N.A.K.A.
New Arrival Kit Assembly
A shelter assembly designed for displaced Syrians living in extreme winter conditions.
Winter 2017
14 WK Project
1.5 Million Syrians in Lebanon
1.5 Million Syrian Refugees have fled to Lebanon since 2011.
“Refugees state that the biggest challenge they face since coming to Lebanon is securing adequate accommodation for their families.”
-Norwegian Refugee Council
Lebanon
Syria
Syrian Refugees
The Situation
Syrian refugee families are given materials in order to construct their own homes. However, heavy winters in Lebanon limit these homes to a 3-6 month lifespan.
The Problem
The shelters being made for refugee families collapse with the heavy snowfalls during winter. The snowstorms end up cutting off mountain roads, isolating villages and worsening the situation.
The snow is causing the roof to cave.
Materials given to refugee families
12
3" X 3" Boards
19
2" X 4" Boards
15
1" X 4" Boards
10
Metal Connectors
10
4' X 8' Plywood
Hammer
Screwdriver
Hand Saw
5
13' X 12' UNHCR Tarps
400 pcs
Nail/Screws
Tools
Above is a New Arrival Kit from Medair, a humanitarian aid company. A New Arrival Kit is a set of materials and tools are provided to the Syrian refugees upon arrival in Lebanon.
N.A.K.A. Problem Solving
1. Weight of Snow
A triangular frame:
- Spreads any force out evenly
- Offers more base support than that of conventional building methods
- Uses less building material
2. Rain and Humidity
Cut the tarps into strips and tile them up the structure:
- limits the areas where water can collect
- the strips help to direct water off the roof
- acts as a way for the humidity to escape during the summer
3. Insulation
The shape is optimal for snow and wet conditions:
- the new shape allows for natural air movement inside the shelter
- uniform heating allows the shelter exterior to freeze and grow the insulation as more snow falls
Base Structure
1
2
4
3
16'
8'
How to build it
The NAKA structure looks complicated but is simple to assemble. First create 4 triangular panels, then raise them into a square and connect them at the top. Lastly, reinforce the connections with metal brackets, and that is the base structure.
Flat joinery
Sloped roof for catching snow
Strong door
header
Second floor
for warmth
The Structure
N.A.K.A.
New Arrival Kit Assembly
- Provides a safe environment for
the refugee families living in Lebanon
- A shelter designed to withstand
heavy snow fall
- Utilizes materials and tools that
are accessible
