HOUSING
3D Concrete Printed

“WAI“ means “Water” in Maori, the indigenous culture of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Revolutionizing Flood-Prone Social Housing through 3D Printing.

The construction industry, deeply rooted in age-old practices, is experiencing stagnation that spans over a century. Recognizing the critical need for innovation, WAI-HOME advocates for a paradigm shift, introducing 3D printing technology to reshape residential construction.

This transformative approach not only aligns with contemporary societal needs but also addresses pressing environmental concerns on a global scale.
In the face of climate change and the dual challenges of water scarcity and a dire need for social housing, WAI-HOME proposes a groundbreaking solution – social housing construction in flood-prone areas. Focusing on Auckland, a city grappling with both flood risks and a shortage of social housing, our project aims to create a resilient and sustainable community.

Designed to meet the specific needs of individuals aged 25 and above, living independently or with a child, WAI-HOME is positioned to significantly impact society’s overall resilience in the face of housing shortages. Our innovative approach envisions the construction of eight optimized homes in a designated print area, each priced affordably at or below $99,000.

These 387 sf homes prioritize space optimization, offering a cost-effective and comfortable living solution. Each residence includes a well-designed living room/kitchen, a cozy bedroom, a spacious bathroom, and a loft space for a child’s bedroom or additional storage. To seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces, each home features a deck fostering community interaction within the neighborhood.

WAI-HOME’s design operations can be distilled into three key elements:
1. Elevating Houses on Pillars: A fundamental feature of our design, elevating homes on pillars in flood zones strategically mitigates flood risks, enhancing overall house protection. This measure is crucial in vulnerable areas, contributing to wider sustainable development objectives by minimizing direct flooding.

2. Incorporating Decks: Serving a dual function, decks in flood zones act as resilient, elevated platforms for flood risk mitigation while also extending living spaces outdoors. These areas foster community connection and interaction with nature.

3. Innovative Roof Design: The intentional elevation of the front edges of the roof allows for the inclusion of a loft inside the house, meeting the specific needs of state housing in New Zealand. Moreover, the pitched roof serves as a formal resource for rainwater harvesting and solar panel placement, contributing to sustainable water usage and energy generation.

WAI-HOME transcends traditional housing standards, offering an innovative and sustainable solution to the challenges posed by flood-prone areas. By integrating elevated housing, terraces, and cutting-edge roof design for water harvesting, we aim to provide safe and affordable housing while contributing to the long-term resilience and well-being of communities and the environment.

Mona Peters & Sebastian Contreras Rodriguez, heads of team MTspace_studio