Project description by jury

Cities like Quito have uncountable underused flat rooftops that can be transformed to become a strategic resource for urban densification. The project proposes the installation of housing modules to inhabit the unoccupied roofs of existing buildings in a form of urban commensalism. Juxtaposing an extra layer over an existing construction, the strategy is sustainable across many facets: avoiding land speculation and urban sprawl, using existing facilities and infrastructure – thereby offering significant potential for financial savings – and providing affordable housing opportunities for the population.

Despite the minimalist approach underlying the project, the prototype is designed to be modified and customized to adapt to different users’ needs. The structure is made of unprocessed wood with interior walls in plywood and an exterior metal cladding. The two main opposite façades are fully glazed to admit a generous quantity of daylight inside the space. All components are prefabricated and easy-to assemble, to facilitate the replication of the module in different parts of the city and beyond.

Jury appraisal

Tackling the housing crisis in rapidly growing cities is one of the most urgent challenges of current urban and architectural practices. At the same time, urban density has become a primary growth strategy for revitalizing the commercial and housing potential of urban cores. This implies a more prudent use of the available surfaces for construction and, therefore, a reconsideration on what is really needed for comfortable living. The Holcim Awards jury Latin America applauded this project not only because of the interesting architecture proposed but, especially for how it questions the current consumer attitude to the manner of design for habitable spaces. The minimalist approach pursued by the authors was considered responsive and provocative, and very effective in showing that living with less is possible. The resulting architecture was commended for the elegance of its form and the simple refinements.