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Mobile Shelters with Fire-Retardant Canvas and Non-Slip Flooring for Community Support

Authors:
Yvan Mackinnon, Eric Davies, James Hines
Mobile Shelters with Fire-Retardant Canvas and Non-Slip Flooring for Community Support
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Constructed with fire-retardant canvas and non-slip flooring, these mobile shelters provide safe and adaptable housing solutions for communities facing homelessness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using fire-retardant, self-extinguishing canvas fabric.
02
Includes a non-slip quarry tile flooring for safety in wet conditions.
03
Features a lightweight galvanized conduit frame for easy assembly.
04
Designed as mobile shelters to adapt to changing community needs.
05
Provides transitional housing solutions focusing on occupant dignity.

The Fabric House showcases a practical approach to temporary shelter for individuals facing homelessness. It focuses on creating safe, adaptable spaces in urban environments where the need for such housing is critical. The design promotes dignity and community, facilitating a path toward recovery for those who need support.

Structural Components
Walls and roofs consist of insulated airtrack cushions, wrapped in fire-retardant, self-extinguishing canvas fabric, built to meet NFPA 701 safety standards. This ensures that the structures offer warmth while providing crucial safety from fire hazards, creating a protective environment for occupants.



Flooring System
The flooring combines insulation with a plywood frame, topped with impermeable, fire-rated, non-slip quarry tile. This design enhances durability and addresses safety needs effectively. The non-slip surface is vital, especially during adverse weather, to prevent accidents and provide stability for those inside.



Elemental Protection
Rain and snow are managed by a protective layer made from the same fire-retardant canvas used for the walls. Treated with wax sealant, this cover withstands weather challenges like rain, snow, and hail, contributing to the overall comfort of the occupants while maintaining the shelter's integrity.



Support Structure
The frame uses galvanized 1" EMT conduit, which provides a strong yet lightweight base for easy assembly and disassembly. This adaptability allows the shelters to be relocated, aligning with the needs of transient populations and highlighting the importance of mobility in housing solutions.



The integration of various design elements results in a unified shelter that prioritizes safety and comfort for those in need. Each detail supports the overall mission of providing a secure space for recovery and community engagement.

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Enter an open architecture
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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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