Mexico’s Affordable Housing Shortage Tackled with Prefab Construction
Tatiana Bilbao’s project for the Chicago Biennial is a full-scale prototype solution for the affordable housing shortage in Mexico. The structure, which aims to adapt to different geographical, social and cultural conditions, can be built for as little as $8,000 and the budget to go up to $14,000, depending on specific requirements and location
The project was presented at the Chicago Architecture Biennial, which focused on the theme “The State of the Art of Architecture” with projects by 100 different architects working across more than 30 countries. Bilbao’s project addresses the issue of affordable housing solutions in Mexico-one of the Latin American countries with the fastest growing populations. The prototype was tested through several on-site interviews and workshops, after which the team adopted a final form with two slanted roofs. The layout and materialization can be adapted to different regions and needs.
The central core of the house is made with concrete blocks surrounded by modules built using lighter, more affordable materials such as wood pallets. This system allows expansion and preserves the outside appearance of the house. The first phase includes two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and a 5-meter-high dining and living room. It includes several sustainable technologies in order to achieve energy efficiency.
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