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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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