Chilean Stilted Modular Housing Prototype for Difficult Sites

This article analyzes the second prototype of the Industrialized Building System (IBSP II) developed by Ignacio Rojas Hirigoyen and Leonardo Gúzman Valencia in Matanzas, Chile. The 120-square-metre, two-storey house is designed to tackle challenging topography, wind, salinity, and intense solar exposure.

It shows how modular construction can deliver speed, adaptability, and climate-aware performance on difficult sites.

Design concept and structural system

IBSP II presents a modular, stilted housing concept anchored by a lightweight metal frame on diagonal, self-supporting stilts. This arrangement separates the structural system from the enclosure, allowing the house to adapt to a steep slope with minimal ground disturbance.

The triangular arrangement of structural points frees the interior from internal supports. This enables an open rectangular floor plan with two bedrooms and flexible living spaces.

Timber modular panels form the envelope and integrate cladding, insulation, shading, and ventilation. The façade acts as a climate mediator rather than just a barrier.

Key features of the system

• Diagonally arranged stilts elevate the structure above challenging ground conditions and coastal salinity, reducing site impact.
• Tilted, self-supporting frame separates structure from enclosure, enabling rapid assembly and easier upgrades without demolition.
• Open interior plan achieved by a triangular structural grid that eliminates interior load-bearing walls.
• Timber modular envelope combines cladding, insulation, shading, and ventilation in a single facade.
• Layered metal roof floats above the enclosure, visually and functionally differentiating components for maintenance and adaptability.

Separating the structural system from the enclosure promotes longevity, repairability, and transformation over time. This approach aligns with housing strategies that prioritize durability and adaptability.

Envelope as climate mediator

The timber modular envelope is more than weatherproofing; it’s a multifunctional component. The facade integrates insulation, shading devices, and ventilation pathways.

This design helps reduce energy demand while keeping occupants comfortable in Matanzas’ intense sun, wind, and salty air.

Site, performance and testing

Matanzas sits on a steep 5,000-square-metre site with tough topography and climate conditions. IBSP II was tested on this real-world site to check durability, climate response, and how easily it could be built.

The prototype was assembled in less than a day, without skilled labour. This shows the potential for fast housing delivery in difficult locations while maintaining quality.

Evolution from 2023 prototype and implications

Building on their 2023 prototype, Rojas and Gúzman expand the scope of industrialized housing to focus on habitability, climate performance, adaptability, cost, and speed.

By decoupling structure from enclosure, the system allows components to be disassembled, replaced, or upgraded without demolition. This design supports longevity and transformation, offering a model for scalable, climate-responsive housing in similar environments.

Conclusion and industry impact

For architecture and engineering practitioners, IBSP II provides a persuasive case study in how modular, off-site construction can tackle complex site conditions. The project demonstrates how this method can deliver livability and adaptability.

This approach offers a practical solution for climate-aware, rapidly deployable housing. It can evolve with occupants’ needs and changing environmental conditions.

Modular construction holds promise for addressing housing deficits in coastal, steep-slope, or disaster-prone regions. In these areas, minimizing site disturbance and optimizing performance are essential.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Chilean modular housing protoype uses stilts to traverse difficult site