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The Conestoga hut is capturing the heart of Eugene! Lately I’ve been spending quite a bit of time
over at the Tine Hive where we’ve been building a prototype, setting up a space
to intake material donations, and getting ready to organize work sessions where
volunteers will collaborate to build dozens of these little huts. This is the beginnings of a larger effort
that we are calling Community
Supported Shelters.
This 6 by 10 foot shelter can be built for around $300-$600 depending on the utilization of re-used or donated materials. While this is a similar price to a quality
tent, the Conestoga makes significant improvements upon the tent – most notably
a highly insulated and lockable space – while minimizing the cost, skill and
labor required by a more conventional, four-walled structure.
There are four components to a Conestoga hut: a basic 6 by 10
foot insulated floor, two solid, insulated walls in the front and back, and a
metal wire roof that is curved to connect to the long sides of the floor. The roofing frame is then covered with
insulation and outdoor vinyl that is attached to the base of the
structure.
