This past week I had the opportunity to connect with Bill Kastrinos of Tortoise Shell Homes who is also involved with Codding Steel in Rohnert Park, CA. Following the Haiti earthquake Codding and Bill have worked together to design these Rapid Deployment Structures and I had the privilege of seeing the first 12′ x 12′ prototype.
Codding is in the process of working with United Way to set up a way for people to donate directly for these structures for help in such places as Haiti and Chile. The current cost for this unit is around $5000. You can learn more by visiting the Codding’s Rapid Deployment Structures web site.
Codding’s Rapid Deployment Structures (RDS) provide the lightest, strongest, and safest materials able to withstand the harshest of elements.
- Constructed using light gauge steel for strength and durability
- Panelized floor, walls, and roof for quick assembly on-site
- Meets earthquake standards (based on California Codes)
- Meets Category 4 hurricane standards
- Simple to install in any urban or rural area
- Multiple shelters can be shipped in one 40’ cargo container
- Exterior and interior panels finished with durable non toxic materials
- Shelters are termite and mold resistant
- Codding RDS trained staff can provide field support (1 wk in project area for 100+ unit orders)
- Shelters can easily be converted to permanent homes
- 40′ shipping container includes everything needed for up to 4 units
- Prefabricated panels assembled with only small tools
- Single 10′ x 14′ unit takes 4 people 4 hours to complete
The units can be used as a single unit, a multiple or connected structure or setup as instant communities.
5 grand is steep. organizations like the Haitian Health Foundation involves Haitians in building their own homes for 600 bucks. http://bit.ly/ctvDP9
They’ve been doing it for a dozen years. I’ve seen other little cement block houses that survived the quake down there myself.
Perhaps we should just send cash, like Bush said.
God is good
jpu
i agree $5000 for what?