Studio Dror Shows Off Versatility of QuaDror Structural Element In Relief Housing

The world was blown away in February when <a href="http://www.studiodror.com" target="_blank">Dror Benshetrit of Studio Dror</a> <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-quadror-a-revolutionary-new-flat-packing-structural-joint-that-could-change-the-way-we-build/">unveiled his amazing new structural joints</a> with hundreds of potential applications in architecture. <a href="http://www.quadror.com/" target="_blank">QuaDror</a> can serve as a new structural joint, geometrical truss, wall divider, sound barrier, artistic form and even shelter. Last month in NYC, Studio Dror demonstrated the capability of the QuaDror as a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/life-cube-inflatable-emergency-shelter-sets-up-in-5-min/">pop-up shelter</a> using simple wooden beams and specially designed 'knuckle' joint that makes setting up the shelters a snap.

QuaDror relief housing is based on the geometric form of the QuaDror, a square-like, trapezoidal, 3D element.

Structural beams are held together in the correct QuaDror shape by specially designed joints or 'knuckles', which are screwed into the beams.

Once the beams are joined together into the QuaDror shape, two of them are are set up next to each other and floor beams are laid on the bottom and structural beams are installed on top.

Roofing and walls from available materials can then easily be attached.

In the demonstration in NYC in March, Studio Dror used wooden beams and corrugated metal for the roof.

Rendering of the QuaDror shelter using wooden beams.

The beauty of the QuaDror shelter system is that any local material like bamboo, branches, beams or any other rigid structural member can be used.

Enough materials for 1,750 QuaDror shelters could fit inside one 40' shipping container.

Testing on the QuaDror has also shown that is far stronger than rectangular and A-frame designs withstanding higher horizontal and vertical loading.

The QuaDror shape is far stronger and more structurally stable than other shapes.

In essence all that needs to be supplied are the knuckles, which can easily be delivered anywhere in the world and utilize local labor and skills to build the structures.

Their design for a stable structure could provide immediate shelter and relief, but also strong infrastructure to expand and grow in the future.

Studio Dror's hope is that through supplying knuckles they will be able to help provide safe and secure housing for the world.