WE'VE all seen the movies and played the games.

So we all know shovels and chainsaws only go so far to keep moaning hordes of zombies at bay.

When the apocalypse comes, the problem we all face is our own mortal flesh, which is weak and tasty, easily run down over a fortnight of shuffling, mindless pursuit.

When the zombies come, what everyone will need is a safe house, and not one of those made of easily ripped-off corrugated iron or something with windows.

Fortunately the human race is onto it. Last year, Architects Southwest launched the Zombie Safe House competition, handing the inaugural Golden Shovel to Shea Michael Tran for his "SS Huckleberry" design which provide a mobile aquatic escape.

This year, the competition exploded, with judges having to choose a winner from some 220 designs from around the world.

They settled on Texan Austin Fleming’s Vagabond Mobile Safe House Device, which incorporates potable water filtration, tracking devices and photovoltaic cells into a handy and stylish leather backpack.

The whole things flips out armadillo-style in under three minutes and is covered in reflective coating to confuse drooling marauders.

We spoke to Safe House judge Simon Clark about what made Austin’s v.MSHD so special:

What feature/s of Austin's shelter got it over the line?

Simon: The portable design promised action and excitement. It meant those carrying the shelters would be outdoors confronting zombies, not hunkered in a bunker.

What unique challenges do zombie shelter designers face?

Simon: I imagine impregnability and sustainability and creating a place where people can live. However, from a writer's viewpoint I'd want there to be flaws and problems in the design. That would allow for dramatic incidents.

Is there any form of regulatory body ensuring these safe houses are built to minimum standards?

Simon: Not in the real world, but I'm sure writers and movie makers could invent them for dramatic purposes.

But it's a good point, there should be apocalypse preparedness committees etc.



How can buyers identify a "dodgy" zombie shelter?

Simon: I guess they wouldn't until it was too late. That's what would make the story interesting when the buyers find the fatal flaw in their zombie shelter - eg the locks keep springing open.

In a post-Apocalyptic, zombie-infested world, how important is it for shelters to be eco-friendly?

Simon: You'd think this wouldn't be important until, say, the nuclear generators caused greater problems than the zombie invader.

Finally, does living with zombies have to be all about prevention or should we be thinking about education as the answer?

Simon: Good question. Or should zombies be tamed and put to work rebuilding the world or serving us, mowing the lawn, washing the car...

Simon Clark is the author of 20 horror novels, including Night of the Triffids and his latest release, Ghost Monster. Check his work out at nailedbytheheart.



