Engineer Creates Portable Igloos For Homeless To Stay Warm In Cold Weather

Apr 01, 2020 by apost team

Homelessnes is a serious problem all over the world. Many people live without a permanent roof over their head. While many cities and governments try to help these unfortunate people, living on the streets is still a harrowing experience. Geoffroy de Reynal, an engineer from France, is working to help those stuck out in the cold.

The French engineer Geoffroy de Reynal has come up with something truly special to help those stuck on the streets: portable igloo-like camping units. The simple structure can be installed in any open space within minutes and offers simple shelter during the night. They are not a true permanent home, but offer much needed warmth and relief for homeless people.

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Geoffroy was deeply moved by the number of homeless people he saw on the streets of Paris. Putting his engineering skills to good use, he began to think of ways he could help the unfortunate people he saw daily. The result of his work is a simple design using affordable and light materials. The igloo can be picked up and moved easily, as it doesn't weigh much, but keeps the person inside warm thanks to insulating aluminium.

The igloos are constructed using polyethylene foam, a very lightweight type of plastic that also works as insulatio. The aluminium is added on the inside for additional warmth. Together, these two materials have the effect that the person inside the igloo is using their own body heat to warm it up. This way, the inside of the igloo can be heated to up to 50°F more than the surrounding temperature.

The igloo shelters are even waterproof and can withstand even heavy rain. After constructing the first prototype in his own backyard with his own money, Geoffroy used the internet to reach out and ask for donations to construct more of these simple shelters. Thanks to the generosity of his backers, he was able to construct 20 igloos in total using $20,000. They are now being tested in two cities in France.

What do you think of this concept? Do you think these shelters are a good alternative or relief for the homeless? Tell us your thoughts and pass this story along!