How solar + storage technologies are aiding Hawaii wildfire relief
During the early morning of August 3rd, a fallen power line sparked a blaze on the side of a road on Maui, one of the Hawaiian islands. Gusty breezes from Hurricane Dora, along with parched scrubland, propelled a fire across 2,002,288 acres of forested slopes and residential areas in Maui, decimating the venerable seaside community of Lahaina. The blaze forced over 250,000 residents to evacuate, and it claimed the lives of 100 individuals. The day following the fire’s suppression, the Family Life Center, an organization dedicated to social services, began formulating strategies to construct short-term homes for the many individuals who lost their homes due to the wildfire. A model home at Ohana Hope Village has been equipped with solar panels provided by RevoluSun. “Ashley Kelly, the Chief Operating Officer of the Family Life Center, mentioned that numerous individuals from Lahaina, some of whom are clients of their organization, have been displaced from their residences.” We attempted to imagine a neighborhood where our clients would reside, considering their way of life and necessities. Hawaii Off Grid, an eco-friendly architectural company situated in Maui, is collaborating with the Family Life Center in leading an initiative for a transient housing development known as Ohana Hope Village. Hawaii Off Grid offers free architectural support to the Family Life Center and has created a design for an autonomous 88-unit housing complex that relies on solar power and storage systems. These homes are made from collapsible containers that transform into living areas of 20 feet, complete with installed plumbing, restrooms, and kitchens. A timber deck, known in the area as a lanai, will extend from the side of these structures, while solar panels will not only generate power but also offer shade and extra space for residents to enjoy. The objective is to provide individuals with a residence that includes all the fundamental comforts one anticipates from a dwelling during the time the city is undergoing reconstruction.