“A sensitive approach in a very painful post-earthquake situation” – Holcim Awards Jury
This project is about the reconstruction of an earthquake-devastated community in the Tarapacá area of Chile. The traditional adobe homes had to be replaced by inexpensive houses, meeting the requirements of the harsh climate and satisfying the social needs of the inhabitants whose homes had been destroyed.
Last updated: July 10, 2008 Mexico City, Mexico
In addition they had to be easy and fast to build by the local population with local materials. The result is a simple metal frame construction with cement block walls, giving support to the quincha façades made of wood and clay (debris). The roofs are also made of clay. Each family had the opportunity to define the overall dimensions and the number and size of the rooms according to their specific needs.
The carefully-chosen design answers to different situations, fills the gap between old and new and recovers the image of the traditional home of this area by using the traditional typology. The project has been commended due to this sensitive approach in a very painful post-earthquake situation.