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Timber Microhousing That Fosters Community Resilience

Authors:
Emiliano Renovales, Andrea Martinez
Timber Microhousing That Fosters Community Resilience

Project in-detail

Constructed with Cross-Laminated Timber, these adaptable microhousing units create a resilient community solution in Mexico City for families displaced by the 2017 earthquakes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from Cross-Laminated Timber to enhance structural resilience.
02
Designed for flexibility, allowing modular combinations of living units.
03
Strategically located in a disaster-affected area to address urgent housing needs.
04
Incorporates accessible layouts to promote ease of movement for all residents.
05
Focuses on fostering community interaction within an urban context.

The S.O.S microhousing proposal offers a practical response to the urgent housing needs in Mexico City, particularly in areas affected by the 2017 earthquakes. Located at Alvaro Obregon 268 in the Hipodromo neighborhood, this initiative aims to provide efficient living spaces for families who have lost their homes due to the disaster. The design focuses on creating a vertical community that uses the first Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) building in the area, promoting both sustainability and strength.

Spatial Configuration

The design features two main types of units: Type 01 at 25 square meters and Type 02 at 37.5 square meters. These options provide flexibility for households of different sizes. Each unit includes essential spaces such as a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and laundry area. The layout has been carefully planned to maximize usability and to ensure accessibility for all residents.

Modular Approach

A notable aspect of the S.O.S proposal is its modular design. This approach allows for different living units to be combined based on the specific needs of residents. Such flexibility is particularly important in a post-disaster situation. Families can adjust their living spaces to fit their lifestyles while enhancing community connections. The arrangement of spaces supports easy movement and makes efficient use of the available area.

Community Integration

The design aims to strengthen community ties by encouraging interaction among residents. By creating a shared living environment, the project seeks to help rebuild the social connections that may have been lost during the calamity. The placement of the microhouses within the urban landscape is intentional, responding to the needs of the community and promoting a sense of belonging among residents.

Design Detail

The interior layout showcases a careful consideration of practicality. Electrical and plumbing systems are integrated within ceilings and floors, allowing for clean and open spaces. This focus on functionality helps create an environment that is both practical and visually appealing, meeting the basic needs of residents while providing a sense of home.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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