Bringing water to new heights

Abstract

Several attempts have been made at supplying water into informal settlements, although none investigate bringing the water into each individual home. Our proposition is to form a pipe network connecting to node units attaching to each home as a sponsored/crowd funded initiative. This system is designed to be implemented without uprooting the current residents. Two node designs would be available, which are metamorphic to the individual’s requirement. Facilities such as showers and sinks clip onto this “water wall.” A foldable washing line is also located at the top of the node to conserve space and is accessed with a small ladder and a pulley system. The nodes contain a fire sprinkler. Moreover, the nodes stabilize the houses by having a small foundation. Borehole and rainwater is our focus. The water is retrieved from the borehole and travels through the water system which is set in place before reaching the individual homes. The system includes elements that facilitate both the movement of water using natural energy as well as creating public spaces for the inhabitants of the informal settlement to interact. The concept is located in South Africa, although can be adjusted to be applied in communities worldwide.