Driven by its purpose to build progress for people and the planet, the Norman Foster Foundation partnered with Holcim to develop the Essential Homes Research Project, a model for comfortable, durable and dignified housing for people in displacement. The project will be presented at the Time Space Existence exhibition organized by the European Cultural Center during the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale. A real-size prototype will be placed in the Marinaressa Gardens, and an exhibition hosted in Palazzo Mora will present the development of the project. Perfectly in line with the Biennale’s theme ‘Laboratories of the Future’, this research project opens the conversation around providing essential housing for all.

The Essential Homes Research Project aims to provide a model for comfortable, durable and dignified living for people in displacement, sustainably. From ECOPact low-carbon concrete to Elevate and Airium innovative insulation systems, the Norman Foster Foundation and Holcim put their most innovative and sustainable solutions at the service of this socially fundamental project. 

Through this partnership, the Norman Foster Foundation and Holcim are working together to imagine a future where everyone has the dignified living conditions they need to thrive. The project will be unveiled on May 17th, during the opening of the Venice Biennale.