Shelter - NFI SPHERE - OCHANet

Minimum Standards in Shelter, Settlement and Non-Food Items
Shelter and settlement standard 3: covered
living space
People have sufficient covered space to provide dignified
accommodation. Essential household activities can be satisfactorily
undertaken, and livelihood support activities can be pursued as required.
Key indicators (to be read in conjunction with the guidance notes)
● The initial covered floor area per person is at least 3.5m 2 (see
guidance notes 1-3).
● The covered area enables safe separation and privacy between the
sexes, between different age groups and between separate families
within a given household as required (see guidance notes 4-5).
● Essential household activities can be carried out within the shelter
(see guidance notes 6 and 8).
● Key livelihood support activities are accommodated where possible
(see guidance notes 7-8).
Guidance notes
1. Climate and context: in cold climates, household activities typically take
place within the covered area and disaster-affected people may spend
substantial time inside to ensure adequate thermal comfort. In urban
settings, household activities typically occur within the covered area as
there is usually less adjacent external space that can be used. In hot and
humid climates, space to allow for additional air circulation is required to
maintain a healthy environment. A covered floor area in excess of 3.5m 2
per person will often be required to meet these considerations. The floor to
ceiling height is also a key factor, with greater height being preferable in hot
and humid climates to aid air circulation, while a lower height is preferable
in cold climates to minimise the internal volume that requires heating. In
warmer climates, shaded external space adjacent to the shelter can be
established for food preparation, cooking and sleeping.
Shelter
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