Modular, climate-resilient design wins big at PHINMA CMG affordable housing hackathon
A customizable, flood-resilient multi-family dwelling unit won the championship in the inaugural PHINMA Construction Materials Group (PHINMA CMG) hackathon on affordable and viable housing solutions for low-income Filipino families.
Students from the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) bested four other teams for their design “Kuwadrado” at the hackathon “Build with Union 2024: Linking Best Minds for Sustainable Housing” held last October 22 at TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia. Inspired by life in the Baseco Compound, the project comes with pre-planned expansions on top of the basic living core unit to allow residents to customize their homes according to their needs. It also provides PWD-friendly housing and a community space for inhabitants.
The TUP team composed of Alexsandria Paula C. Santos, Christian Harvey C. Domingo, Marie Claire D. Calapati, Kyla Mae P. Ang, and Daphne Cher J. Sibal received mentorship from Architect Rodelon Ramos, Design and Innovations Manager for Habitat for Humanity Philippines, a partner organization for the hackathon. The team was also joined by their faculty mentor Engr. Romie M. Zapanta from the TUP Civil Engineering Department.
The team also bagged the Most Sustainable Award, which recognizes outstanding commitment to sustainability, focus on eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. The TUP students likewise received cash prizes of P50,000 for the championship and P10,000 for this award.
Coming in at second place was the Mapua University team with their project ‘Banyuhay: Bagong Anyo ng Buhay-an’ which drew inspiration from the traditional Filipino Solihiya design. The affordable housing solution centers community warmth and incorporates adaptable spaces that use sustainable materials like AAC blocks and passive energy solutions like skylights and ventilation systems. The team was mentored by Roberto Nuez, President and CEO of partner organization PHINMA Properties’ Community Developers and Construction Corporation (CDCC).
Meanwhile, the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) team ranked third for ‘Project E-Cubo.’ A modern take on the classic bahay kubo, the economical and cube-shaped house proposes the use of interlocking–stackable blocks to save space and energy-efficient smart-housing features like solar panel and rainwater harvesting systems. PHINMA Properties CDCC Project Diretor Daniel Moritcho served as partner org mentor to the team.
TIP also won the special Union Astig Award, which comes with a P10,000 monetary prize too. The second-place and third-place teams also received cash awards of P30,000 and P20,000 respectively.
Other participating educational institutions were the:
- University of the Philippines, whose team presented the solution ‘Layon: Ang Bahay ng Masa’ which emphasizes accessibility, inclusivity, and gender-sensitive features supported by cement-bamboo frame technology and was mentored by partner org GMA Kapuso Foundation Engineer Baltazar Babas
- University of Santo Tomas, whose team proposed ‘Pabahay Tomasino’ which adopts a flexible layout and incorporates sustainable materials that allow for flood-resilient housing. Their mentor was partner org Gawad Kalinga Philippines Lead Engineer Jeron Amadore
The Build with Union 2024 hackathon aims to explore and develop viable solutions to the critical challenges of affordable housing, with a focus on improving living conditions, ensuring durability, and enhancing community well-being to promote a sustainable design on affordable housing and provide a platform for new Filipino talents.
“Today, we demonstrate the power of a whole-of-society approach—where the government, private sector, NGOs, and academia come together to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing millions of Filipinos: housing scarcity. We need to rethink and reinvent how we build—embracing new methods and materials to make homes more affordable, sustainable, and accessible to those who need them most,” said PHINMA CMG President and CEO Eduardo A. Sahagun during the event.
“Our companies at PHINMA CMG are ready to take the first step by developing these proposed solutions into tangible demo units. Together, we can validate these innovations, scale them, and move closer to making dignified housing a reality for every Filipino family. Let’s collaborate, act decisively, and turn the dream of safe, affordable homes into a lasting reality,” added Mr. Sahagun.