Solomon Islands Village Shelters

The shelter is informed by local Indigenous construction methods, best practice, and local, and easily attainable materials. Working with a small group of local people, including respected individuals, training was conducted to develop local capacity to rebuild and repair housing (Ranongga.org, n.d.-a). The design includes elevated construction on piles of more than 1m tall and set 1m into the ground (Ranongga.org, n.d.-b). This makes the dwelling more resilient to overland flow, flash floods, sea level rise, storm surge, and tsunami inundation. Access is provided via an external stair and porch. Other resilient strategies include adequate cross bracing and fastening of connections/joints and a roof design similar to the local vernacular and using local thatch material, making the structure safer under cyclone conditions. Where possible, local materials were used and external materials limited, such as corrugated sheeting and bolts. The design is open source, following several iterations and responding to real-world use.

Hundreds of structures using these construction methods went on to be constructed following the initial training and demonstration program. Subsequent guides have used and expanded on these designs (Vahanvati et al., 2022). There is potential for other Indigenous building methods in Te Moananui Oceania to be supplemented with modern construction techniques or strategies that make structures more flood resilient and culturally appropriate. Examples might be the construction techniques used in Fijian bure or Samoan fale tele.

Construction documents