By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

CANADIAN businessman James Palibroda is looking to pitch an idea to the Bahamian government that could help people whose homes are damaged by severe weather systems like hurricanes.

Mr Palibroda says the “House-In-A-Box” is a product whereby “affordable, quality, transferable” houses are packed in a container capable of being shipped anywhere around the world.

The houses are 65 square metres (700 square feet) in size and feature plumbing, flooring, light fixtures, doors and double-glazed windows. They require only a crew of about four to assemble.

Mr Palibroda, who lives in British Columbia, told The Tribune that the houses can also be built in the Bahamas by Bahamians, greatly reducing costs and producing employment opportunities for locals.

Mr Palibroda has been in the construction business for more than 20 years.

He came up with the “House-In-A-Box” idea and patented it in 1990 as an answer to what he said is a need for transportable houses in cases of emergencies and vacationing.

“It takes approximately seven days to lower the sides, level it and put it together using the numbered system,” he said. “Everything’s wired, insulated and pre-finished. All the panels are finished and the bathroom is in place. It comes with knock-down kitchen cabinets, just assemble.”

He said: “The assembling crew lowers the hinged side walls of the container, to form the corrosion free, steel, insulated 20ft x 27ft floor of the house. The framed and insulated side and roof panels of the house are numbered for simplicity and effortlessly interlocked, sealed and caulked to form the walls and roof.

“The house can be firmly bolted down to the ground using cemented steel posts to withstand severe environmental conditions. As the house is constructed of steel and fabricated materials, there is no concern of pest or insect damage in countries where this may be a concern.

“The materials used are weather proof and resistant to salt water and other environmental pollutants. The panels are pleasingly pre-finished on both sides eliminating the need for any further painting or finishing. The windows and doors are in place as are the electric heating units and all necessary wiring.

“The plumbing is in place and ready to be connected to water and sewer. Once fully assembled the linoleum, or optional carpet, is laid on the floor giving the house a rich looking finish. The complete product has a 540 sq ft ground floor with an ample living area, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms.

“The upper floor, accessible via a staircase, is a practical 160 sq ft loft. Only a few short days after arriving on site, the house is ready for the occupants to move their furniture and belongings in, decorate to their liking, and begin enjoying their new home.

“In approximately seven days, the standard looking shipping container, is transformed into an ideal, bright, finished home boasting all the refinements and amenities of higher priced, housing built by specialised personnel.”

Mr Palibroda said the last house he had done was in Texas. He said the containerised houses can be shipped within five days within North America and from three to four weeks to major world destinations.