2nd Prize Winner: Resilience is Politics

Author: Alejandro De Jesús Vera Véliz

Country: Chile

Prize: €10,000

Kingspan Products: Slimline Rainwater Harvesting Tank, GreenGuard GG25-LG insulation board, STEICOflex 036 wood fibre insulation and Kingspan Klargester Alpha Septic Tank

The CLT microhome proposes a compact timber dwelling that combines fast assembly with long-term adaptability. The design uses a simple structural grid and modular CLT panels to create a robust envelope that can be erected quickly in post-disaster or low-resource settings. A clear vertical separation places communal living and service spaces on the ground floor and private rooms above. The exposed frame extends beyond the enclosed volume and signals future expansion, allowing the home to grow in predictable stages without major structural change. The construction system relies on repeatable components and efficient joining methods that support low waste, low carbon output and ease of maintenance. The proposal also links individual units to a broader neighbourhood strategy by promoting scalable clusters that can evolve into stable communities. Its focus on resilience, affordability and pragmatic assembly makes the microhome suited for rapid deployment across varied contexts.

“This proposal presents a remarkably intelligent and thoughtful approach to compact living. The CLT design is smart, simple and rooted in a deeply sustainable logic. It avoids over designed micro living and focuses on what truly matters: healthy materiality, ease of assembly and durable performance.”

Mitchell Joachim (Buildner Guest Juror) – Terreform ONE