Combining the physical benefits of circular plans with the practicality of straight lines and corners, octagonal houses are uniquely positioned to resist hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes that threaten coastlines.

Rounded habitats have a long history, from tipis and yurts through the geodesic domes of Buckminster Fuller. Indeed, round homes make sense for a lot of reasons. They have less surface area, which means they require less construction material and have greater energy efficiency, for instance. Critically, rounded homes are also ideal for resisting extreme weather (above: a regular home destroyed in a storm and a surviving semi-round house).

Flat sides pose a significant structural risk during hurricanes and tsunamis. It is much easier for wind and water to flow around a round house than a square or rectangular one.

In modern rounded house designs, radial floor and roof trusses meet in a center ring like spokes on a wheel and thus lock the building in a constant state of compression, which further reinforces its structural integrity. This approach also helps them resist earthquakes.

Of course, fitting furniture along the edges of a truly round house can be frustrating. The space and materials saved are nice, but the usability of the resulting spaces is diminished.

Today, many round-house makers opt for a middle ground and go with octagonal floor plans (or other variants with more than four sides). Doubling the number of walls, this represents the best of both worlds in many ways. These are easier to construct with contemporary materials and techniques, but still take advantage of wind- and water-resistance found in edge-less dwellings.

Deltac, one manufacturer of such semi-round structures, boasts that none of their 5,000 homes built to date has been knocked down by nature. These kinds of homes also have an added benefit for those living along coasts, where storms are a great thread: their shapes provide seaside dwellers with amazing panoramic views (images via Deltac and Cayman).

Some spots are such beautiful potential locations for a home, yet repeated natural disasters make them inhospitable for all but the strongest and most durable of dwellings. Architect Dionisio Gonzales imagines just how creative we could get in building disaster-proof structures with ‘Architecture for Resistance,’ a series of surrealist fantasies that often take their cues from natural shapes like shells.

Individual collections envision architecture for a particular location. ‘Dauphin Island’ is a series of hurricane-resistant designs for the island of the same name, located just south of Mobile, Alabama. The island has been hit by one hurricane after another. Gonzales believes that sustainable architecture could stop nature’s cycle of destruction with a dramatic change in the way our houses look.

The Dauphin Island creations are “real futuristic forts made of iron and concrete,” with shapes that call to mind sea shells, crustaceans and other marine organisms. It’s easy to imagine these structures closing up like forts to guard against high winds and flooding.

Gonzales also designed bizarro-world versions of Brazil’s favelas and the shabby settlements in the hills of Busan, South Korea, making a commentary on the coexistence of the wealthy and the very poor. The designs bring visually disjointed, futuristic structures into neighborhoods that are already chaotic in an attempt to legitimize the architectural vernacular of each location.

Though cyclones and their associated storm surges have been wreaking havoc on Bangladesh and other South Asian nations for thousands of years, an ongoing program of cyclone shelter construction has given hope to the region while saving lives with every storm.

Foul Weather Friends

(image via: UK CDS)

Cyclones and their associated storm surges have been the bane of Bangladesh and other South Asian nations for thousands of years, and thousands of accumulated cyclones have transformed the coastal plains into flat, low-lying death-traps for humans and animals.

(images via: BBC/WSBB, DFID/UK and Universal Aid Society)

Though the idea of cyclone shelters isn’t new, historically the resources and political institutions required to build sufficient cyclone shelters to serve all the people (and livestock) who need them simply haven’t been available. Things began to change after 1970’s devastating Bhola cyclone and the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone.

(images via: Uncultured, Ultimate World Disasters and Urban Emergencies)

It’s estimated that over 500,000 may have died due to the effects of the Bhola cyclone while the 1991 storm killed less people outright but left up to 10 million homeless. The 1991 cyclone was a much more powerful storm yet “only” 145,000 people died – better communications, a centralized government and hundreds of new cyclone shelters were contributing factors to the much-reduced death toll.

Building Up for a Disaster

(images via: BDix, GlobalEye, SuperStock and BBC)

The Bhola cyclone was the final straw leading to revolution in the former East Pakistan, as the devastated population felt ignored and neglected by the government situated in far-off Islamabad. Post-cyclone reconstruction commenced in conjunction with war recovery and nation-building – little if any resources were available to prepare for the next cyclone and existing structures were deprived of essential repairs and maintenance.

(images via: Weather Underground, Energy Systems BD and Audiophile)

Charitable contributions poured into Bangladesh, most famously via the Concert for Bangladesh conceived and organized by the late George Harrison. Some of these donations were used to construct cyclone shelters along Bangladesh’s most vulnerable area: the Bay of Bengal coastline. It’s estimated that in May of 1997 when a dangerous cyclone roared in from the Bay of Bengal, over one million people took refuge in cyclone shelters and the death toll was limited to roughly 100.

(images via: Geographic Alliance of Iowa)

The ramshackle, heavily-mildewed cyclone shelter above took in an amazing 3,000 refugees at the height of the 1997 cyclone.

(images via: Tahsin R Hossain and IH-IGCSE)

The new structures dispensed with decorative frills and their designs focused on functionality. Salient features of these cyclone shelters included concrete construction with a raised base on “stilts” to avoid flood damage and wide, flat roofs with access from below to facilitate egress via helicopter. The area beneath the building at ground level is often also raised to allow space for livestock to take cover. The performance of these modern cyclone shelters during and after the 1991 cyclone proved their worth and building continued post-storm in more isolated areas.

Lessons of the Storm

(images via: PMIndia)

Repeated cyclones and storm surges tend to sweep away lightly constructed buildings; thus the rigid concrete cyclone shelters take on extra value in areas hard hit by cyclones: with so few buildings left standing, it makes little sense to leave some unoccupied and unused. Many cyclone shelters become schools, especially larger shelters with multiple rooms.

(images via: UWEC, OneWorld and BDNews24)

The problem of multi-functionality is one that perhaps has bedeviled designers of cyclone shelters the most. Ideally, cyclone shelters are temporary structures to be used only for a day or two. They’re bare-bones buildings in the purest sense: no electrical wiring, no gas or water piping, no plumbing, no toilets and (often) no windows. Including these amenities would substantially raise building and maintenance costs when the overriding aim is to construct as many shelters as possible with a limited amount of resources.

(images via: UWEC)

Functional doesn’t necessarily have to mean plain, bland or even ugly. Some cyclone shelters display a distinct charm and a perceived lightness of form, a sense that contradicts their built-in strength and solidity.

Old & in the Way?

(images via: IH-IGCSE, Tandavakrishna Tunga and Adventist)

With no local owners, permanent residents or regular maintenance, cyclone shelters can fall into decay and disrepair. This is a sad fact in many parts of Bangladesh. It’s not that the authorities aren’t aware of the need to keep the shelters ready for the worst; the age-old lack of resources, funds and organization means even the strongest cyclone shelters ca age very badly.

(image via: The Hindu)

Residents of towns and villages where cyclone shelters have been neglected are noticing a host of associated issues. “The cyclone shelter has become a den for gamblers, drunkards and other anti-social elements in the village,” said an anonymous local woman in one village. “The building too is in a dilapidated condition, so we request the district officials to dismantle the structure immediately.” One hopes she won’t regret her wish someday.

(images via: Greenpeace Luxembourg and SERC Chennai)

Neglect isn’t always the fate of cyclone shelters between storms, however. In some villages, the locals take it upon themselves to provide regular upkeep and remind one and all that these oddly built buildings could save their lives some dark and stormy night. The image above is especially interesting – the lower cyclone shelter would look right at home in South Beach… minus the goat.

Helter Shelters

(images via: UWEC and Diviseema.info)

In some parts of Bangladesh, India and South Asia, cyclone shelters are the best looking buildings on the block – even if they aren’t the ONLY buildings on the block left standing. Take the plantation-style structure above left and, at above right, a curiously playful rooftop sculpture of dancing dolphins.

(images via: ArchSociety)

Maybe the field of cyclone shelter design is getting a bit too rarified, straying from its intended purpose and disregarding the practicalities of building severe-weather-ready structures in Bangladesh? The 2009 Fael Khair Cyclone Shelter Design Competition provided a window into the motivations of up & coming designers who might try weathering an actual cyclone before putting pen to paper. KISS, people!

(images via: Francois Poffet)

The cyclone shelters above were built by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in 2010, and to say they look out of place is an understatement.

(images via: Francois Poffet)

It’ll be interesting to see how these “schools on stilts” handle the fury of a full-blown tropical cyclone and, knowing Bangladesh’s history of severe cyclones, we probably won;t have to wait too long.

(image via: Your BD News)

In Bangladesh, “any port in a storm” often means the local cyclone shelter. Ungainly in appearance, often impractical for other uses, occasional hangouts for undesirables… cyclone shelters certainly have their pros and cons but when the sky darkens and the waters rise, you can bet your life all the negatives will be forgotten.

A political or environmental crisis can be devastating to populations and families – forcing people from their homes and property.  To lessen the human damage and provide a measure of safety and comfort for victims, temporary shelters are an invaluable asset. These designs, however, go above and beyond the standard stock emergency shelters in providing more efficient, affordable and all around more interesting living quarters.

(images via: Vestal Design)

SHRIMP (Sustainable Housing for Refugees via Mass Production) refugee housing units are compact, durable structures that can fold up to fit into 1/4 of a standard shipping container. When you do the math, that means that a single ship can carry housing for over 100,000 people. Each unit houses up to four people, is built of sustainable materials, and can be assembled on-site with only basic tools. And since the units can be set up on solid ground or float on six inflatable pontoons, they are extremely versatile for different types of situations.

(images via: Concrete Canvas)

With more than 35 million refugees worldwide, it’s become clear that housing solutions for displaced people need to be made a priority. Concrete Canvas shelters go a step beyond tents and other short-term shelters with a lifespan of approximately 10 years. They require nothing more than water and air to construct and can be built by crews with absolutely no training. Within hours of a crisis, the shelters can be set up and ready to live in.

(image via: CalEarth)

When Nader Khalili came up with “superadobe” structures in 1984, he intended them to be used in human colonies on the moon. Their practical application ended up being more Earthly in the end, though. Today, his groundbreaking design means that sandbags and barbed wire – two common materials of war – can be used to house those made homeless by war or other disasters.

(image via: GreenUpgrader)

Usually, time and resources are extremely limited after a disaster. Housing the affected population is a difficult prospect when there is no money and few supplies to construct temporary shelters. When Azin Valy and Suzan Wines of I-Beam Design considered this problem, the solution became evident: use shipping pallets. They are inexpensive, abundant, and sturdy, making them the ideal material to use for housing displaced populations. They can be left as-is for mild climates or finished off into a more permanent structure with the addition of solid wall coverings.

(images via: Design 21)

In the aftermath of a disaster such as a tsunami or earthquake, few things are more comforting than a warm, dry place to sleep. The Sanctuary shelter provides that comfort in a new and very appealing way. The biodegradable shelter pops open on its own with no need for tools or tent poles. Inside can be found a dry towel, biodegradable sandals, a first aid kit, and a warm blanket. The water-repellent material is insulated to keep residents safe, and the top of the shelter even features a reflective “X” to help rescue helicopters find those who need assistance.

(image via: Inhabitat)

For $35,000 you may expect a more permanent housing solution, but this recyclable cardboard house is an impressive temporary shelter. It goes up in less than 6 hours and comes with a composting toilet and water collection system. The pre-fab cardboard house started out as a concept but grew into an actual product. Sadly, it looks like the website to buy the cardboard houses is no longer operational, but you might be able to get the same effect for the same price with about 35,000 cardboard moving boxes.

(images via: Studio D)

Following a disaster, displaced people may find themselves crowded together in inadequate or makeshift shelters. Studio D‘s concept for temporary shelters would give each person their own living space and a place to keep their own possessions. The shelters use common materials and are simple to erect, making them an ideal choice for housing and protecting those made homeless due to any type of disaster.

(images via: Archimintak)

Finding and constructing housing for displaced people requires a dependable way to get the building materials to the site. These temporary emergency shelters come packed two to a shipping container and can be delivered via truck or cargo ship. The ingenious design includes a center piece that pops up via hydraulic pump, creating separate living and sleeping spaces. Photovoltaic cells and a rainwater collection system make these shelters the ideal way to deliver functional housing to any disaster site.

(images via: Exo and Club Tread)

When climbing a mountain or hiking in a remote region, it’s not unusual to see emergency shelters dotting the landscape. These shelters have helped plenty of people escape harm in case of avalanches or stay safe while awaiting rescue for some other type of emergency. The type of shelter depends on the landscape and the particular dangers of that area. The “apple” shelter on the left can be found in Castle Rock, Colorado. Golden Ears Emergency Station, on the right, is located in Golden Ears Provincial Park, British Columbia.

(image via: IEA-PVS)

When the Lisbon Ideas Challenge asked for innovative Photovoltaic (PV) applications, the Basic Housing Unit for Urban Natural Hazards was one of the most intriguing entries. The temporary housing unit incorporates a PV film and inflatable structure, making it an ideal way to house displaced urban victims of natural disasters.

(image via: Yanko Design)>/h6>

The “Sphere” design from Felix Stark provides for not only the basic physical needs of disaster victims, but the social needs of displaces people as well. The center of these tents can be used as a meeting place for residents, while individual units can be used to maintain privacy and personal space.

(images via: University of Michigan)

Inspired by the stackable plastic beds used in overcrowded prisons, University of Michigan professor Allen Samuels devised a clever way to house refugees. His temporary huts are made of biodegradable, easy-to-clean, lightweight plastic. The wheels on one end make it easy to move around, and there is even a bit of room to store personal belongings.

(images via: Inhabitat)

Time is of the essence when disaster strikes. Hours are precious, and if affected people can be housed right away the impact of a disaster can be greatly minimized. The reCover shelter is designed to be a first-response shelter for those forced from their homes due to disasters or evacuations. It can be used for up to a month and can house a family of four. The structure folds flat for storage and transportation, making it easy to transport a large number of them to where they’re needed.

(images via: Campist)

When you’re stuck out in the elements or simply get separated from a group, staying in place and waiting for help may be the best idea. The Cocoon Emergency Shelter from designer John Moriarty is intended to keep you warm and safe until help arrives. You simply hang it from a tree or any other off-the-ground location, then climb inside and let the insulated materials keep you warm.

(image via: Hexayurt)

For about $100, refugees can be sheltered in Hexayurts: sturdy and space-economical structures meant to temporarily house those in need. In less than two hours, a cardboard Hexayurt can be built and ready to move into. If you have a bit more time and money, Hexayurts can be built from nearly any building material available.