The metal shacks of Katutura are unbearably hot in the summer and cold in winter. The goal of this project was to develop sustainable paper insulation to improve thermal regulation in shacks. We conducted testing on fire safety, effective insulating materials, and production techniques. To develop a background of social and technical understanding, we researched low-cost insulation projects and interviewed several members of the community. In collaboration with Katutura residents and members of the Men on the Side of the Road Project, we developed an effective prototype of the paper insulation sheet. We provided recommendations for the Men on the Side of the Road Project to support continued research, large-scale testing, and further development of paper insulation.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Domingue, Emily Carol
• Villar Martin, Marco Antonio
• Cline, Emily Katherine
• Cline, Jonathan Gregory

Subject

• Security
• Environment
• Sustainability
• Well-Being

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050412-111607

Keyword

• Sustainable development--Environmental aspects
• Buildings--Remodeling for other use
• Community development
• Insulation (Heat)--Buildings

Award

• President's IQP Award

Advisor

• Robertson, Thomas B.
• Nikitina, Svetlana

Year

• 2012

Center

• Windhoek, Namibia Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• The Men on the Side of the Road Project (MSR)

Date created

• 2012-05-04

Location

• Windhoek

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-01-18