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 solar/wind systems providing a completely autonomous solution.

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.

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