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Emergency housing

Temporary Residential Units

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Temporary Residential Units, also known as TRUs are housing units developed to address an urgent need for accommodation. They may be constructed to accommodate people displaced as a result of natural disasters such as flooding or fires.

They are designed to be rapidly constructed, be affordable and provide shelter for periods of up to 1-2 years while more permanent accommodation is being developed. Once they have fulfilled their immediate need TRUs may be deconstructed for reuse in constructing TRUs elsewhere or their components and materials used in permanent housing.

Gauge has developed Temporary Residential Units called the BIBU (Building in a Box Unit). The BIBU consists of timber panels which are prefabricated and can be rapidly assembled to provide temporary housing.BIBU units can be packaged in box ready for assembly on site.

BIBUs has the following characteristics:

  • Manufactured from readily available components means that the units are low cost and can be constructed with basic hand tools.
  • Standard modular components can be transported in small trucks and bakkies enabling them to be constructed in difficult-to-access locations.
  • Timber and grown material component mean that the building has a very low environmental impact and creates local jobs in the forestry and associated industries.
  • Modular designs enable different arrangements, from 1-person to family units, to be constructed.
  • Designs can be localised to use locally available materials and skills.
  • Pad foundations and raised floors mean that the building can be built on slopes and there is a reduced risk of flooding.
  • The use of readily available fastenings and materials enables occupants to adapt and add to their housing to suit their needs.

BIBUs can be manufactured centrally and transported to areas where they are needed, or manufacturing sites can be established on or near sites where they are required. Manufacturing BIBUs near sites can be used to create local jobs and designs can be tailored to local needs and to use local materials and skills.

Please contact us if you would like a brochure on the system or have further queries.