pre-fab mamelodi pod provides off-the-grid housing in africa
all images courtesy of architecture for a change
johannesburg-based design firm architecture for a change (AFAC) has completed a prototype for an off-the-grid mamelodi pod in south africa, slated to become accomodations for members of a soccer club. while most of the region is necessarily living outside the transmission grid and urban infrastucture, the mamelodi pod seeks to elevate the base living conditions of the wide-spread informal settlements in south africa, reportedly numbering 2,700 according to dirk coester, director of AFAC. in lieu of zinc shacks, members of the club can now rest in an insulated tilt-up space, designed to fit two bunk beds. the whole home is flat-packed after off-site assembly and shipped to the community in need of the structure. apart from a concrete base, the home can be assembled by 3 people in less than a day.
pods are assembled off-site, flatpacked and transported to a desired location
image © architecture for a change
view of a connected water tank
image © architecture for a change
image © architecture for a change
the temporary spaces are a transitional housing solution
image © architecture for a change
zinc panels are insulation with a special thin material
image © architecture for a change
interior view
image © architecture for a change
pods are assembled off-site, flatpacked and transported to a desired location
image © architecture for a change
[h/t] gizmodo
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Looks like a good idea, but I would’ve added a larger window opposite the doorway, and an additional window above the door to allow for hot air to escape from the highest point during the warmer months. Otherwise, anyone in those top bunks is going to cook.
too hot too cold and the winds will have them tumbling across the veld…nice try..back to the drawing board.
Back to the future of the zinkpondok –
very innovative– and it will make the pipel really feel at home
Even with a reflective material and insulation in the walls, isn’t this pod going to turn into an oven in the middle of the day?
Looks solid and well built, but I’m just imagining it turning into a sauna under the noon-time sun… looks like the there are some gaps between the roof structure and tops of the walls, which would help.
nice idea but could it not have a clear perspex roof section or larger window? A bit claustrophobic for me.