With the recent devastating Sichuan earthquake, this invention could not have come at a more appropriate time.

Yan Xiao, an expert in structural design and retrofit in the USC Viterbi School’s Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has devised a prototype bamboo quake relief house which he built in less than two weeks. The house adopted a modular design that can be adjusted according to specific family needs.

According to Xiao, the houses interior detailing is similar to the wood frame houses in North America, noting that the design conforms to current U.S. building codes requirements for quake resistance.

“The relief house contains two windows, fans and locations for LPG stove or bath unit, satisfying basic needs for shelter for a family of up to four,” he said.

A first batch of 20 units donated by Hunan University will be sent to the affected area soon. A Chinese newspaper, the China Press, wrote a story about Xiao’s work, leading to contributions for further units.

The cost per square meter of the units as manufactured in China and based on local material costs is about 350 to 500 RMB (US$50-$70)

Some advantages of these houses are as follows:

1. Insulated for heat and sound
2. Fireproof
3. Secure and durable
4. Inexpensive

Finally, the best part is that bamboo itself is a green and sustainable construction material, widely available in China and other Asian countries.

The Chinese government estimated that more than one million relief temporary housing units are needed in Sichuan.

A very practical and ingenious invention worth commending.

Via- ScienceDaily