The Ecoshelta is a modular building system designed by architect Stephen Sainsbury of Canberra, Australia. It comprises a system of corrugated aluminum panels over a timber frame, which enables the construction of buildings that can be scaled up or down, added to, and which are easy to assemble and disassemble, so they can be relocated easily, while also being robust and durable.
To achieve this, the Ecoshelta system draws on the latest technologies and design guidelines, while also striving to minimize the environmental impact of constructing these houses. They are perfectly suited to ecoturism, can be used as vacation homes and temporary housing. Though they could also easily be used as a permanent residence as well.
According to the architects, corrugated aluminum that is used to build these houses is one of the most sustainable building materials. They use marine grade structural aluminum alloy, which is half the weight of steel and five times as strong. This means that construction requires 75% less material compared to using steel and 90% less compared to using just timber. Also, the aluminum alloy they use is made of 15% recycled material while they also strive to use only alloy smelted by low impact energy sources (geothermal or Hydro). The cutting and welding systems they use are also low energy.
The metal panels are lined with EcoPly, which is plywood that is made out of certified plantation grown timber. The process boasts of low emission, and uses no glues or other harmful chemical additives and toxic preservatives.
The Ecoshelta structures are also cyclone and bushfire proof. There are various levels of bushfire resistance available, such as fire rated glazed highlights and doors, stainless steel screened fire shutters, fire rated cladding, fire rated decking systems, fire rated handrails and balustrading, as well as automated and manual fire protection sprinkler and roof irrigation systems.
All in all, Ecoshelta is a very sustainable modular building system, which is environment conscious from the ground up.
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