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Project: Low-Cost Crisis Relief Housing
The Passive Ger is a modernized Mongolian Ger (also known as a Yurt in Western society) providing next generation design, performance, and peace of mind.
The video above, Lessons of Ulaanbaatar, brings together a series of interviews with Kim Dupont-Madinier, MERIDIAN’s founder, capturing the story behind the Passive Ger Project. The film explores the project’s mission, impact, and the broader potential of off-site construction.
An earthquake-resistant housing solution marrying modern amenities with local practices in the non-formal urban areas of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Highlights
Eliminated toxic fuel sources while reducing electrical loads - at an accessible cost & 9X more efficient than a traditional Mongolian Ger.
Backed by local banks as a subsidized housing solution.
Funded by a local developer with the intention of building 13 more.
560 SF housing solution, sleeps a family of five.
Total house cost: USD 20,600 ( 55.5 million MNT)
Context
In winter, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia experiences the highest air pollution levels globally due to households burning coal to heat their homes.
6-8
These households make up approximately two-thirds of the city’s population.
tons of coal burned per household.
1400
400-500 µg/m³ is toxic according to the World Health Organization.
µg/m³ air pollution levels.
In response, the Passive Ger was developed for Ulaanbaatar’s low-income population to address the local air pollution crisis and fill a gap that required more sustainable long-term housing.
Our Solution
1 10
air-pollution related deaths annually.
in
Creating an acute public health crisis in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.
Demographic Research
The Passive Ger was a modern and sedentary adaptation of the traditional Mongolian Ger. Using Design Thinking, the vernacular housing typology was adapted based on interviews conducted with eighteen Ger District households. The final design integrates the community members’ living preferences with the architectural principles of the Passive House Standard.
Key Features
Customized Prefab Experience
A elegantly designed affordable housing solution, providing equanimity and modern amentities.
Electrical heating and clean air, at an affordable price.
Low-Cost
Building Comfort
Strategic Material Application
Uniting earthquake-resistant engineering with carefully chosen materials to ensure health, safety, and enduring peace of mind at an affordable price.
Strategic Partnerships
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