Mexico City-based architect Manuel Cervantes Estudio aims to redefine how we build residencies with his DIY housing strategy. He seeks to give power to people in creating their homes in sustainable, safe, and efficient ways. Described as "assisted self-production," the DIY housing strategy embraces "passive, vernacular construction" methods.
A prototype of Manuel Cervantes Estudio's DIY housing exists—the Rural Nicolas Housing structure which is situated in a mountainous region. In order to assist people in building their own dwellings, the architect creates detailed manuals "so people can understand a better way to build things." Assistance comes verbally and in the shape of smartphone pictures. It takes into consideration the climate of the cite and design opportunities—for example, the Rural Nicolas Housing maximizes views to the outdoors and blends seamlessly with its environment.
Accessible DIY Housing Strategies
Manuel Cervantes Estudio Promotes "Assisted Self-Production"
Trend Themes
1. DIY Housing - Manuel Cervantes Estudio's assisted self-production approach may spur innovations in DIY home-building beyond just passive and vernacular methods.
2. Sustainable Construction - The DIY housing strategy promotes sustainable building practices, encouraging innovation in the construction industry towards more eco-friendly building techniques.
3. Manualized Construction - The detailed manuals created by Cervantes may inspire an uptick in manualized construction techniques for increased safety and efficiency in home building.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The DIY housing strategy presents an opportunity for architects to explore and implement sustainable and user-driven methodologies in residential construction.
2. Construction - The strategy's assisted self-production approach to home building presents opportunities for the construction industry to invest in simpler and more accessible building techniques that homeowners can undertake themselves.
3. Smartphone Technology - The use of smartphone pictures as a method of assistance may encourage further integration of technology in the home-building process.