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Timber Microhousing That Fosters Community Resilience

Authors:
Emiliano Renovales, Andrea Martinez
Timber Microhousing That Fosters Community Resilience
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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