STEEL AFFORABLE HOUSING

This three-storey prototype of affordable housing is the outcome of an architectural competition. The Chilean organiser of this challenge requested that the main structure of the house should be built in steel.

As the building cost was the main parameter to consider for the proposal, we looked for the most efficient way to save materials and simplify the construction process. We proposed a basic structure of two steel beams. These beams form a triangle that supports the slabs and create the three levels of this tiny house.

A central spiral stair connects the different areas of the dwelling. We installed a mobile lattice on top of the third level so the stair’s shaft could create permanent natural ventilation. In this way, we take advantage of the natural convection of the air.

The same physical principle was applied to the north façade. The roof package (painted in a dark colour to absorve radiation) includes a winding hose that captures the heat from the sun warming the water inside and accumulating it in an insulated tank located at the highest point of the structure. Then, just by gravity, the hot water would be used by the inhabitants saving important energy resources.

Material: Steel and glass. Area: 45 m²