the RSK shelter helps to solve a worldwide shelter problem
Tel: +44 (0) 7970106786
BOLIVIA
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HAITI
NEPAL
Photos S.Halbert
BANGLADESH
thousands of relief tarpaulins are supplied to families displaced by disasters each year
no frames are provided to support these tarpaulins
the result is poorly built shelters that provide little protection from the elements
Photos S.Halbert
today we are providing a solution
Nepal 2025 Photo S.Halbert
the
Reciprocal frame Shelter Kit (RSK)
is empowering people to build their own strong, secure and dignified shelter
using a simple but well proven building method called
the " reciprocal frame" roof
building
the RSK shelter
ROHINGYA REFUGEES BUILD THEIR FIRST RSK SHELTER BANGLADESH
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The tarpaulin attachment seen here has since been greatly upgraded with the new innovative "bunch method" we now use.
Video S.Halbert
for disaster preparedness
the emergency RSK has distinct advantages
although the RSK is a new type of shelter it fits seamlessly into existing traditional building methods
it provides many distinct advantages for the poorest and most vulnerable communities living at risk of natural and man made hazards
VILLAGERS DEMONSTRATE TO RED CROSS HOW TO THATCH THE ROOF OF AN EMERGENCY RSK SHELTER IN MYANMAR DELTA
for disaster response
the emergency and standard RSK have distinct advantages
FAMILY BUILDING THEIR FIRST RSK SHELTER BANGLADESH
empowering displaced families in a disaster to build their own safer and more secure shelter
and improving the capacity of aid agencies to rapidly and efficiently deploy strong and highly versatile shelters that are all designed to achieve Sphere guidelines
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How the RSK can work for aid agencies
days 1 to 10
Day 1 of a disaster:
For large scale disasters the Emergency RSK has many distinct advantages.
This 5 person complete shelter kit uses only 9 bamboo poles and costs less than USD $30. Using 33% less bamboo
and only two different lengths of bamboo greatly reduces transport costs.
It can be rapidly assembled in less than 1 hour on slopes that are unsuitable for tents and adapted to fit any size of tarpaulin. By using the same roof frame the shelter is easily upgraded to the Standard RSK.
The Emergency RSK
By the end of day 1:
With minimal Aid Agency assistance every family should have erected and be secure inside their Emergency RSK shelter. This is possible if the two lengths of bamboo that are needed for making this shelter are made available.
Days 2 and 3 of a disaster:
Standard RSK shelters can be rapidly built by families . These highly versatile modular units provide the minimum dignified temporary living space that we aspire to achieve.
This 5 person complete shelter kit costs less than USD $45. Using only 8 poles and 4 posts this kit can also be carried. Build time is only limited by how rapid the 4 post holes are dug and is less than three hours.
The Standard RSK
Double RSK shelters can also be rapidly built by Aid agencies working with the community . Families can also easily upgrade their Emergency or Standard RSKs to this shelter as they all use the same roof panels.
The living space is easy to divide for privacy by hanging partitions from the overhead roof frames. As in the Standard RSK, ventilation is adjustable at eaves level all around the perimeter of the shelter.
The Double RSK
Days 2 to 10 of a disaster:
Modular double RSK units can rapidly provide large temporary emergency or utility shelters that may be required at this time.
Two double RSKs provide 35 square metres of covered space for a temporary classroom or a 4 bed medical ward. Adding units creates much larger wards as required.
Modular double RSK units
At any time :
The RSK roof panel can be used on its own.
For families whose dwellings have suffered severe roof damage the RSK roof panel can be cut to fit the space and provide a temporary repair.
Using an RSK panel to repair a roof