In response to the country’s need for low-cost permanent housing, Vo Trong Nghia Architects in Vietnam have developed a lightweight, modular home using a precast concrete skeleton for structural support and thermal comfort, according to designboom.com. Features include polycarbonate panels to bring in natural light, nipa palm and corrugated cement for the roof to dispel the effects of the region’s heavy rains, and a gap between the walls and the ceiling to promote natural ventilation. As waterways are the dominant form of transportation, the components arrive by small boats and are easily assembled by do-it-yourselfers following simple bolt installation. Locally-sourced finishing materials will complete the modular unit. MHProNews has learned the home cost $4,000. ##

(Photo credit: Hiroyuki Oki/designboom.com–Vietnamese modular affordable housing)