The use of building technology to support disaster resilience: the case study of air shelter house

This paper reports on a study to investigate the feasibility of Thermal Reflective Multi-layer System (TRMS) as support for Disaster Resilience. Design/methodology/approach It is an innovative insulation system, developed from space engineering studies, lightweight and is characterized by a thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/mK, making it a strong candidate for inexpensive shelter after disaster design. Findings One of the results of this study is a proposal for the Air Shelter House (ASH), a new concept design of a shelter based on TRMS. Originality/value The combined use of TRMS with low cost building materials and a 3D printer system for the construction joints provides a good comprise of building cost and energy efficiency performance. Such an innovative design supports disaster resilience during response, reconstruction and mitigation phases and is suitable for a wide variety of cultural and environmental situations where energy efficiency is important.