Olson Kundig’s submission for this design competition imagines an affordable, flexible emergency housing module that incorporates both living and gathering space for displaced persons. Made of sustainable, accessible materials, the module creates a flexible, expandable home in both temporary and permanent settings.

The concept establishes an intuitive “kit of parts” that can be constructed quickly and efficiently by unskilled workers using only hand tools. Wood-framed panels reduce material waste while remaining small enough to be lifted by one or two people. The module can be adapted depending on the location, climate and unique needs of its users, ensuring widespread functionality throughout Mexico’s wide variety of contexts and microclimates. The panels can be filled with optional insulation to further improve climate performance and lifespan, while the skewed roof provides deep shading.

In addition to providing shelter, the module design considers the emotional impact of displacement by strengthening community connections. Modules can be expanded or customized in a range of colors, lending a sense of control and individuality that is valuable in times of crisis. The skewed roof alignment allows individual units to cluster on the diagonal, maintaining sightlines between houses and establishing a shared, covered outdoor space for social gathering.