While Pritzker Prize?winning architect Sir Norman Foster, founder of global Foster + Partners architecture firm, is typically known for his unique structures around the world, he also lends his time and skills to much smaller projects. As president of the Norman Foster Foundation, he partnered with Holcim to design a housing concept aimed to meet essential human needs, such as safety, comfort, and wellbeing for people in displaced communities. The Essential Homes Research Project just unveiled its prototype that’s built utilizing Holcim’s sustainable building practices to make it low-carbon, energy-efficient, and circular. The model is on view in Venice, Italy during the 2023 Biennale of Architecture until November 2023.
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Norman Foster says: “How can we ensure everyone, including some of our world?s most vulnerable populations, can have access to decent living conditions" During the Venice Biennale we show our work-in-progress on this idea; the outcome of a few months of intensive activity in collaboration with Holcim.”

The Essential Homes Research Project prototype proves that emergency housing can be sustainable with a 70% lower CO2 footprint, compared to traditional builds. The structure’s external shell is made from low-carbon, rollable concrete sheets that offer physical safety. The unit is outfitted with energy-efficient insulation systems, including Elevate boards and low-carbon Airium foam for thermal and acoustic comfort. To e...