Cornerstone Architects has teamed with the Roof Over My Head organization in a effort to provide temporary as well as permanent, low-cost housing to the people displaced by natural disasters.

The design team considered every aspect of prefabrication, transportation, ease of assembly, durability and safety. The wall panels are constructed with galvanized metal studs, BioBased spray polyurethane foam insulation, and fiber cement panels on the interior and exterior surfaces. Fiber cement was selected because of its high durability and reasonable cost. It will last longer and require less maintenance than wood fiber panels and will not rot, burn, or corrode. No crane is required to assemble.

The structures feature:

·         A compact, box-type earthquake-resistant layout and construction

·         Rot and mold free materials

·         Lightweight for easier transportation and installation

·         Termite proof

·         No harmful chemicals and no off gassing

·         Fireproof

 The materials selected and design take into account local conditions.  The intention is to provide a basic shelter to a high standard that can later be upgraded to become a permanent shelter. The structure is composed of a number of prefabricated panels which can be erected on site by people with minimal technical skills.

The ROMH house designed by Cornerstone Architects incorporates natural daylighting, passive cooling, cross-ventilation, rainwater harvesting, low emissivity “cool” colors, shading devices and thin-film solar collectors.