Valley architectural firm designs shelters for typhoon victims in Philippines

When Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines last November, it devastated communities and caused millions to lose their homes.

“It’s surprising, to say the least, when you go to an island you see piles of wood and rubble everywhere,” said Lisa Schultz, founder of The Peace Project.

The Peace Project is a social movement to tackle global issues with creative, community solutions. When Schultz visited the Philipines after the typhoon, she knew where The Peace Project would focus its energy next.

“There was a necessity for quick, affordable shelters that could be built and could get people back on their feet,” she said.

So she called Palm Springs-based o2 Architecture to design a shelter that could be built in less than a day for about $500.

“Both Lisa and I have this ongoing need to perfect disaster relief housing and we’re starting the journey,” said Lance O’Donnell, principal at o2 Architecture.

Eight weeks later, they had a completed design of a shelter that houses three to four people and can be built in about five hours.

The structures are 12 feet by 14 feet and include an elevated floor, an elevated roof and are made of standard building materials.

“And that elevated roof allows the interior to be cross-ventilated,” O’Donnell said.

“We’re using concrete footings and raising it above ground so it’s safe from flooding,” Schultz said.

The peace project is currently fundraising and plans to start building the first 200 homes in the Philippines in late April. Schultz hopes it’s the beginning of a relief system that turns tragedy into opportunity.

“I hope to use this as a stepping stone to impelment it when other disasters happen,” Schultz said.

For more information on The Peace Project and how to contribute go to www.thepeaceproject.com