F-shelter comes in handy

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – In times of destructive natural phenomena occurrences in which killer tsunamis or rampaging flashfloods devastate homes, the government-developed "folding house" comes handy.

The novel construction technology was generated by the Los Baños-based Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) headed by Director Florence Soriano.

It has been named "F-shelter" (for fast-to-build, firm, and foldaway shelter on a custom-built chassis or frame).

Engr. Allan Manalo, FPRDI project leader, reported that another DOST agency, the Metal Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), has already fabricated a metal chassis that will be used in transporting the F-shelter model.

"Design of the construction jigs was finalized and fabrication would be completed by the end of January 2005," Manalo said.

Also being prepared is an electronic manual (E-manual) for the fabrication, maintenance, and storage of shop-fabricated houses. It contains actual photographs of construction of the utility models and animated graphics so that instruction can be easily followed.

Manalo said this will guide technology adopters on step-by-step fabrication and installation of the F-shelter.

The "instant" prefabricated house can be assembled in less than an hour by four persons. The original portable "folding house" had a floor area of 11.86 square meters (2.44 x 4.862) and was meant as a shelter for homeless refugees hit by natural disasters and calamities.

Its flooring, walls, and roofing are made of wood wool cement boards, another technology adapted and developed by FPRDI for Philippine conditions. Wood Wool cement board is preferred because of its properties: termite-resistant, fire-resistant, heat and sound insulator, and does not unravel even when soaked in water for long periods of time.

The lumber framing, on the other hand, is chemically treated against termites and fungal rot. The design also specifies steel casement windows, doorjamb with standard door handle and lock. It is complete with electrical fixtures.

The technology was presented at the 5th Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Regional Conference IV-A and IV-B last Sept. 23 in Lucena City.

FPRDI, represented by Dr. Soriano, and PICE-Laguna chapter headed by Engr. Elpidio Flores had earlier signed a memorandum of agreement for the construction of a utility model to showcase the shop-fabricated foldaway or "collapsible" house.