The Texas AHPP Heston Home
The Texas AHPP Heston Home is the result of over 30 years of technology development and proven performance in varied climates and conditions where rapid mobilization and durability are vital to the success of large and small scale disaster and wartime operations. The technology was originally designed in the private sector to meet disaster housing needs in Italy caused by frequent earthquakes dating from 1976, where up to 70,000 people were left homeless and 1997 when a further 40,000 people were left without shelter after losing their homes to natural disaster.
Then and now, the practicality and flexibility of application of this unique technology has improved the quality of life of many people the world over from ordinary citizens to our US troops currently deployed overseas
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An established byproduct of the design and construction quality of these unique dwellings is the ability to adapt to many building requirements and applications from warehousing, barracks, mess halls and recreation facilities to offices, medical facilities, remote industrial encampments and now traditional residential homes in the United States as a result of the massive scale disasters of the 2005 Hurricane Season and the AHPP established by FEMA and then implemented by > |
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the State of Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs & Heston.
The units are designed for rapid deployment and redeployment and are configured in size to enable ease in transport and lower delivery costs, by incorporating a size structure equivalent to a standard shipping container, in both twenty and 40 foot lengths, by 8 feet in width.
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This configuration is flat packed with support panels, interior trim, electrical and plumbing to a height of approximately 2 feet. The result is a compact delivery of full size housing/buildings that can be delivered by standard sea freight and waterways, trains, airplanes, helicopters or overland by trailer, without the necessity of support vehicles and the impediments experienced on roadways as a result of height and width limitations. >
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The roof system folds down into the flat pack and is composed of durable granulated asphalt shingle strips that are guaranteed for 30 years and free of penetrations that lower energy efficiency and decrease the possibility of water leakage.
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Quality Design Engineering creates flexibility in achieving sustainable and adaptable housing solutions that are able to meet any size requirement necessary to comfortably house a varied number of occupants as well as the accommodation of those with special needs in an environment of safety and functionality.
Features include full size Kitchens and associated cabinetry that compliment spacious Bathrooms found in traditional housing environments. Full size Energy Star appliances and lighting provide green design features and reduce energy costs, as does the incorporation of a tankless water heater and energy efficient PTAC HVAC systems. Full size furniture and open living space increases the quality of life in disaster and permanent housing conditions. >
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The unit is designed to IRC standards with the flexibility to meet differing local jurisdiction permitting requirements, through surface mounted electrical and plumbing applications that enable the unit to permitted in the same way a standard residential stick built home achieves permission for occupancy. Code compliancy is met without the need of certification by home builder associations and quality assurances found in most modular construction methods and the trailer industry and allow a broad deployment without major design changes or cost impacts.
Aesthetic value has been increased beyond the standards evident in temporary housing by incorporating a 16X6 foot front porch constructed of 4 inch steel beams for structural and foundation support and incorporating attractive PVC railings, column sleeves and board planks that have a life expectancy of 20 years or more.
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The unit is highly rot, mold and moisture resistant with wet flooring throughout adding increased flood resistance. The unit is composed of galvanized and pre-painted sheet steel framework. 2.4 inch thick exterior galvanized steel panels are polyurethane foam insulated in order to obtain a high thermal insulation and environmental comfort. External wall panels are interchangeable so that doors and windows may be fitted in any parametrical position. Modules may also be coupled to form larger and more equipped usages, including two-storied, complexes. The units are designed to withstand up to 140 mph winds. Higher resistance values are achieved via ground cabling, anchoring directly to concrete grade beams, or helical earth anchors. Internal wall panels are nearly 2 inches in thickness and are also comprised of galvanized steel over polyurethane foam insulation attaining a high degree of sound proofness and energy efficiency. |
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