Solar-Equipped ‘iShacks’ Offer Cheap, Sustainable Housing in South Africa
November 26th, 2012 by 
South African researchers say they have developed a low-cost and sustainable housing alternative to the flimsy corrugated iron shacks found in the country’s growing settlements. Developed by an interdisciplinary at Stellenbosch University’s TsamaHUB center, the so-called iShack is insulated with inexpensive, natural materials such as mud and cardboard boxes and has a sloped roof for harvesting rainwater.
A photovoltaic cell on the roof provides the energy for motion-sensitive exterior lighting, interior lighting, and a cellphone charger. So far, a mother and her three children are living in a prototype iShack in Ekanini, an informal settlement of 8,000 residents in Cape Town that lacks access to electricity and an adequate water supply.
Project developers also taught six residents in the community how to install, maintain and fix the solar power system in hopes they can use the skills for future entrepreneurial ventures. The iShack is part of a major change in policy approach to South Africa’s housing crisis. Researchers hope to apply the iShack’s design and systems to upgrade informal settlements in other regions.
Article appearing courtesy Yale Environment 360.
photo: AllAfrica.com.
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Tags:  iShack Lighting Solar south africa sustainable housing | [ Permalink ] |
This is typical of SA – put hubcap on a donkey car and you present it as a Ferrari? Hellooooooo
It is so encouraging to see others doing something to help improve the lives of people who are in so much need. I also love that they have taught some individuals there how to install these structures because this means they now have skills to further their future. I believe so much that these people can have a great future. I work for a nonprofit in Africa that helps to provide children there with education they would otherwise not have access too. I know that if others reach out to help this country will be benefited greatly.