How the PopHut, "Pops-Up".

While the MADDEL team has been busy promoting the PopHut emergency response shelter overseas and fine-tuning the design for past 12 months or so, it's probably high time we posted a video showing how quickly and easily it goes up.

This video was shot when we took the finished prototype out into the field and erected it for the first time.

2014... A Housing Odyssey

The MADDEL M5 in front of City Hall,
Quezon City, Manila.

For us at MADDEL, and many of you so close to us and what we are working towards, the year 2014 has been full of ups and downs. Mostly ups.  The downs are not really downs... moreover just moments or short periods of disappointment that our fervent desire to see people housed now, is taking longer than we allowed for in the time-frames for our goals.

As Brett observed, "It's a big wheel we need to turn. And it turns slower than I'd like it to!"

That said, we have been continuing to turn it successfully.  And as 2014 draws to a close ready for the exciting year that will be 2015, I am delighted and privileged to launch the MADDEL Blog, share with you now the highlights of the year past (and soon those of 2015 as they occur!).

• Singapore: Our introduction to Singapore in 2013 and use of an M5 shelter by the Singapore Grand Prix for staff on the circuit, the shelter was well-received by many. Whilst a small amount of investment was received, MADDEL left Singapore with some good relationships that will undoubtedly lead to further opportunities in the near future.


• January 2014: After the devastation by Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, our supporters in Singapore helped arrange for the SGP M5 to be shipped there where it was assembled in front of  City Hall in Quezon City, Manila (at still stands presently).  Aside from the obvious use for disaster recovery, Manila estimates that around 30% of its population is homeless.
  The Quezon City Government expressed immediate interest and negotiations for a trial order were undertaken.  Despite a few setbacks through the year, these negotiations have been continuing positively and appear very close to a break-through.


• April 2014: Started construction of five Pop Huts to be used as field-display units, using the process to further refine design features, improve unit performance and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency.


• July 2014:  Typhoon Glenda hits Quezon City with wind gusts to 200km/h.  The MADDEL M5 shelter stood fast at its location in front of Quezon City Hall, sustaining no damage or failure whatsoever.


• August 2014:  Production of a 2 minute video "Making A Difference: That's Our Business" and posting of the MADDEL YouTube channel for entry to the Sunshine Coast Innovation Centre Pitch Competition 2014.  Being selected to present at the finals resulted in some very beneficial new local and government connections.


• September 2014:  After a few more visits to the Philippines, we presented personally to several mayors through-out Manila (which comprises 17 individual cites) and south to the Visayas region. At every introduction we've been met with keen interest. Negotiations for further trial orders are presently under discussion.  The trial orders will open the way for ongoing supply of Shelters which will see to one of the greatest leaps forward for provision of housing in the Philippine's history.


• November 2014: Further interest in MADDEL via connections into the Pacific Islands, remote indigenous communities in Australia's north, Latin America, and Africa.


• December 2014: Formalisation of agency agreements between MADDEL and Learnix in the Philippines to enable facilitation or trial orders under negotiation.  Having explored agency agreements with several Philippine candidates throughout the year, we are very pleased to have a company so highly regarded and well known to us as our representative there.

PopHut® units being constructed for
demonstration and refinement of the
final product design.

2014 has been tough. The year saw MADDEL run down on funds without yet receiving the coveted inaugural order to catapult us to full commercialisation. Yet we've continued to be blessed with support, encouragement, new opportunities and the strength and determination capitalise on those in the name of achieving our task.  The coming year 2015 looks to continue the momentum gathered in 2014, and we look forward to sharing the growing successes as they eventuate.

If you haven't already done so, please go to the MADDEL Facebook page and Like to Follow us, in order to be notified of our latest Blog entries.

God bless you all, and have a wonderful and safe Christmas and start to 2015.

Alan