SA business designs pop-up refugee shelter

Refugees and victims of natural disasters could be housed in pop-up huts designed by an Adelaide business.

The South Australian government has provided local business Humanihut with a $50,000 innovation grant to continue developing the concept.

Humanihut managing director Neale Sutton says the foldable huts would offer water, sewerage and power and could be assembled within hours for emergency accommodation.

"Each container in our system will be assembled into a hut with a metal frame and sandwiched panels to insulate against extreme heat and cold weather," he said on Thursday.

"It will provide secure housing for up to six people, including beds and a table, with access to nearby bathroom facilities."

The grant would allow Humanihut to finalise a design concept and attract private investment towards commercialising the idea, Manufacturing Minister Kyam Maher said.