Essential Homes Research Project by Holcim with the Norman Foster Foundation – All photos by Chiara Becattini, unless stated otherwise.

Architecture – Over 103 million people are displaced and live in temporary shelters that end up becoming their homes for an average of 20 years. “Everyone has the right to a home. That is built sustainably,” say at world’s leading building company Holcim and The Norman Foster Foundation. From here, they joined forces to develop The Essential Homes Research Project, a low-carbon, energy-efficient, and circular housing prototype “that is closer to a home than a shelter,” Norman Foster told Archipanic.

• RELATED STORIES: Read more about Venice Architecture Biennale 2023 on Archipanic.

Their emergency housing prototype is on show at the Time Space Existence exhibition during the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023 [Map]. Wrapped in a rollable shell made from a concrete sheet and produced with low-carbon cement, the home offers greater protection from the elements. Moreover, it can be swiftly built on-site to expedite construction during emergencies.

The Essential Homes project features a smart insulation system ensuring thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Holcim’s low-carbon and weather-resilient ECOpact concrete creates pathways that avoid floods and enhance Nature’s growth. Each component of the Essential Homes can be reused or recycled. The prototype comes with a 70% lower CO2 footprint compared to traditional structures.

Driving circular construction, Holcim’s ECOCycle_®, recycled construction demolition materials are used to make the base of the Essential Home more weather resilient. Permeable ECOPact pathways connect the homes, including light-absorbing aggregates reflecting natural light at night, reducing energy use and light pollution.

“In Venice, we want to open a conversation about making sustainable buildings made for all. We want to build a future that works for people and the planet,” Say Norman Foster and Holcim.

• Photos of The Essential Homes Research Project by Holcim and The Norman Foster Foundation are by Chiara Becccattini – unless stated otherwise.

Photo by Mika Cartier Empty.

Photo by Mika Cartier Empty.