It's an Open Source Approach
We believe in the power of shared knowledge. Once we reach a stable production rate, we will make all technical data related to building Lana open source. This initiative will help others save time and directly get to work, fostering widespread adoption and innovation. Our detailed documentation will include drawings, graphics, codes, standards, processes, manuals, BIM materials, and research studies, empowering others to build on our works and contribute to reaching the goal faster.
Sharing the Knowledge
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Frequently Asked Questions
Lana is a prefabricated, earthquake-proof, quickly-built, affordable and sustainable housing solution designed for disaster-impacted families and returning refugees in Afghanistan.
Lana addresses the urgent need for durable housing in Afghanistan, providing safe and sustainable homes for over a million people who lost their homes to natural disasters; September 2023 earthquakes in Herat, returning refugees from Pakistan, and the ongoing flash flood victims.
Lana uses steel pile foundationd and steel body frame, insulated 3D panel walls, insulated floors and ceilings, and PVC windows and gate for durability and insulation. For the entire production of one Lana unit, only one cement bag is used.
Lana is fully solar-powered, with a power closet acting as the central control unit for lighting, heating, and other electrical needs. The Power Closet homes the batteries, Panel Boards, and other devices.
Initial estimates suggest each Lana unit will cost up to USD 10,000 if the production rate is 5 units per month. The cost reduces as production scales up and could reach USD 5,000 per unit when the production rate is 20 units per month.
Each Lana unit can be built in less than 30 days and installed on-site in just two days, and the family moves in on the 3rd day. This duration is expected to drop to 4 days per unit.
Lana minimizes carbon emissions by not using materials with high carbon emision such as cement and rebars. We use eco-friendly materials and solar energy to contribute to the fight against climate change.
Lana is designed to withstand various dead and live loads, including earthquakes, wind, snow, and rain, using a steel screw pile foundation and robust framing, analyzed and designed properly.
Lana requires a single water inlet, and waste is managed through absorbing wells or shared wastewater treatment plants for multiple units. The more Lana units we build, the easier water management gets.
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You can donate, share our campaign with your network, or create your own supporting campaign to help us build our first home.
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If you have a skill you think can help us in this mission, whether a technical person or a person with experience in other fiels, share your skills and become one of ambassadors. It is the exchange of information that pushes boundaries and creates room for innovation.
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If you want to more, send us an email at ferdous@tahdab.com and let's have a chat, and see how we can collaborate.
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Your donation provides a tangible, lasting solution to families in need, helping to rebuild lives and communities with sustainable, secure housing.
The world needs more people who prefer action.
Lana's design incorporates Afghan cultural aspects, prioritizing safety, privacy, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
Lana aims to produce and install as much home as possible from the 150,000 homes urgently needed by 2030, contributing significantly to Afghanistan's housing needs and creating a replicable model for other regions.
Lana employs local human resourrces for production, installation and maintenance, creating jobs and fostering skill development within the community.
Organizations can support Lana through financial contributions, technical assistance, or by partnering to expand the reach and impact of the project. Just send us an email at ferdous@tahdab.com.
What is Lana?
A Pre-fabricated
Earthquake-resisant
Quickly-built
& Sustainable home
Lana, meaning bird’s nest in Persian/Dari (لانه), is a prefabricated, affordable, and earthquake-proof home, designed to address Afghanistan's recent housing crisis for nearly a million people affected by Oct 2023 earthquakes in Herat, 2024 flash-floods, and returning refugees from Pakistan.
Lana is built in less than a month in the factory, takes 2 days to deploy and install on the site, and the family moves in on the 3rd day.
Lana, in short is a home, a fundamental human need, crucial for safety and stability, especially for children, the future generations. Lana is designed to provide immediate and long-run housing solution.
Why Afghanistan Needs Lana Now?
Immediate and Future Housing Needs
Afghanistan's housing crisis is dire, particularly since mid-2023. Historical inadequacies in building and rebuilding homes have led to cycles of destruction and displacement. Currently, around 150,000 homes are urgently needed. The prefabrication method can play a crucial role to cover a big portion of this issue with a lot less resources and time. Not only the cycle of death needs to stop, a roadmap for the growth of the cities are needed.
Building Effective Communities
The Role of Adequate Housing
Adequate housing significantly impacts the well-being and future prospects of families, particularly the children who are raised there. Lana is designed to be a self-sufficient home with all the basic amenities to provide safety, stability, and a nurturing environment, enabling families to grow into productive community members.
The Architecture and Engineering Behind Lana
We have researched several practices globally in modular housing, drawing inspiration from successful projects like Samara. Our architectural design balances functionality and beauty, having in mind the cultural aspects unique to Afghanistan.
Design Approach
Incorporating cultural taste, privacy, safety, and functionality to create a harmonious living environment. User experience is at the core of our design for maximum efficiency.
Aesthetic Balance
Ensuring that Lana is not just functional but also visually appealing from outside and inside.
