3rd Prize Winner: SUMAK WASI
Authors: Maria Jose Morocho Rojas, Christian German Medina Romero and Grace Catalina Gavilanes Palacios
Country: Hungary
Prize: €5,000
Kingspan Products: QuadCore LEC insulated roof panel, Slimline Rainwater Harvesting Tank, Kooltherm K103 Floorboard, Kooltherm K108 Cavity Board, QuadCore Evolution Axis wall panel, PowerPlus KS1000 RW rooftop solar PV system and BioDisc BA-BC Sewage Water Plant.
SUMAK WASI proposes a modular microhome system designed to meet Ecuador’s diverse climates and social conditions through a single adaptable housing model. The project responds to urgent housing deficits by offering a compact 25m² base unit enhanced by a 7.4m² extension that supports long term growth. The design uses a simple structural grid, efficient panelised construction and clear zoning to create flexible interiors that adjust to changing family needs. Climate specificity drives each variant with targeted strategies for the Andes, Amazon and Pacific regions using fog catchers, rainfall collection, solar harvesting and shading systems. The proposal integrates convertible furniture and modular expansions that support productive uses such as shops or workspaces, strengthening local economies. By combining phased growth, durable material selection, and strong climatic logic, SUMAK WASI positions the microhome as an adaptable social infrastructure for Ecuador’s mixed geographies.
“The proposal stands out for its clear environmental narrative, positioning the home not merely as a low-impact dwelling but as an active agent that recharges groundwater rather than only reducing consumption. The architectural concept is strong and cohesive, expressed through an elegant rural aesthetic that fits naturally within the Punjab agricultural landscape. Its construction logic is pragmatic, with a high degree of prefabrication and repeatability that supports real-world deployment. The link between the chosen site and the project’s mission is particularly compelling, directly addressing groundwater depletion in the very agricultural context most affected by it.”
Neall Digert, Ph.D. (Buildner Guest Juror) - Vice President, Innovation & Market Development, Kingspan Light + Air North America
