Emergency structures

RSK bamboo roof frame kit

RSK training to the Logistics team of Emergency Unit

Problem

With the onset of any natural disaster that displaces thousands of people, an agile distribution of shelters and set up of temporary health structures is needed. Bamboo is widely available in many disaster prone countries where MSF provides medical assistance.
Shelters and temporary structures built in an emergency, often don’t resist a rainy season, and cannot be built with standard safety and quality. Also, in the first few days of an emergency, distributions can be a slow logistics burden.

Approach

The DU started with doing some desk research to look for different possible solutions already there for temporary structures that can withstand difficult climatic conditions. The team at Reciproboo Shelters were contacted to see if they would be interested in collaborating. The DU liaised with the MSF OCBA technical unit referent for construction and presented the RSK roof frames in Bangladesh. Trainings were given to the logistics team of Emergency Unit and daily workers along with some discussions with the medical team on building temporary health structures using such roofs.
The DU is now looking for missions interested in piloting this solution.

RSK roof project approach

Solution

The RSK roofing has robustness advantages and offers an alternative between traditional shelters and tents. This is an open design with logistic advantages for emergencies.
The reciprocal roof frame makes this a shelter of easy and standard quality construction. Its weight and the way it is set up allows the structure to be expanded or unmounted. When ready, the shelter can support heavy load of insulation or rain, while also providing improved ventilation.