Inhabitat reports a Mexican architecture firm has developed a small modular home designed to serve poor families in Monterrey, Mexico. Stacion-ARchitectura Arquitectos’ Modulo 10 X 10 is wrapped in recycled fiberglass panels which can be added to expand the unit depending upon family size. Because of the intense heat in the area, the home sits elevated on old tires and concrete to allow airflow at the bottom, and the ventilated roof provides airflow at the top. The roof also was designed to deflect solar gain, and the sliding door and window can provide additional fresh air. Bamboo is used for functional and decorative accents. This quick assembly modular home would be effective in emergency and disaster situations as well.

(Photo credit: Inhabitat)