h7shelter

During my extensive tenure at UNICEF, I have gained profound insights into the intricate dynamics of education in the Global South. Education in these regions encompasses multifaceted dimensions, with its core focus on ensuring access to safe, inclusive, and adequate learning environments. This imperative becomes even more pronounced in post-disaster areas, where the disruption to education is immediate and profound.

Over time, the international community has tended to overlook the deficiencies of makeshift solutions, particularly the widespread use of tents as temporary learning spaces. Despite their historical acceptance, tents inherently fall short of providing an ideal learning environment. They pose significant safety hazards, discomfort, and risks to the health and well-being of students. In the aftermath of disasters, the necessity to rethink our approach to educational infrastructure becomes increasingly evident.

The aftermath of disasters underscores the urgency to address the limitations of traditional solutions. Tents, while serving as a quick fix, lack the security and comfort necessary for effective learning environments. They lack insulation against harsh weather conditions, are not firmly attached to the ground, compromise student safety, and hinder concentration and focus. Therefore, it is imperative to transition towards more sustainable and resilient educational infrastructure that prioritizes the holistic well-being of learners.

Enter H7shelter—a revolutionary response to the shortcomings of traditional solutions. H7shelter is not just a product; it is a comprehensive construction system designed to address the immediate need for child-friendly learning spaces, especially in challenging post-disaster scenarios. Unlike conventional structures, H7shelter goes beyond the limits of logistical constraints, offering a flexible and efficient solution that can be implemented anywhere, under any circumstances.

The distinctive feature of H7shelter lies in its adaptability and child-centric design. From the very first day of implementation, it provides an opportunity to establish learning spaces that prioritize the safety, well-being, and inclusivity of children. This goes beyond the conventional understanding of a mere shelter; it is a holistic approach to educational infrastructure that considers the unique needs and vulnerabilities of the young learners.

By acknowledging the shortcomings of tents and conventional solutions, H7shelter represents a paradigm shift in the way we approach educational spaces, especially in crisis-affected areas. Its construction system allows for rapid deployment, ensuring that children do not face prolonged disruptions to their education in the aftermath of disasters. Moreover, it challenges the notion that a temporary solution must compromise on safety, comfort, and overall quality.

Our solution caters to forcibly displaced communities worldwide, who, in the immediate aftermath of calamities or unrest, are urgently seeking safe, comfortable, and dignified shelter. Specifically, children benefit immensely, as our solution allows for the continuity of their education even in the most extreme scenarios.

With over two decades of collective experience in the humanitarian field, our team brings a depth of insight and understanding to our work. One of our co-founders has dedicated extensive efforts to collaborating with UNICEF in enhancing the accessibility of child-friendly learning spaces across diverse countries. Notably, he played a pivotal role in crafting the national standards for primary schools in Angola, underscoring our commitment to promoting quality education worldwide.

As a result of our hands-on involvement in these initiatives, we have developed a keen awareness of the technical, environmental, social, cultural, and operational challenges inherent in our field. This intimate knowledge allows us to navigate complexities effectively, ensuring that our solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the communities we serve.

We have dedicated significant efforts to engineering the system, resulting in the development of multiple functional prototypes. These prototypes have undergone rigorous indoor preliminary testing to ensure their effectiveness and reliability. Concurrently, we have actively engaged with several international humanitarian organizations, securing their endorsement and support for our project. Moreover, in June 2023, we had the privilege of presenting our project at the Global Shelter Meeting in Geneva, further solidifying our commitment to addressing critical humanitarian needs.

We are currently in the process of refining the system and preparing to launch a pilot production to be trialed in various contexts. As we embark on this journey, we recognize the unique nature of our project—it combines industrial innovation with highly sensitive social applications. Therefore, we are seeking support and mentoring to guide us in managing the business holistically. This includes assistance in navigating the complexities of its dual nature, refining the technical aspects to their final form, and securing the financial assistance required to run the piloting phase effectively.

Education in the global South extends beyond the mere provision of learning spaces; it encompasses a complex interplay of socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors. Drawing upon my extensive experience at UNICEF, I have come to understand that while education in these regions involves multifaceted dimensions, it fundamentally commences with ensuring access to secure, inclusive, and adequate learning environments. This imperative becomes even more pronounced in post-disaster areas, where the impact on education can be profound.

For too long, the international community has turned a blind eye to the inadequacies of makeshift solutions, particularly the prevalent use of tents as temporary learning spaces. Despite their historical acceptance, it is crucial to recognize that tents are far from ideal. They pose serious issues, being unsafe, uncomfortable, and detrimental to the health and well-being of students. In the aftermath of disasters, the urgency to reinvent our approach to educational infrastructure becomes apparent.

Enter H7shelter—a revolutionary response to the shortcomings of traditional solutions. H7shelter is not just a product; it is a comprehensive construction system designed to address the immediate need for child-friendly learning spaces, especially in challenging post-disaster scenarios. Unlike conventional structures, H7shelter goes beyond the limits of logistical constraints, offering a flexible and efficient solution that can be implemented anywhere, under any circumstances.

The distinctive feature of H7shelter lies in its adaptability and child-centric design. From the very first day of implementation, it provides an opportunity to establish learning spaces that prioritize the safety, well-being, and inclusivity of children. This goes beyond the conventional understanding of a mere shelter; it is a holistic approach to educational infrastructure that considers the unique needs and vulnerabilities of the young learners.

By acknowledging the shortcomings of tents and conventional solutions, H7shelter represents a paradigm shift in the way we approach educational spaces, especially in crisis-affected areas. Its construction system allows for rapid deployment, ensuring that children do not face prolonged disruptions to their education in the aftermath of disasters. Moreover, it challenges the notion that a temporary solution must compromise on safety, comfort, and overall quality.

H7shelter's emphasis on child-friendly spaces aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development, recognizing that education is not merely a physical structure but an environment that nurtures holistic growth. Beyond the immediate aftermath of disasters, this innovative approach to educational infrastructure has the potential to redefine standards globally, setting a precedent for constructing spaces that prioritize the well-being and development of students.

In conclusion, H7shelter emerges as a beacon of change, challenging the status quo of makeshift solutions for educational spaces in the global South. Its transformative construction system offers a tangible and sustainable way to address the pressing need for safe, inclusive, and adequate learning environments in post-disaster areas.

H7shelter emerges as a groundbreaking and revolutionary advancement in the domain of lightweight prefabricated buildings, representing a transformative game-changer in the field. This innovative construction system surpasses traditional methods by providing a versatile framework that caters to a wide range of specific needs, accommodating various claddings tailored to distinct climate conditions, cultural aesthetics, and geographical contexts.

At its core, the click-clack, off-the-shelf, low-tech mechanism stands out as a cornerstone feature, ensuring a swift and straightforward assembly process. This distinctive attribute eliminates the dependency on specialized tools or equipment, empowering individuals of any expertise, gender, or physical capacity to effortlessly raise a fully habitable structure within a matter of hours.

The flat-pack design of H7shelter is a standout feature that enhances its practicality, making transportation and storage exceptionally convenient. This portability ensures that the shelter system can be efficiently deployed to even the most remote and challenging locations. By covering the spatial needs of individuals and communities facing emergencies or extreme conditions, H7shelter becomes an indispensable solution for swift response and effective relief efforts.

What sets H7shelter apart is its adaptability to diverse requirements. The construction system accommodates various types of claddings, addressing the nuanced demands of different climates, cultural preferences, and geographical landscapes. This customization capability ensures that the shelters not only meet basic functionality but also align with the unique identities and preferences of the communities they serve. In doing so, H7shelter transcends the one-size-fits-all approach, recognizing the importance of tailoring solutions to specific contexts.

Our project is deeply committed to advancing education for sustainable development, aligning with SDG#4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. At the core of our mission is the enhancement of accessibility to education facilities while prioritizing the promotion of healthy lives among learners. By focusing on SDG#4, we recognize education as a fundamental catalyst for societal progress and sustainable development.

In pursuit of our mission, we intersect with targets outlined in SDG#11, addressing sustainable cities and communities. Through enhancing accessibility to education facilities, we contribute to creating inclusive urban environments where education is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background or geographical location. Our efforts align with fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban settlements, as envisioned in SDG#11.

Additionally, our project resonates with targets in SDG#9, which underscores the importance of building resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization. By investing in robust educational infrastructure, we contribute to creating resilient communities that can withstand and recover from adverse events, reaffirming the connection between disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

By addressing intersecting targets across SDGs #4, #11, and #9, our project embraces a holistic approach to sustainable development, recognizing the interconnectedness of societal and environmental dimensions. Education serves as a linchpin for progress across multiple SDGs, fostering social inclusion, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship.

Central to our initiative is the recognition of education as a transformative force capable of breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering gender equality, and promoting environmental sustainability. By increasing accessibility to education facilities, particularly in underserved communities, we empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a changing world.

Moreover, our commitment to promoting healthy lives underscores education's role in cultivating holistic well-being and nurturing healthy lifestyles. By creating safe and conducive learning environments, we facilitate academic achievement and promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being among learners.

Aligned with SDG#11, our efforts contribute to sustainable urban landscapes with inclusive education systems and resilient infrastructure. By investing in educational facilities that withstand environmental hazards, we fortify community resilience and enhance adaptive capacity.

Furthermore, our project embodies innovation and collaboration advocated in SDG#9, leveraging technology and partnerships to build resilient educational infrastructure meeting diverse population needs. Through collaboration with local communities and stakeholders, we foster a collective commitment to sustainable development and disaster risk reduction, amplifying our impact towards a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future.

In conclusion, our project's integration of SDGs #4, #11, and #9 underscores our commitment to promoting education for sustainable development while addressing broader societal challenges. By enhancing accessibility to education facilities, promoting healthy lives, and building resilient infrastructure, we lay the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient world.

The H7shelter project represents a groundbreaking innovation in shelter construction, rooted in a fusion of off-the-shelf principles and working ladder technology. This unique combination allows for the seamless integration of structural joints, hinges, and telescopic features, enabling swift assembly and adaptability to various environmental conditions.

Our design philosophy emphasizes the utilization of locally available materials, ensuring accessibility and sustainability. We employ cold bending techniques to shape low-thickness metal sheets, enhancing structural integrity while streamlining production processes. Additionally, we embrace sustainable materials like laminated timber and bamboo in rural settings, promoting durability and environmental consciousness.

In urban environments, we innovate with recycled PVC, leveraging extrusion and 3D printing for lightweight and versatile components. By repurposing waste materials and adopting advanced manufacturing techniques, we prioritize sustainability and circular economy principles in shelter construction.

The modularity of the H7shelter system allows for customization and adaptation to diverse needs and preferences. From rural villages to urban slums and post-disaster areas, communities can tailor shelters to local traditions and functional requirements, fostering resilience, self-reliance, and dignity.

Through collaborative partnerships with local artisans, builders, and organizations, we empower communities to take ownership of their living spaces. We strive to build capacity, transfer knowledge, and promote innovation, ensuring that sustainable shelter solutions are accessible to all.

The technological approach of H7shelter embodies innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. By leveraging off-the-shelf design and working ladder technology, coupled with locally available materials and advanced manufacturing, we create adaptable shelter systems meeting diverse community needs.

As we evolve and refine our approach, we remain committed to advancing sustainable development principles, resilience, and inclusivity. Our mission is to empower communities worldwide with sustainable shelter solutions, one shelter at a time.

• 2 full staff
• 3 part-time
• 2 interns

We also count with the indirect support of the Faculty of Architecture, Politecnico di Milan (Italy) and the Tranining Center of for Central Italy of the Italian Civil Protection.

more than 8 years now.

In our core team of four members, we are proud to have a gender-balanced composition, with two women contributing their expertise and leadership alongside their male counterparts. Additionally, our interns reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as both are women, with one hailing from a Middle Eastern country and the other from Latin America.

Given the unique nature of our business, which operates within the modular buildings industry while addressing profound social issues, we have adopted a profit-for-purpose business model. This model encompasses two primary facets: firstly, the establishment of a startup dedicated to developing the industrial component, and secondly, our organization's engagement with humanitarian entities. We reinvest a portion of our earnings to co-fund field engagements, enabling us to collaborate effectively with humanitarian organizations and further our mission-driven initiatives.

The system has garnered significant interest from key humanitarian organizations, and once we finalize the piloting phase and transition into the manufacturing stage, we are confident in our ability to secure our first orders. Additionally, we are planning to initiate parallel production, catering to the "tiny homes" market on a business-to-people (B2P) basis. This dual approach allows us to not only meet the needs of humanitarian efforts but also explore opportunities in other sectors, further expanding the reach and impact of our innovative system.