Project description by jury

The design proposes a compact construction that answers the demand of housing in urban areas where one of the main problems is scarcity and the high cost of land. The authors’ solution to promote urban density is a small modular system that adapts to multiple users and requirements, fits different urban morphologies and is potentially scalable from the first stage of 64m2 to fourth stage of 128m2. The internal layout voluntarily relinquishes a strong spatial hierarchy, allowing for a high degree of flexibility. 

As a Main category prize winner in the regional Holcim Awards 2020, Housing Infill in Argentina automatically qualified as a finalist in the Global Holcim Awards 2021.

View Global Holcim Awards Entry – Housing Infill in Argentina

The built environment has a significant role to play in addressing climate change and enabling the transition to a net-zero and more inclusive future. The Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction global winners showcase the cutting edge of approaches to sustainable design, green architecture, and materials innovation. The 6th cycle of the competition saw a double-prizewinning entry in Latin America: A project in Colombia won the Global Holcim Awards Silver as well as Gold at the regional level. The global prizes were presented at a handover ceremony at the International Architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy. The regional Holcim Awards Main category winners for Latin America were recognized at the same event.

Urban Location

To achieve a sustainable urban development it is necessary to promote a dense and compact urban fabric. The main problem for the development of single-family homes is the scarcity and high cost of land. Therefore, it is essential to reduce land use through compact constructions. The proposal is committed to the consolidation and regeneration of the existing urban fabric, achieving more appropriate urban density.

This way, it takes advantage of the proximity to urban centers with its opportunities, achieving a better quality of life. 

• Passive systems: Generation of its own ecosystem. The house breathes, separates from the ground and the open spaces are arranged to allow cross ventilation. Also, it uses the vegetation both on landscaped roofs and on side and upper skins.
• Active systems: Rainwater and gray water collection and reuse systems, solar collectors for hot water are also incorporated.
• Material: It is developed mostly in wood, a renewable natural resource, highly recyclable and that can be extracted with simple and low-cost processes, with low energy demand in the production, transportation, and assembly process.
• Urban location: A housing prototype must contribute to a more sustainable urban development. Urban density reduces the need for the use of the private vehicle and other infrastructures.