The UNHCR’s annual Global Trends Report released in June 2019 shows that nearly 70.8 million people were displaced worldwide at the end of 2018 through war, violence, persecution and natural disasters globally. The report noted that overwhelmingly, it is developing countries that are most affected. Undoubtedly, for people caught in this unfortunate situation, safe weathertight dwellings will contribute substantially to reducing the trauma and making an extremely harrowing experience more bearable.

The very effective “speed-to-market” model of the BCI prefabricated, thermally efficient Modular Building System, with its in-built services and supporting off-grid sustainable infrastructure, is very well-suited to this type of temporary or permanent housing. An adapted version of our standard range of modules for raised (flood resistant) footings would be used specifically for this.

Where road access is interrupted or not readily available, the modules could be manufactured in smaller segments for delivery by all-terrain vehicles, aircraft or by helicopter, together with all the equipment, plant, power generators, supervisors and other trained personnel required for their rapid assembly.

The housing modules could be very quickly deployed along with other modules designed for associated administrative, food distribution, health and community functions, in a pre-designed optimal layout to facilitate vehicular and pedestrian circulation, building identification and wayfinding, general and emergency communication and access to on- site power, water and waste management facilities.