Permanent Expandable Shelter in Bangladesh

Hi! My name is Ella, and I am a rising high school senior interested in pursuing architecture and environmental engineering. I wanted my project submission to reflect that. Let's get right into it!

Our world is changing rapidly, and countless communities cannot keep up with the changes, leaving them stranded and endlessly struggling to survive. My modular shelter aims to provide stability and permanence for one of these communities: the Kamarkhandan people of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is widely recognized to be one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, exemplified by climate change and the socio-economic situation of the country. Coastal and river delta communities of Bangladesh can be flooded daily in the monsoon season, and Sirajganj, a Bangladeshi district, is no exception. These floods create thousands of climate-displaced people, as ~28% of Bangladesh's population lives in the coastal areas of the country. According to a study by Abir and Xu, "Most of the villages in the affected sub-districts have been flooded by tidal saline water twice a day for the last 3 years."

My shelter will provide a shelter for the climate-displaced people in Bangladesh - one that is easily deliverable, easy to assemble, and resistant to the wet and humid conditions of Bangladesh.

Project Supplies:

1. Sketchbook
2. Revit 2025
3. Foam Core Board
4. Exacto Knife
5. Corrugated Cardboard
6. Opaque Plastic Styrene Sheet
7. Hot Glue Gun and Hot Glue Sticks
8. Ruler
9. Scissor
10. Acryllic Paints and Brushes

Real-World Implementation Materials:

Roofing

1. Corrugated metal sheets

Wall Layers (ordered from interior to exterior)

1. Woven Bamboo Mat
2. Polyethylene Film
3. Cork Board
4. Bamboo-Reinforced Composite Panel
5. Bitumen-Coated Fabric
6. Treated 'Moso' Bamboo Cladding
7. Rice Husk Ash

Flooring

1. Ecotile RE500/7 Recycled Floor Tile
2. Rammed Earth

The location I chose for deploying the shelter is Sirajganj, a district in north-central Bangladesh. It lies right beside the Jamuna River, one of the three major rivers of the country. The region is highly vulnerable to seasonal riverine flooding, which poses severe risks to the rural communities that live along the river. As the flood maps above show, the Jamuna River significantly affects districts such as Gaibandha, Bogra, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Tangail, and Sirajganj, with maximum inundation typically occurring in August. According to the study by MD Samsul Arefin, MD Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan, and Adib Ashhab Ankon, "The total floodplain area is about 9382 square kilometers," highlighting the sheer scale of flood exposure.

Additionally, worsening climate change has intensified flood patterns, making interventions such as mine increasingly urgent. Sirajganj, with its recurring flooding and densely populated floodplain settlements, is well-suited for a solution that can be quickly deployed in times of disaster and withstand riverine flood conditions.

(The full report by MD Samsul Arefin, MD Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan, and Adib Ashhab Ankon is attached below.)

Before starting the project, I outlined the various aspects I needed to consider to provide an effective and pleasant living space. As the shelter will provide a permanent home to people in times of emergency, it should be comfortable, safe, and affordable. Below are the considerations listed:

1. Materials Used
2. Cost
3. Durability
4. Sustainability
5. Environmental Impact (consider biodegradability)
6. Aesthetics

1. Assembly
2. Weight
3. Time to assemble
4. Ease of assembly

1. Function
2. Effectiveness against natural opponents (rising sea levels, cyclones, river erosion)
3. Barrier against natural elements (rain, wind, heat waves)
4. Electricity and water need to stay as valid options during these events
5. Functionality as a living space (one room/multiple rooms), potential addition of electricity, privacy (visual and sound), integration of household appliances, water stability (access to clean water, saltwater intrusion), cleanliness (reduce spread of infectious diseases)

1. Culture
2. How does it fit into the wider cultural context of Bangladesh?
3. Are there any religious/culture/region-specific elements that are often incorporated in homes in Bangladesh that should also be included in the project?
4. Will people choose to live in these modules? How is it better than the current traditional relief units already available in Bangladesh?

These considerations will be fully addressed throughout the project and in my reflection at the end of this Instructable.

Starting this project, I took into account the various considerations listed before and sketched out a rough plan of the living quarters, hygienic area, and overall community layout.

My sketch included the basic structure and expanded structure, as well as a community layout and functions of the bathroom.

The walls of the structure have to be not only structurally sound but also weather resistant, moisture resistant, and insulating.

Again, listed below is each layer of a wall, ordered from interior to exterior:

1. Woven Bamboo Mat
2. Interior Finish - Provides aesthetic appeal and comfort
3. Polyethylene Film
4. Vapor Barrier - Prevents condensation and excess moisture
5. Cork Board
6. Insulation - Traps heat and prevents it from escaping
7. Bamboo-Reinforced Composite Panel
8. Structural Core Panel
9. Primary structural wall - Carries roof weight, and lateral loads (wind, storm surges)
10. Environmental Barrier - Acts as the first line of defense against flooding, cyclonic winds, heat, and humidity
11. Bitumen-Coated Fabric
12. Waterproof Membrane - Seals the unit from storm surges or monsoon rains
13. Treated Bamboo Cladding
14. Exterior Cladding - Storm protection and aesthetic appeal
15. Cladding can be bought from companies like 'MOSO', which specifically engineers their products for longevity in outdoor environments.
16. Rice Husk Ash
17. Final Surface Coat - When rice husk ash is mixed with lime, it can be used as a waterproofing layer
18. Rice husk ash can be obtained locally in Bangladesh. Rice mills are extremely abundant in Bangladesh, with most located by main roads and highways to allow for easy transport of goods. However, this results in rice husk ash, the byproduct of burning rice husk in rice mills, being dumped onto highways, farmlands, and open spaces near residential areas. By utilizing rice husk ash as a building material, we can not only increase the lifespan of each structure but also reduce pollution and hazards in public spaces in Bangladesh.

I created a wall in Revit with each of these layers and their specific properties. This is the wall that I will be using for the model of the structure.

Shown above is also a visual sample of the exterior wall cladding and interior wall.

Attached below is a copy of the sheet I created displaying the wall in Revit, as well as a study on the utilization of rice husk ash as a building material.

The flooring will consist of two parts:

1. The Foundation
2. The Interior Flooring

The foundation will be 2 feet tall and made up of rammed earth. This elevated level is essential for preventing flooding in the houses. The utilization of rammed earth and mud is a familiar construction method for many Bangladeshi people, and is commonly used in many residences and shops.

Rammed earth is created by compacting a mixture of earth, sand, gravel, silt, and clay into a frame, which is then removed after the earth is rammed. Traditionally, this technique is used to create walls, but I will be utilizing it to create the elevated foundation for each structure.

Sitting on top of the foundation level is the actual structure and interior flooring. The interior flooring will utilize recycled plastic flooring, which provides many benefits.

1. Water Resistant (does not rot, swell, or mold, and is non-porous)
2. Hygienic (easy to clean --> disease prevention)
3. Lightweight (allows for easy transport and construction)
4. Cost Effective (easy to produce; easy to replace if damaged)

A potential company that could supply the flooring is Ecotile, which creates sustainable, recycled floor tiles, specifically their RE500/7 Recycled Floor Tile. The tile is an interlocking tile with a T-Joint connection, which means easy installation, and it requires no adhesives to be installed on the floor below it.

The roofing will be composed of corrugated metal sheets. The ridges of the sheets will allow for precipitation to run off and prevent leakages, while also staying resistant against extreme weather and wind conditions.

Now, it was finally time to transfer my ideas to Revit.

In Revit, I created the basic structure with my premade walls, roofing, and flooring set.

The basic model consists of just one room, with enough space to accommodate 2-4 people.

The expanded model consists of two rooms, with enough space to accommodate 4-6 people.

Shown above are examples of different layouts the shelter could have. Furniture will not be supplied with the shelter, for cost efficiency and personalization, but will ideally be available through partnerships with relief organizations and outside funding.

The community will utilize a shared restroom system. Two buildings will be allocated for restrooms: one for women and one for men.

1. Toilet: There will be eight toilet stalls per building. The toilets will utilize a squatting toilet, a traditional and commonly used design in many Asian countries, including Bangladesh.
2. Shower: There will be six shower stalls per building. Each shower stall will include a large container for the shower, a shower head, and a shower draining system. Hot water can be accessed from a system of solar water heaters located outside the building (pictured above).
3. Water: In addition to the containers located in each shower stall, an external system of containers will be installed outside each building, providing extra water storage. Water can be refilled from nearby water sources..

The structure of the building was constructed with the same walls, roofing, and flooring that the houses used.

Additionally, I added skylights to create more natural light in the bathrooms, reducing the need for electricity during the daytime.

Shown above is an example of the top view of a community layout.

Houses will be arranged on the top (and sides, depending on the layout), and shared spaces such as hygienic facilities and green spaces will be arranged in the middle. The shared green space will provide ample space for members of the community to congregate, hold prayer sessions, spend quality time with families, and hold public events.

To make a realistic model of my shelter, I utilized foam core boards, corrugated cardboard, and plastic styrene sheets. The model was made according to a 1:16 scale.

First, I retrieved all of the measurements of my shelter from Revit and converted them according to the 1:16 scale. Then, after careful drafting and measurements on the foam core, I used an Exacto knife to cut out each individual piece. The foundation and walls were both made out of foam core.

For the roofing, I cut slits into pieces of corrugated cardboard, following the pattern of the material. This created the effect of the ridges seen on corrugated metal sheets. Flooring was also made with corrugated cardboard, but no further cutting was involved after the initial cutout of its shape.

Finally, sections were cut out of the foam core walls and replaced with cut-out plastic styrene sheets to create windows. Additional sections were cut out for doors, but one side of each frame was not completely cut to mimic the hinges of a door.

After all of the parts were created, I painted the roofing and flooring with acrylic paint and used hot glue as the adhesive to hold my model together.

Below, I've addressed the considerations I listed out originally when starting the project.

Function

Effectiveness against natural opponents, Barrier against natural elements (rain, wind, heat waves)

1. To combat natural opponents such as rising sea levels, cyclones, and river erosion, I have implemented three layers of protection:
2. Raised foundation for all buildings: The utilization of raised rammed earth under each structure prevents floodwaters from getting into the buildings.
3. Moisture-resistant walls and flooring prevent moisture and precipitation from leaking into the structure, providing a safe and dry living environment.
4. Corrugated metal roofing allows water to run off and prevents leaks into the structures.

Functionality as a living space, potential addition of electricity, privacy, integration of household appliances, water stability, cleanliness

1. I have maximized the shelter's functionality as a living space, while keeping it cost-effective.
2. The space is functional as a living space, as ensured by its effectiveness against natural opponents and elements.
3. Electricity is generated through solar panels located on the roof of each housing unit. This can generate enough electricity for each household's usage (household appliances, lighting), and also provides a sustainable source of energy.
4. While there is an option for two rooms, privacy can also be maintained in the single room unit through the usage of privacy dividers to easily create one's own space.
5. Water stability can be addressed outside of each shelter. Well infrastructure can be created where there are nearby aquifers to create a sustainable and reliable source of water.
6. Cleanliness can easily be maintained in the shelter. The flooring is made of recycled plastic tiles, which are easily cleanable and do not harbor bacteria. The interior walls are made with a woven bamboo mat material, which is also easily cleanable.

Culture

How does it fit into the wider cultural context of Bangladesh?

1. I have incorporated the usage of bamboo as a material in the interiors of all the buildings. Bamboo is a local material in Bangladesh, and its use can bring a sense of home and comfort to refugees.

Are there any religious/culture/region-specific elements that are often incorporated in homes in Bangladesh that should also be included in the project?

1. I have incorporated squatting toilets in each toilet stall, replacing traditional Western toilets with which we are more familiar. In many asian countries - including Bangladesh - squatting toilets are more commonly seen, and the incorporation of them will bring a sense of familiarity to the refugees.

Will people choose to live in these modules? How is it better than the current traditional relief units already available in Bangladesh?

1. I believe that my design is better than the current housing provided for displaced Bangladeshi citizens. Here's why:
2. My design utilizes climate-resistant materials, such as MOSO Bamboo Cladding and EcoTile, while the current designs utilize mostly brick or tin.
3. My design is expandable, providing options for different families' living situations.
4. My community layout provides a public green space that can act as an event venue for cultural or religious events. Most of the current communities lack this, resulting in low morale or crowded conditions.

While I've tried my best to accommodate and provide realistic solutions for my project's context as a whole, there are still some aspects that I have not fully thought out:

1. Access to consistently clean water: The people living in this community will be relying on natural sources, such as aquifers or freshwater sources, which may become polluted. Additionally, wells can be installed in the community to provide water, but these sources are not a permanent solution.
2. Access to consistent electricity: Electricity will be supplied by solar panels on many of the buildings, but in the case of technical failure or inability to generate solar energy, there is no backup solution. Batteries and backup generators could be used to supplement the photovoltaic panels, but it is not a permanent solution.
3. Speed of deployment and assembly: I have not fully calculated the speed of deployment and assembly required for each structure. However, I have utilized some of the lightest, efficient, and effective materials throughout the project, and specialized materials such as floor tiles from Ecotile to ensure speedy assembly.

However, I believe that if my solution were to be implemented in real life, it would not be difficult to fix the listed issues.

My final renderings are shown above, as well as a walkthrough video of an example community I created, which could accommodate the people of Bangladesh.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my Instructable!

This shelter took me a total of 4 months to brainstorm, design, and bring to life. There was a learning curve for me, as the first two months were spent almost entirely on extensive research on topics I had never encountered before, such as climate resilience, moisture-resistant materials, and, of course, the climate displacement crisis in Bangladesh. I took time to fully understand the full extent of the crisis, what dangers and risks people faced, and what methods were already being implemented to help refugees adapt to their environment.

I enjoyed every step of the process, and it is satisfying being able to see my renderings and have a physical, tangible model, which I had never independently created before. While I have had experience in model building using foam core, it was under the guidance and supervision of industry professionals and professors. This project was my first time independently creating a model, and I faced some difficulty with measurements (converting to the right scale), connecting the pieces (creating 45-degree angles to connect my walls), and brainstorming which materials would be the most fitting and cost-efficient. I am content with my model, although there are things to be improved, such as gaps between foam core pieces where my inexperienced hand holding an Exacto knife went off course, and the lack of furniture.

This entire project was a huge undertaking, and I was definitely intimidated by the idea of it at the start of my process. There were so many factors that I had to take into account, and I felt overwhelmed by the seriousness of the crisis affecting real people in Bangladesh. However, I am glad I persevered to the end, as it allowed me to demonstrate my skills and apply my knowledge to a real-life scenario.

Thank you again for reading!