Lounge
March 17, 2015
Ex-Container Project: Homes for Disaster Victims That Last
Durable Housing for Disaster Victims
EX-CONTAINER PROJECT
Architect Yasutaka Yoshimura has launched the "EX-CONTAINER PROJECT." Leveraging expertise in designing hotel room units from container standards, this initiative aims to create housing for disaster victims by adapting shipping container specifications.
Text by OPENERS
A New Concept in Container Housing
Approximately one month has passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. While some have begun moving into temporary housing, the majority of victims are still enduring harsh living conditions in evacuation centers. Various initiatives are supporting disaster-stricken areas with diverse ideas for shelter, including architect Shigeru Ban's efforts to partition spaces in evacuation centers using curtains hung from paper poles. This project, however, aims to provide residences with performance comparable to permanent structures.
The residences will not use shipping containers themselves but will be constructed according to their standards. Three types are envisioned: containers placed side-by-side, stacked two-high to form a two-story dwelling, and all will include a washbasin, bath, toilet, kitchen, and living space.
Temporary housing in disaster areas typically has a usage limit of two years. However, these mobile container-type dwellings are designed for habitation beyond two years and can be repurposed as permanent structures. This makes them more cost-efficient than conventional options. The construction cost for typical temporary housing is around 3 million yen per unit, with an additional monthly cost of over 120,000 yen for removal after two years. While this project also targets a construction cost of 3 million yen per unit, it aims for more affordable and efficient housing support by enabling use beyond two years, as well as repurposing and reuse as permanent structures. Furthermore, all assembly takes place in a factory, requiring only installation on-site, which streamlines the construction process and contributes to cost efficiency.
The project is currently seeking donations through its website. All design work is being carried out on a volunteer basis.
EX-CONTAINER PROJECT
Yasutaka YOSHIMURA
Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1972. In 2001, he established SUPER-OS, the predecessor to Yasutaka Yoshimura Architects. He has designed a wide range of projects, from residences to hotels and museums. Notable works include "Bayside Marina Hotel Yokohama" and "Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten New Headquarters."