roseland, Mark. 1991. Sustainable Communities: Planning for the 21st Century. Plan Canada. 31: 3. 15.

During the preparatory meetings for the URBAN21 Conference (Berlin, July 2000) the following definition was developed to define sustainable urban development:

“Improving the quality of life in a city, including ecological, cultural, political, institutional, social and economic components without leaving a burden on the future generations. A burden which is the result of a reduced natural capital and an excessive local debt. Our aim is that the flow principle, that is based on an equilibrium of material and energy and also financial input/output, plays a crucial role in all future decisions upon the development of urban areas.”

However, there are many more definitions out there. Let’s look at a few:

“Sustainable community development is the ability to make development choices which respect the relationship between the three “E’s”-economy, ecology, and equity:

* Economy - Economic activity should serve the common good, be self-renewing, and build local assets and self-reliance.
* Ecology - Human are part of nature, nature has limits, and communities are responsible for protecting and building natural assets.
* Equity - The opportunity for full participation in all activities, benefits, and decision-making of a society.”

Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED): Hart Environmental Data

“A sustainable community is one in which improvement in the quality of human life is achieved in harmony with improving and maintaining the health of ecological systems; and where a healthy economy’s industrial base supports the quality of both human and ecological systems.”
Indigo development

“A sustainable community uses its resources to meet current needs while ensuring that adequate resources are available for future generations. It seeks improved public health and a better quality of life for all its residents by limiting waste, preventing pollution, maximizing conservation and promoting efficiency, and developing local resources to revitalize the local economy.”
Concern, Inc. (1993)

“Sustainable communities are defined as towns and cities that have taken steps to remain healthy over the long term. Sustainable communities have a strong sense of place. They have a vision that is embraced and actively promoted by all of the key sectors of society, including businesses, disadvantaged groups, environmentalists, civic associations, government agencies, and religious organizations. They are places that build on their assets and dare to be innovative. These communities value healthy ecosystems, use resources efficiently, and actively seek to retain and enhance a locally based economy. There is a pervasive volunteer spirit that is rewarded by concrete results. Partnerships between and among government, the business sector, and nonprofit organizations are common. Public debate in these communities is engaging, inclusive, and constructive. Unlike traditional community development approaches, sustainability strategies emphasize: the whole community (instead of just disadvantaged neighborhoods); ecosystem protection; meaningful and broad-based citizen participation; and economic self-reliance.”
Institute for Sustainable Communities

“A community that believes today’s growth must not be achieved at tomorrow’s expense.”
Governor’s Commission for a Sustainable South Florida, initial report, October 1995

“… the deliberate effort to ensure that community development not only enhances the local economy, but also the local environment and quality of life.”
Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development
Florida Sustainable Communities Center