UNHCR and Ikea Release Flat-Pack Shelter

Millions of refugees are displaced by natural disasters, war, and poverty every year. Many reside in basic canvas tents that leave inhabitants cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Not only that, but with constant use, the tents only last for around six months - even though some refugees end up living in such accommodation for up to 12 years.

To mark World Refugee Day, the Ikea Foundation revealed a sustainable refugee shelter (flat-packed of course) with solar panels and a modular design to help enhance refugees' living conditions.

In association with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Swedish Refugee Housing Unit (RHU) the Dutch company's flat-pack house prototype is modular, and therefore simple to assemble and transport. Consisting of a metal frame of connectors and pipes with stiffening wires, it can support lightweight plastic panels for the roofs and walls.

Flat-Pack Shelter for the Future by The UN and Ikea

An aluminized shade reflects heat so the inside temperature is regulated - during the day the shelter is cooler, and at night it is warmer. Even more modern is the solar panel can power a USB and built-in light - certainly a shelter for the 21st century.

Ikea says the residence only takes four hours to build and is good for three years, providing better ventilation and security for its inhabitants. Initially, it will be trialled by Somali refugees based at Dollo Ado's UNHCR refugee camps in Ethiopia. Design improvement will be motivated by their feedback. Existing prototypes cost $10,000 to manufacture, but for mass production, it is hoped that this cost can be tethered down to less than $1,000.

Around the world, there are approximately 44 million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

But according to UNHCR Innovation Initiative leader, Olivier Delarue, during this period of personal upheaval, refugees and IDPs simply require a roof over their heads.

He said the Ikea Foundation has brought together the three establishments to share in each other's experiences and expertise to help create an improved home for refugee families.

"We would not have been able to do this without the Ikea Foundation's knowledge and investment," said Delarue.

Copyright: UNHCR Innovation/R. Nuri.