flatpack washing machine helps remote and impoverished communities save water and time

"The Divya flatpack manual washing machine for remote areas helps impoverished communities save up to 50 percent of water use and 70 percent of their time compared to when they wash clothes by hand. Designed for families who may not have access to electricity or to electric appliances, the equipment has a capacity large enough for the laundry needs of a big household. It is modular, meaning it can be taken apart, so families can easily move it somewhere else or wherever they need it."

"Its exterior is made of stainless steel, which can handle long-term use without rusting, extreme water exposure, and heavy loads when it comes to the clothes. The team says that the Divya flatpack manual washing machine's commercial-grade parts are also robust enough for repeated manual use and for them to last without repairs. Even if users need to repair the tool, many of the parts are standard, so they can be found in typical hardware stores and local workshops."

"There's a handle on the exterior of the Divya flatpack manual washing machine that the user needs to keep turning to wash their clothes. A person turns a handle for a few minutes, and the drum inside spins enough times to complete a wash cycle, with the full cycle taking about 30 minutes. Only a small section of that time requires physical turning to reduce the total effort needed for washing and water use by about half when compared with hand-washing."

Divya flatpack manual washing machine reduces water use by up to 50% and saves up to 70% of washing time compared with hand washing. The machine is designed for families without electricity and has a capacity suited to large households. The unit is modular and portable, allowing easy relocation. The stainless steel exterior resists rust, heavy loads, and extreme water exposure. Commercial-grade, standard parts support repeated manual use and simplify local repairs without specialists. Manual handle operation spins the drum; a typical full cycle takes about 30 minutes with only part of that time requiring physical turning. A scrubber is integrated into the textured lid to remove stains.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine