Apple huts

Produced under the name ‘Igloo satellite cabins', these light-weight field shelters are hemispherical in shape and predominantly red in colour, hence the name ‘apples'.

Apple huts are constructed from eight basic curved wall sections and four floor panels, with an access door and clear windowpanes. The market approach of this product is to offer a ‘rigid tent’ rather than a sophisticated accommodation module. The hut are fitted with a circular ventilation/escape hatch at the apex of the dome.

The fibreglass fabrication is designed to allow erection in the field with minimal logistical requirements for deployment, limited cold-paths for improved thermal performance, including 6 mm thick fire retardant polyurethane spray foam insulation.

Apple huts have been used by the AAD since the mid-1980s.

Features

  • Apple huts are flyable by single engine helicopter (240 kg), utilising guy wires for sling.
  • Packed dimensions are 2.45 x 1.25 x 1.25 m
  • These huts are deployable on uneven ground
  • They are extendable into Zucchini huts in 0.75 m increments
  • The huts include berths for 3, with room for additional stretcher or similar. This is considered adequate for two people for short term or as emergency accommodation for up to 15.
  • Apple huts make low impact on environment
  • They take just two people to construct in 1.5 hours.
  • 'Apples’ have a 30 year life-span (estimated). To be tested — most deployed post-1985.
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