IKEA’s flatpack homes for refugees get a reluctant OK from Lebanon

Lebanon’s government has finally agreed to a trial run of IKEA’s prefabricated flatpack homes designed for refugees, but they’re not excited about it.

The prefab homes were a huge hit when they were unveiled earlier this year – blogs all across the globe picked up the story.

Designed as an alternative to tents currently used to shelter refugees, IKEA and the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) put three years and $4.6 million into developing them.

Sturdy but relatively lightweight, they come with a small solar panel, and are easily transported when disassembled in under four hours.

They aren’t cheap – each costs $7,500 – but they do provide a great deal more protection from the elements than existing solutions.

That might seem like a good thing, but the Lebanese government is concerned that these steel-framed homes will be too cozy for the refugees, who might then be inclined to overstay their welcome.

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IKEA’s flatpack homes for refugees get a reluctant OK from Lebanon