Roatán Próspera Residences by Zaha Hadid Architects with AKT II and Hilson Moran Partnership – All images: courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.

Architecture – The Roatán Próspera project by Zaha Hadid Architects with AKT II and Hilson Moran Partnership is a specific ecological and social response to Honduras culture and climate. The modular residential project “learns from the wisdom of the past, integrating the local vernacular tradition of timber construction, climatic appropriateness and spatial experience with new digital design, engineering and construction techniques.” Explain at Zaha Hadid Architects.

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The design’s modular system which will break ground in 2021 is founded on the use of sustainable timber, sourced nearby from certified forests on the Honduran mainland and treated locally, to form the main structural elements. Digital information technologies optimize the use of all parts of the logs to minimize waste and pollution. This process contributes to reducing the embedded construction energy and carbon footprint.

Divided into a ‘kit of parts’ that is quickly assembled on site, the design approach is centered around ensuring local craftsmen, tradesmen and construction teams also benefit from the knowledge and experience obtained by working with new technologies. “Building lasting relationships between homeowners and the local community that will help new residents to integrate with local culture.”

The smart solution allows to considerably reduce waste material, and grant a higher quality of construction due to the greater precision achieved by off-site fabrication. The modular system of assembly is also a cost-controlled solution specifically tailored to local supply chains, transportation and installation. The designs minimize energy consumption with little or no requirements for mechanical ventilation.

Optimizing renewable resources to reduce energy consumption and generate water, the modules are designed to be self-shading, open and oriented towards the prevailing sea breeze for natural cooling.  “Particular care has been given to ensuring the designs are sustainable and feasible within the environment of Roatan.”

The digital configuration platform allows home-owners to plan their homes and connect with local suppliers. They can use the platform to customize the spatial layout of their residence to fit their preferred number of 35 sq.m living spaces. The platform also gives a choice of built-in furniture modules as well as spatial arrangements to suit individual lifestyles and preferences.

All images: courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.