holcim + norman foster foundation's scalable prototype for 2025 rollout

holcim & norman foster foundation reunite for 2025 rollout

Following the 2023 prototype unveiled at the Venice Biennale, Holcim and the Norman Foster Foundation present a scalable Essential Homes Applications prototype for real-world use at this year’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, furthering their vision to make sustainable building possible for all. With Holcim’s sustainable building solutions inside, the project is designed to provide safety, comfort and wellbeing for low-income or displaced communities. The new prototype has been developed for rollout in Latin America in 2025, following an in-depth study of local housing conditions and the environment.

all images © Norman Foster Foundation

low-carbon and scalable essential homes prototype

The Essential Homes in Latin America will be built with low-carbon, local materials, including ECOPact low-carbon concrete and ECOPlanet low carbon cement. A custom high-performance concrete will be used in the prefabricated roofs. In line with Holcim’s commitment to circular construction, Essential Homes Applications are fully recyclable. At the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Holcim (see more here) and the Norman Foster Foundation will showcase sketches of the Essential Homes concept by Norman Foster, as well as physical models of the initial model and the updated prototype. The show is the world’s oldest open submission exhibition, held every year since 1769. It will take place in London from June 18th to August 18th, 2024.

the Essential Homes in Latin America will be built with low-carbon, local materials

higher standards for ultra-low cost living in latin america

‘This project grew out of a workshop organised by the Norman Foster Foundation for young graduates devoted to the issues of refugee housing. Realising that a family can spend up to nearly two decades living in a tent, the scholars posed a challenge – could a more durable, permanent and dignified home be built in a few days, that would be economically viable and sustainable?’ shares Norman Foster. Together with Holcim, the foundation tackled this challenge with a prototype launched at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale, which has now developed into ‘a row house version’. The latest scalable design will provide better standards for ultra low-cost housing across Latin America.

the new prototype has been developed for rollout in Latin America in 2025