zaha hadid architects unveils the roatán próspera residences in honduras

zaha hadid architects, together with AKT II and hilson moran partnership, have developed a digital architectural platform to create roatán próspera residences, a project located in honduras’ roatán islands. the resulting residential designs respond to the climate, terrain and environment of the island, embodying its lifestyle choices and enabling inhabitants to turn them into personalized homes. the process results in a design that takes cues from the past, integrating the local vernacular tradition of timber construction, climate appropriateness and spatial experience with new digital design, engineering and construction techniques.

images courtesy of zaha hadid architects

the first residential units on roatán próspera by zaha hadid architects are a case study in local sustainability and global integration. working together with AKT II, the design approach starts from a comprehensive understanding of the local supply chain, logistics and construction techniques to promote the use of local materials, craftsmanship and manufacturing facilities which support the economy of the region. by combining the most advanced modular construction techniques with sustainably-sourced local materials, the design and planning for these first dwellings is an example of the shift in development technologies taking place around the world.

roatán próspera rethinks the whole design and conventional delivery approach to development, starting from understanding the local supply chain, logistics, energy and economical aspects as a basis to engage technologically-curious, ecologically-minded, entrepreneurial building contractors. local labor and methods are engaged for construction methodologies and logistics of supply, procurement, and assembly.

‘the design prioritizes sustainability and is integral to our vision for roatán próspera,’ comments erick a. brimen, CEO of honduras próspera LLC. ‘the island of roatán is already a renowned tourist destination. roatán próspera will strengthen and diversify the local economy while creating homes defined by their natural environment.’

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. the modular system also ensures a considerable reduction in waste material, and a higher quality of construction due to the greater precision achieved by off-site fabrication. suppliers will be given full assistance to develop their product lines to the 3D digital information model of the houses and the terrain.

applying parametric design software developed by the computational and design group at ZHA (ZHCODE) and the computational engineering team at AKT II, (P.ART), the platform ensures that each residence is developed specifically to the configuration defined by each homeowner. it also ensures that each home is fundamentally sustainable by using as little material and energy as possible in its construction and operation with the shapes of each element within the building being environmentally appropriate, particularly from a solar and ventilation perspective.

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project info:

name: roatán próspera residences

location: honduras 

design & technology platform

zaha hadid architects: patrik schumacher (principal), shajay bhooshan, henry louth, vishu bhooshan, cesar fragachan, jianfei chu, federico borello, georgios pasisis with support from tommaso casucci, leo bieling and ryan hughes

structural engineering
akt II: edoardo tibuzzi, gavin sayers, thomas lejeune, megan greig

environmental engineering
hilson moran: emlu schembri, amedeo scofone