ACACIA Resilient Home Prototype
ACACIA Resilient Home Prototype
This single-family prototype aims to address the very essential need for dignified, permanent and affordable housing. The design is comprised of renewable resources and infrastructure capable of sustaining living conditions while being off-grid for extended periods of time. Passive design strategies provide natural cross ventilation, heat extraction and shade. The design considers the use of locally manufactured structural systems, accessible materials, as well as hurricane and seismic resistant components. The project’s insulated concrete panel system has been proven to be equal or more effective against earthquake loads when compared to traditional concrete block construction due to its relative lightness and integrated reinforcement. The design’s modularity, interior distribution, and openings configuration provide adaptability for diverse locations and square footage needed.
Massing & Modularity studies
Model Study – Main entrance/front façade
Passive design strategies provide natural cross ventilation, heat extraction and shade.
Neighborhood scenario and site combinations study
The design’s modularity, interior distribution, and openings configuration provide adaptability for diverse locations and square footage needed.
Water filtration systems and backup batteries help keep these residences off the grid in times of extreme weather or natural disaster.
The rear rain garden helps mitigate flooding due to inclement weather.
- Location
- Puerto Rico
- Typology
- Residential, Sustainable , Resilient, Residential Affordable
- Design Team
- Jonathan Marvel, Hector Ralat, José Juan Terrasa-Soler, Enrique Ramon, Karen Cuadro
- Consultants
- Joaquin De Mari (Structural Engineer), Jorge Torres (Plumbing) Requena y Asociados (Electrical Engineer)
- Awards
- AIA Florida / Caribbean Region - Award of Excellence, Sustainability, Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award
- Photography Credits
- © Paola Quevedo
- Rendering Credits
- Marvel