Photo courtesy Google images. Used for representative purposes only.
PORTACUBE
Temporary Street Shelter for the Homeless
There were times in my life when I've slept rough. I've also made amazing friends with rough sleepers through the Last Chance Cafe documentary. From these experiences, and seeing the prevalence of homelessness in New Zealand and Australia, I conceived this project as a means to provide temporary comfort to rough sleepers who either choose to function outside the current financial system, or most likely do so due to circumstances beyond their control. I'm looking to build a prototype and have a solar panel company on board.
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The Portacube™ is a simple temporary street shelter for rough sleepers or those stuck in transit. These shelters may come in two forms: as a fully portable structure, moveable by a single person (PortaBox™), or a stationary semi-permanent structure (PortaCube™). A smaller survival kit may also be designed and administered that includes essential items packed into a wheelie-bag (PortaKit™). The PortaCube™, PortaBox™ and PortaKit™ will be designed, produced and administered by HeavonEarth™ Enterprises (Not-For-Profit) in association with local homeless communities, Govt. and NGO agencies.
Each PortaCube™ will include the following features:
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An enclosed metal or fibre cube structure (2.5m3) with a doorway and ports for air ventilation (patterned on a clothing bin design)
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Insulated and fire-retardant interior cladding
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An in-built cot frame with permanent ultra-durable mattress (optional)
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An in-built solar panel on the roof connecting interior lighting and powerpoint
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Forklift holes and Hoist eyelets for ease of mobility
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Enough interior space for a single average-sized person to stand, lie down and store a trolley
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A lockable door (optional)
Each PortaBox™ will include the following features:
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A large portable wheelie-bag into which the box is packed
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A collapsible 2.5 x 1 x 1m box that folds out into a sleeping unit (patterned after a bivouac or swag)
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Durable and waterproof fire-resistant plastic or fibre cladding
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Insulated interior with durable bed roll and air ventilation
Each PortaKit™ will include the following features:
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A small portable wheelie-bag into which items are packed
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A sleeping bag and pillow
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A rain poncho, gloves and beanie
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A water flask, water and three-days food rations
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A toiletry kit, torch and whistle
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Transit and support services cards and information