Kathryn Jane Luke

The Disaster Kit seeks to explore how can we better design permanent disaster response housing solutions to be sustainable, adaptable, humanistic and easy to assemble/repair whilst standing up to increasing extreme weather in pacific nations. The project draws inspiration from traditional Polynesian forms, originating in a united culture that spans over 800,000 sq miles and thousands of years. 

The Disaster Kit is a simple kit of parts that can be transported on the back of a small truck, constructed using simple hand tools and can be broken into three types of unit based on the fundamental human tãwharau (shelter) requirements. Social, sleep and wash units can be combined, mixed and matched, and opened up into one large space. The kit comprises of a folding base, swivelling walls/pegboard panels, bamboo poles, triangular panels, adjustable cane shading, and Hubs geodesic dome connector kit. This modular kit can also be added to with transparent photovoltaic panels, grow zones and other customisable options, offering the option for communities to become self-reliant. 

The Disaster Kit offers the option for locals to replace components if damage occurs, rather than undertaking larger construction jobs that often require highly skilled individuals. This helps the community to focus on what matters most to them post-disaster and allows them to remain geographically close to their whenua (land).