Kanan

About

A watertight door made from biomaterials to save homes from flooding

Kanan is a watertight door designed to help communities that are vulnerable to flooding. It is made with plastic biocomposites derived from plant fibres. Particularly from byproducts of agricultural activities that would otherwise be wasted, such as coir, palm leaves, wood, sugar cane, banana leaves or corn. Using these materials gives Kanan a lightweight structure, which at the same time is completely sealed along the perimeter of the doorway, making it resistant to low-speed flooding typical of coastal plains. Using local byproducts also can help develop a local industry of makers that can further benefit the local economy