In 2010, Haiti was rocked by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. After the quake caused widespread devastation, a company called Sukup Manufacturing decided to step up and do something about it.
The result is the Safe T Home®, an unusual tiny domicile that looks like a short, galvanized steel silo.
These homes were built to last through anything. Each measures 18 feet in diameter. The 20 gauge corrugated galvanized steel has an estimated lifespan of 70 years, and requires no maintenance. The metal is resistant to pests such as termites as well as damage from moisture.
The Helm—2-Story Container Home close to Magnolia Market
Each home is large enough that 10 people can sleep inside. The double-roof system helps to disperse heat. A water collection system helps families in times of drought.
Interior lofts are a fascinating and smart design feature in Safe T Homes®, as they provide 50% more square footage to each house.
If desired, more than one Safe T Home® can be erected and conjoined together in order to create a larger structure for a family or community. Up to 10 can be shipped at once in a single standard container.
Also impressive is the way that these tiny houses can stand up to wind. Indeed, they have been put to the test, and have proven their mettle in the fact of extreme conditions. When Hurricane Matthew swept through Haiti in 2016, most of the conventionally-constructed dwellings in the region were completely devastated. By contrast, the 200 or so Safe T Homes® in the
same area survived the storm largely unscathed. As many as 60 people took shelter in each of the houses until the hurricane passed.
Anyone who wants to build a Safe T Home® can do so easily since the structures are prefabricated. Nothing more than the most basic hand tools is required for assembly. If a family lacks those tools, they can order them as an add-on with the house. Solar panels are also available for an additional fee, as is a charging outlet for cell phones.
Want to learn more about Safe T Homes®? You can watch a video tour here:
You can also visit the official site for Sukup here to read in more depth about Safe T Homes®.
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