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Tatler Asia
4 days ago
- General
- Tatler Asia
How to build an apocalypse-ready home: 5 essential design strategies for disaster resilience
Above Jackson, Wyoming in 'The Last of Us' is a self-sufficient commune years in the making, and resilient of disasters (Photo: HBO Max) Even more immediate is the climate catastrophe already happening and accelerating. With 2023 and 2024 recorded as the hottest years globally, Earth has crossed the 1.5 degree celsius warming threshold earlier than expected, with projections suggesting 2 degree celsius warming by century's end remains likely if current emission trends continue. Don't miss: Why is it important to build homes that withstand climate change? As climate stress intensifies, the risk of civil unrest is expected to rise in the most affected regions with economic inequality, political instability, resource scarcity, and social grievances serve as catalysts for such disruption. Recent years have witnessed increased protests and unrest globally, linked to economic pressures and environmental crises. While context-dependent, civil unrest represents a plausible consequence of worsening global crises. If you're prepared for a zombie plague, you're prepared for most natural disasters. - Max Brooks, author of 'The Zombie Survival Guide' and 'World War Z' - Though we cannot predict how, when, or if an apocalypse might occur, we can certainly prepare to withstand extreme, long-term disruptions to modern infrastructure–whether from natural disasters, war, societal collapse, or other worst-case scenarios. Read more: World Humanitarian Day: These inspiring organisations address the needs of vulnerable Asian communities Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is the foundation for self-sufficient living that incorporates technologies and design principles to guard against uncertain futures–one that many industries have already implemented, offering parallels we can draw upon. Through prudent planning, we can start laying the groundwork for modern apocalypse-ready homes that withstand an increasingly unpredictable world. Location strategy Above High-density cities may offer superior access to supplies but pose significant risks (Photo: Unsplash) Above Major urban centres experienced rapid virus transmission and supply shortages (Photo: Unsplash) While high-density cities offer superior access to supplies, they pose significant risks. This became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when major urban centres experienced rapid virus transmission and supply shortages due to population density, whilst rural and highland areas suffered fewer cases and less disruption. See also: Cover Story: Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman weighs in on drug policy reform, higher education and overcoming challenges The World Bank notes that 'urban areas offer greater access to healthcare, supplies, and infrastructure, but higher population density increases vulnerability to contagion, social unrest, and supply chain disruptions.' According to the organisation, urban population expected to exceed 6.8 billion by 2050, these vulnerabilities will only intensify. Conversely, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) observes that 'rural and highland areas offer lower population density, greater food security through agriculture, and easier perimeter control, making them more resilient to crises.' Above A waterfront home built on stilts in Jakarta, Indonesia by K-Thengono Design Studio (Photo: Mario Wibowo) Location choice extends beyond urban versus rural considerations to encompass terrain and elevation factors. Selecting land above floodplain elevation and away from coastal areas proves vital for reducing flood and storm surge risks. This principle becomes especially critical as climate change increases extreme weather frequency. Don't miss: Home tour: A waterfront home in Jakarta built on stilts to mitigate land sinking Properties on or near unstable slopes present particular hazards, with landslide risks intensifying during monsoon seasons. However, traditional Southeast Asian architecture offers proven solutions for flood-prone zones. Raising homes on stilts or elevated platforms–as embodied in vernacular architecture across Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines–provides effective protection against seasonal floods and storm surges, representing centuries of refined wisdom in tropical resilience design. Resilient architecture Above The bahay kubo in the Philippines flourishes in tropical, often isolated environments () Drawing from both time-tested wisdom and contemporary innovation, the shift towards sustainably built homes represents a promising trajectory for structures designed to thrive amid climate change. Southeast Asian vernacular architecture provides invaluable insights for resilient, sustainable construction. Read more: How architect Andra Matin's unconventional designs are reshaping Indonesia's built environment Traditional homes such as the bahay kubo in the Philippines and rumah adat in Indonesia have evolved over centuries to flourish in tropical, often isolated environments. These structures incorporate flood resilience through elevated stilts and natural ventilation whilst utilising locally sourced materials–principles that remain remarkably relevant today. Above Brick is robust and low-maintenance, suitable for tropical climates (Photo: Lin Ho) Above Exposed concrete walls at Vista House by Hier Architects (Photo: Fabian Ong) Meanwhile, Tropical Brutalism–a fusion of raw concrete and tropical design principles–is gaining recognition for its durability and climate responsiveness. This approach features the exposed concrete, brick, and steel characteristic of traditional Brutalist structures, but adapts these robust, low-maintenance materials specifically for tropical climates prone to humidity, storms, and heat. See also: 7 stunning Brutalist homes redefining Southeast Asian architecture Concrete's thermal mass regulates indoor temperatures by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, whilst simultaneously providing structural durability against natural disasters and security threats. Both concrete and brick offer the dual benefits of wide availability and weather resistance–crucial considerations for long-term resilience. Above IDCandy's project features vent blocks to facilitate airflow and provide privacy (Photo: The Space Storyteller) Above An open, light-filled home by Tangu Architecture allow cross-ventilation (Photo: Tang Hsiao Seak and Steven Ngu) Above A home designed by Futurground with generous overhangs (Photo: Ameen Deen) Above Distinctive brise-soleil louvres at Kemaris House by DRTAN LM Architect (Photo: Lin Ho) Furthermore, effective tropical design prioritises natural climate control through cross-ventilation, which reduces indoor temperatures naturally and minimises air conditioning requirements. Architectural elements such as overhangs and louvres provide essential shade whilst promoting airflow, creating comfortable interior environments without energy-intensive cooling systems. Don't miss: 15 best green homes in Malaysia Additionally, reinforcing windows and doors with steel bars or rebar mesh protects against both break-ins and debris impact during extreme weather events. In typhoon-prone regions, storm shutters serve as essential protection, shielding windows from flying debris whilst reducing structural damage. Self-sufficient energy and water Above When electricity grids fail, they trigger cascading failures across other critical infrastructure (Photo: Pexels) Power and water supplies rank among the first essential services to fail during large-scale disasters or infrastructure collapse. In crisis scenarios–whether triggered by natural disasters, civil unrest, or infrastructure failure–electricity grids prove highly vulnerable, and, when they fail, trigger cascading failures across other critical infrastructure. Read more: The future of architecture: 5 sustainable buildings changing the skyline Water supply systems, critically dependent on electricity for pumping, treatment, and distribution, typically cease functioning within hours or days. Water pressure drops, pumps fail, and treatment facilities can no longer purify or deliver water, creating profound impacts on health, sanitation, and survival. Above Solar panels provide reliable, renewable energy (Photo: Unsplash) Above Manual hand pumps provide access to water sources (Photo: Pexels) The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) recommends that 'a robust off-grid solar setup with lithium-ion battery banks, such as the Tesla Powerwall, provides reliable, renewable energy whilst reducing dependence on unstable grids.' Furthermore, solar systems prove particularly viable in Southeast Asia's sun-rich environment, offering year-round energy generation potential. See also: Hypermarket chain TF Value Mart partners Plus Xnergy as part of its carbon-neutral strategy Layered backup systems should be in place as well. Diesel or propane dual-fuel generators provide secondary power sources, whilst manual hand-crank or pedal generators serve as tertiary options for essential devices during extended outages. For rural properties, the FAO advocates biogas systems as sustainable energy solutions. Kitchen waste or animal manure can generate cooking fuel, reducing reliance on external supply chains whilst managing organic waste effectively. Photo 1 of 2 Collection tanks combined with UV filters or ceramic drip filters ensure reliable potable water supplies (Photo: Pexels) Photo 2 of 2 Properties with access to groundwater benefit from additional security measures (Photo: Pexels) Rainwater harvesting represents a particularly suitable water strategy for tropical climates with abundant precipitation. Modular collection tanks combined with UV filters or ceramic drip filters ensure reliable potable water supplies independent of municipal systems. Don't miss: Home tour: A tropical courtyard bungalow designed to be a family oasis in Malaysia Also, properties with access to groundwater benefit from additional security measures, offering enhanced reliability during extended infrastructure disruptions. Deep wells equipped with manual hand pumps, properly secured from contamination, provide redundant water sources when integrated with rainwater harvesting systems. Food independence Above Supermarket shelves can empty within hours to days after a major disruption (Photo: Unsplash) In cities, supermarket shelves can empty within hours to days after a major disruption due to panic buying, supply chain breakdowns, or infrastructure collapse. Most households maintain only a few days' to a week's worth of food on hand, and in the absence of resupply, many families will face shortages within the first week. Read more: Climate change is threatening Malaysia's food security—here's how we can mitigate it Above Canned goods form the backbone of emergency food storage (Photo: Pexels) Above Sacks of grains are also a popular go-to for emergency food storage (Photo: Pexels) Freeze-dried meals, grains, and canned goods form the backbone of emergency food storage. For these supplies, spare rooms or basements can be converted into dry pantries with efficient use of vertical space, modular shelving, and proper labeling to improve accessibility and inventory management. See also: 10 iconic home brands that became household names Other options include cold storage rooms equipped with insulation, temperature control, and humidity management; while traditional root cellars or underground pantries provide natural temperature regulation and humidity control, extending the shelf life of vegetables and perishables without electricity. Above Spare rooms can be converted into dry pantries with efficient use of vertical space and modular shelving (Photo: Pexels) Above Cold storage rooms equipped with insulation, temperature control, and humidity management (Photo: Pexels) However, experts estimate that most people would find it nearly impossible to stockpile enough food for more than a few months. In case of long-term crises, storing years' worth of food for a family of four would require significant space and cost, making it impractical for most households. While meticulous food rationing can extend supplies, innovative food production becomes essential for long-term survival if agriculture is disrupted for years. Don't miss: Qarbotech co-founder Chor Chee Hoe is on a mission to revolutionise agriculture and face down world hunger Above Hydroponics maximises space usage while supplementing food production (Photo: Pexels) Above Stamba Hotel in Georgia houses the country's first vertical farm, Space Farm (Photo: Design Hotels) Vertical gardening using soilless cultivation methods like aeroponics or hydroponics maximises space usage. These techniques are increasingly adopted in urban or flood-prone areas with limited land to supplement food production. 'Small rooftop gardens or greenhouses provide year-round fresh produce, [particularly herbs and leafy greens,] improving food security and microclimate cooling,' notes the FAO. Read more: 5 design and sustainably-led hotels around the world ScienceDirect experts add that aquaponics–with low-maintenance protein sources like tilapia or catfish–creates a symbiotic system when combined with soilless plant cultivation; maximising water and nutrient efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Above Potatoes are perennial crops excellent for sustainable food security (Photo: Unsplash) Above Bananas are fast-growing, nutrient-dense, and well-suited to tropical climates (Photo: Pexels) For homes with more extensive acreage, the FAO suggests planting perennial crops like bananas, moringa, cassava, sweet potato, taro, and lemongrass. 'They are fast-growing, nutrient-dense, and well-suited to tropical climates, making them excellent choices for sustainable food security,' the specialised United Nations agency explains. See also: These farmers grow your food, but can't afford to eat—this social enterprise is changing that Home security and safety Above Tall hedges provide privacy for SLS Properties Inc's Villa La Maida project in Los Angeles (Photo: Todd Goodman / LA Light) Natural fencing is usually constructed around a property's perimeter to maintain privacy while offering a lush view from inside homes. This landscaping approach also provides stealth security that blends with the landscape and building design, enhancing resilience and reducing risk compared to overtly fortified structures that attract unwanted attention. 'Using dense, thorny plants such as bougainvillea or bamboo alongside fencing creates a natural, low-maintenance barrier that discourages intrusion without drawing attention,' according to experts from Landscape Architecture Magazine . Don't miss: Home tour: A Mediterranean-inspired home that brings a piece of Tuscany to Los Angeles Above Solar-powered surveillance cameras provide sustainable, low-maintenance perimeter security (Photo: Pexels) Above Geese make excellent natural alert systems due to their keen senses and territorial behaviour (Photo: Pexels) Additionally, modern residential security design can be integrated to buff up the home's security. Solar-powered motion sensor lights and surveillance cameras provide sustainable, low-maintenance perimeter security, triggering real-time alerts and deterring intruders effectively. Read more: Kamarul Muhamed of Aerodyne on his journey with drone technology In fact, low-tech tripwire alarms such as bells or cans can be equally effective in providing simple but reliable perimeter alerts in rural or low-power settings; while dogs and geese, according to the Journal of Animal Behavior , serve as excellent natural alert systems, functioning as noisy sentinels due to their keen senses and territorial behaviour. Above Frightened Jackson citizens hiding in basement shelters in 'The Last of Us' (Photo: HBO Max) Finally, when intrusions, severe weather, or other emergencies occur, fortified spaces stocked with essentials allow homeowners to shelter safely until the threat passes. 'Safe rooms should be located away from windows and accessible from multiple points,' advises Architecture Lab . 'Typical sizes range around ten by ten feet with eight to nine-foot ceiling heights for optimal comfort and functionality.' See also: Home tour: A colour coordinated holiday home in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts Design criteria for safe rooms–including panic rooms, crawlspaces, basement shelters, and bunkers–established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) require reinforced concrete walls with steel rebar or prestressed panels, and impact-resistant doors must meet ICC 500 standards for tornado and hurricane resistance. Secure ventilation systems should be integrated to prevent debris and water ingress, with emergency power, typically provided by generators or battery units, maintaining lighting and ventilation during outages. Above Safe rooms should be stocked with communication devices, including battery-operated radios and satellite phones (Photo: Pexels)
Associated Press
01-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Brooks scores 22 as UMass-Lowell knocks off Binghamton 79-53
The AP Top 25 men's college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here. LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Max Brooks had 22 points in UMass-Lowell's 79-53 victory over Binghamton on Saturday. Brooks had five rebounds and three steals for the River Hawks (17-13, 6-9 America East Conference). Quinton Mincey added 20 points while going 8 of 12 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) while he also had seven rebounds. Martin Somerville shot 5 for 10, including 3 for 7 from beyond the arc to finish with 13 points, while adding nine assists. Tymu Chenery helped lead the way for the Bearcats (15-15, 7-8) with 11 points. Evan Ashe added 11 points and two steals for Binghamton. Ben Callahan-Gold had 10 points. Both teams next play Tuesday. UMass-Lowell visits Maine and Binghamton plays NJIT at home. ___
USA Today
23-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UMass-Lowell vs. Bryant men's basketball tickets still available for Thursday, February 27
The Bryant Bulldogs (17-11, 11-2 America East) play a fellow America East squad, the UMass-Lowell River Hawks (16-12, 5-8 America East), on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Costello Athletic Center. The game will start at 6:00 PM ET and is available via ESPN+. Buy tickets for UMass-Lowell vs. Bryant Shop college basketball tickets at SeatGeek Shop college basketball tickets at StubHub UMass-Lowell vs. Bryant game information Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025 Thursday, February 27, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM ET 6:00 PM ET How to watch on TV: ESPN+ ESPN+ Location: Lowell, Massachusetts Lowell, Massachusetts Venue: Costello Athletic Center Costello Athletic Center Tickets: Buy tickets here Watch college basketball on ESPN+! UMass-Lowell leaders So far this season, Max Brooks is putting up 15.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. Offensively, Quinton Mincey averages 16.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Martin Somerville has put up 13.9 points, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. On a per-game basis, Yuri Covington is putting up 11.3 points. Cam Morris III is posting 8.7 points per contest this season. Bryant leaders On the hardwood, Earl Timberlake puts up 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per contest. At the other end, he delivers 0.9 steals and 1.7 blocked shots. Connor Withers posts 11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. On the defense, he puts up 1.7 steals and 1.5 blocked shots. Barry Evans is posting 13.2 points, 2.6 assists and 7.1 rebounds per contest this season. From an offensive standpoint, Rafael Pinzon is putting up 18.4 points per contest. So far this season, Keyshawn Mitchell is putting up 7.9 points, 0.7 assists and 6.5 rebounds per game. UMass-Lowell vs. Bryant stats breakdown The River Hawks are making 49.2% of their shots from the field, 7.6% higher than the Bulldogs concede to opponents (41.6%). UMass-Lowell is 10-9 against the spread and 14-7 overall when shooting better than 41.6% from the field. The Bulldogs shoot 45.8% from the field, 2.1% higher than the River Hawks allow. Bryant is 10-7 against the spread and 15-4 overall when shooting better than 43.7% from the field. The River Hawks collect 32.9 rebounds per game, 5.0 fewer than the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are fifth in rebounding in the country, and the River Hawks are 133rd. The 80.4 points the River Hawks average are 5.6 more than the Bulldogs give up. The Bulldogs' 82.0 points per game are 7.1 more than the River Hawks allow. Shop college basketball tickets at SeatGeek Shop college basketball tickets at StubHub We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. FTW operates independently, though, and this doesn't influence our coverage.
USA Today
21-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How to watch UMass-Lowell River Hawks vs. UMBC Retrievers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time
How to watch UMass-Lowell River Hawks vs. UMBC Retrievers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | February 20 The UMass-Lowell River Hawks (15-11, 4-7 America East) will be attempting to stop a three-game losing skid when hosting the UMBC Retrievers (12-15, 4-8 America East) on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Costello Athletic Center. It will air at 6:00 PM ET on ESPN+. In its most recent game, UMass-Lowell fell to New Hampshire, 80-79, on the road. Its top performers were Quinton Mincey (23 PTS, 56.25 FG%, 4-7 from 3PT) and Max Brooks (20 PTS, 83.33 FG%). UMBC lost on the road to Bryant 81-79 last time out, and were led by Marlon Short (23 PTS, 2 STL, 68.75 FG%) and Louie Jordan (16 PTS, 60 FG%, 4-8 from 3PT). To prepare for this college hoops showdown, here is everything you need to get ready for Thursday's action. Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll UMass-Lowell vs. UMBC: How to watch on TV or live stream Game day: Thursday, February 20, 2025 Thursday, February 20, 2025 Game time: 6:00 PM ET 6:00 PM ET Location: Lowell, Massachusetts Lowell, Massachusetts Arena: Costello Athletic Center Costello Athletic Center TV Channel: ESPN+ ESPN+ Live Stream: ESPN+ - Watch NOW Watch college basketball on ESPN+! River Hawks vs. Retrievers odds and spread Spread Favorite: River Hawks (-6.5) River Hawks (-6.5) Moneyline: UMass-Lowell (-269), UMBC (+218) UMass-Lowell (-269), UMBC (+218) Total: 161.5 points College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Thursday at 3:34 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Watch college basketball on ESPN+!
USA Today
16-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UMBC at UMass-Lowell odds, tips and betting trends
The UMBC Retrievers (12-15, 4-8 America East) will try to break a three-game road losing streak when they square off against the UMass-Lowell River Hawks (15-11, 4-7 America East) on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Costello Athletic Center. The contest airs at 6:00 PM ET on ESPN+. In the article below, we take a look at the UMass-Lowell vs. UMBC odds and lines around this contest. The meeting between the River Hawks and the Retrievers currently has no line set. UMass-Lowell is 10-14-0 against the spread this season compared to UMBC's 12-13-0 ATS record. In terms of going over the point total, games involving the River Hawks are 12-12-0 and the Retrievers are 17-7-1. Over the last 10 games, UMass-Lowell has a 2-8 record against the spread while going 3-7 overall. UMBC has gone 3-7 against the spread and 3-7 overall in its last 10 matches. Ahead of this matchup, here's what you need to get ready for Thursday's college basketball action. Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll UMass-Lowell vs. UMBC prediction UMass-Lowell 80, UMBC 75 Against the spread UMass-Lowell has compiled a 10-14-0 record against the spread this season. UMBC has compiled a 12-13-0 record against the spread this season. The River Hawks score only 3.1 more points per game (80.5) than the Retrievers allow (77.4). UMass-Lowell is 8-6 against the spread and 12-4 overall when scoring more than 77.4 points. When UMBC gives up fewer than 80.5 points, it is 8-7 against the spread and 10-7 overall. The Retrievers' 80.3 points per game are 6.0 more points than the 74.3 the River Hawks allow to opponents. UMBC has put together an 11-5 ATS record and a 12-6 overall record in games it scores more than 74.3 points. UMass-Lowell's record is 8-8 against the spread and 13-5 overall when it allows fewer than 80.3 points. Players to watch UMass-Lowell Max Brooks leads his squad in rebounds per game (8.1), and also posts 15.1 points and 1.4 assists. At the other end, he averages 0.8 steals and 2.7 blocked shots (sixth in the nation). Quinton Mincey is tops on his squad in both points (16.0) and assists (2.8) per game, and also averages 6.3 rebounds. Defensively, he averages 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocked shots. Martin Somerville averages a team-high 3.0 assists per game. He is also posting 13.8 points and 2.6 rebounds, shooting 42.7% from the floor and 41.1% from beyond the arc with 2.3 made 3-pointers per contest. UMBC Bryce Johnson is averaging a team-best 16.7 points per game. And he is producing 4.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists, making 51.5% of his shots from the floor and 36.8% from 3-point range, with 1.6 triples per game. Marcus Banks is posting 15.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest, making 43.8% of his shots from the floor and 40.5% from beyond the arc, with 3.1 triples per contest. Josh Odunowo leads the Retrievers in rebounding (5.1 per game), and puts up 11.1 points and 2.1 assists. He also posts 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocked shots.
