IKEA Wins Design Award For Revolutionary Flat-Pack Refugee Shelters

For decades, the standard for housing in refugee camps has been the classic canvas tent. While simple, the tents leave a lot to be desired as a semi-permanent shelter. They don't retain heat in the winter, and they're sweltering hot in the summer — and they blow away in heavy winds. Sure, they cover your head in the rain, but they leak and the dirt floor can swiftly turn to mud. It's hard for anyone to feel safe in one of those. 

Over the past five years, IKEA has been developing a better alternative, the aptly-named "Better Shelter." It has now won the 2016 Beazley Design of the Year Award.

The shelter is house-shaped, with sturdy walls for privacy. There are four windows and a lockable door, something that makes a big difference for a family's feeling of safety. It's also tall enough for adults to stand upright.

Each shelter is also equipped with a solar panel on the roof that charges an LED light inside. The power can also be used to charge cell phones.

When fully charged, the interior light will work for four hours after the sun goes down.

Since it's IKEA, they've managed to fit the shelter into two flat boxes, which makes transport a cinch.

Unlike tents, which have an average life of six months, the Better Shelter will last up to three years, and damaged pieces can be individually replaced. The roof and wall panels are also recyclable.

The whole thing can be assembled with only a hammer, and it's estimated to take four people about four hours to build.

One shelter can house a family of five. 

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