Sackfuls of shelter

Aid workers and troops in war zones and areas devastated by natural disasters could soon be using portable shelters that are better insulated and more robust than tents, thanks to two students at London’s Royal College of Art.

The Concrete Canvas, designed by industrial design engineering masters students William Crawford and Peter Brewin, is as durable as a prefabricated building but costs around a quarter of the price.

Last week, the design won the New Business Challenge prize from Imperial College, London and the Tanaka Business School. It can be assembled by an untrained person within 40 minutes and sets ready for use within 12 hours. Only water and air are required.

The shelter inflates to create a Nissen-hut shaped thin concrete wall that is robust and lightweight with a surface optimised for compressive loading like an eggshell. It can be used as offices and accommodation or be delivered sterile to house medical clinics.