LAVAs’ Disaster Relief Prefab Pod Is Both Funky and Functional

This weekend, the <a href="http://www.emergencyshelteraustralia.com/index.html" target="_blank">Emergency Shelter Exhibition</a> in Sydney will feature funky and functional prefab units that can be built in the event of a natural disaster. Amongst the many local and international designers at exhibition,<a href="http://inhabitat.com/striking-australian-home-is-shaped-by-the-suns-path/" target="_blank"> Australian</a> design firm, <a href="http://www.l-a-v-a.net/1.html" target="_blank">LAVA</a> has created a shelter design that is both resourceful and environmental friendly!

Lava's emergency shelter is designed for ultimate ease and<a href="http://inhabitat.com/floating-garden-spa-offers-a-relaxing-eco-retreat/" target="_blank"> comfort</a> in the worst of scenarios. Resembling an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/recyclable-lzf-alhambra-lamp-inspired-by-origami/" target="_blank">origami</a> pod, the unit can be cut out of local plywood and assembled or even be dropped off by helicopter in its completed form.

A flat pack is also available, where the pod would be <a href="http://inhabitat.com/origami-phone-folds-down-into-a-flat-piece-of-cardboard/" target="_blank">folded</a> into a tiny parcel and filled with locally available emergency material.

The interior of LAVA's emergency shelter can be carved out of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/wood-pallets-repurposed-into-modular-furniture/" target="_blank">recycled wood</a>, cardboard, or even newspaper. Their prefab design includes <a href="http://inhabitat.com/berlin-factory-renovated-into-stunning-recyclable-livework-space/palomar5-sleep-cube/" target="_blank">sleeping space</a> for two adults and one child and another tiny slot for reading or eating.

Battery or solar powered <a href="http://inhabitat.com/led-light-fixtures-create-the-illusion-of-daylighting/" target="_blank">LED lights</a> will illuminate the pod, turning the whole unit into a glowing lantern.

Though LAVA has created a model structure, they believe in the options and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/prefab-friday-lot-ek-container-home-kit-cmk/" target="_blank">involvement</a> of its inhabitants, making sure all design features are flexible enough for individual expression.

The Emergency Shelter Exhibition aims to raise awareness of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/google-aids-in-japanese-earthquake-and-tsunami-by-designing-person-finder-tool/" target="_blank">need for aid </a>within a community in the event of natural disasters and the incredible role designers and architects could play in saving lives.