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Assessing the viability of foldable-expandable container homes for post-disaster housing in New Zealand

Abstract
Natural disasters frequently demolish New Zealand, with its diverse landscapes. It is particularly susceptible to various natural disasters due to its unique geological position on the edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire (McKinnon, Scott, and Margaret Cook, 2020). This makes it prone to earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis, and extreme weather events. A notable example of such a disaster is Cyclone Gabrielle, which struck the Hawke's Bay region in New Zealand. It creates wide damage in housing properties, leaving damaged bridges and culverts, buried roads, significant dropouts, and isolated communities in its wake. One of the major difficulties for government authorities and policymakers is to build houses for the victims of such natural disasters within as short a period as possible. The rapid provision of safe, durable, and affordable shelters is essential to restore a sense of normalcy for affected populations. Traditional reconstruction methods are often slow, expensive, and complex, particularly in regions with limited resources or logistical challenges. This has led to the exploration of alternative housing solutions, such as the use of modified shipping containers. In New Zealand, as it is a reality, expeditious and resilient housing options are crucial for recovery after a natural disaster. Therefore, strategic solutions should be introduced to assist the responsible entities and agencies in providing shelters to the disaster victims within a short duration. Container homes offer a unique combination of structural integrity, portability, and affordability, making them an attractive option for post-disaster housing. Their inherent durability allows them to withstand harsh environmental conditions, and their modular nature facilitates quick assembly and scalability. Additionally, container homes can be prefabricated and easily transported to disaster sites, reducing the time required for construction and enabling immediate relief efforts. This thesis explores the feasibility of using double-wing expandable foldable container homes as an innovative post-disaster housing solution in New Zealand, focusing on the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke's Bay. Findings indicate that container homes offer significant advantages, including reduced construction timelines, cost savings, and the adaptability needed for fast recovery in disaster-affected regions. However, challenges remain in achieving compliance with New Zealand’s stringent building codes and in adapting the homes to withstand several factors such as seismic/ wind resistance, waterproofing, etc. which are prevalent in many disaster-prone areas. Regulatory requirements, such as PS1 and PS4 design approvals and local council consents, emerge as pivotal considerations that can delay deployment if not streamlined.
Type
Thesis
Type of thesis
Series
Citation
Date
2025-06-13
Publisher
The University of Waikato
Supervisors
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