Design and prototyping of a FRCC modular and climate responsive affordable housing system for underserved people in the pacific island nations

This paper outlines the process of design and prototyping of a modular housing system aimed at serving the needs of people in the Pacific island nations. Many people in these islands are economically challenged and live in sub-standard housing at low elevations, making them vulnerable to increased tropical storms brought about by climate change. A collaborative team comprised of architecture and engineering faculty and students is currently developing a system to address the need for improved housing in the Pacific islands based on the criteria of affordability, customizable design, thermal comfort, durability, sustainability, and local reproducibility. To best address the design criteria, the team reviewed indigenous building and tropical architecture literature, studied climactic factors, formed alternative design strategies, and selected the most promising for further development. A method of using precast fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FRCC) modular components was chosen, with a limited number of parts to lower unit cost. The assembly was designed to allow homeowners to participate in the construction process, and the house is adaptable by adding or reconfiguring modules. To provide thermal comfort, the design evolved to include shading overhangs, a narrow floor plate, porous walls, and a ridge vent for stack ventilation. Durability is addressed through structural design and material selection. The structure is designed to withstand anticipated hurricane and storm surge events. Local reproducibility is sought by using materials and methods of construction possible with moderate workforce training and minimal capitalization costs. A successful housing system for the Pacific Islands must address cultural, environmental, constructional, and structural factors, and therefore benefits from a collaborative design approach involving both architects and engineers. The proposed system as developed to date appears to be a promising solution to provide affordable, sustainable, and resilient housing for underserved people in the Pacific islands. Pending availability of funding, a first prototype house is slated for construction on a Pacific island site and evaluated for cost, thermal comfort, climate effect resistance, and occupant satisfaction. & 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.