aixopluc develops a series of survival structures in the sonoran desert
image © nathan rist
all images courtesy of nathan rist and david tapias

 

 

 

working in collaboration with the frank lloyd wright school of architecture, aixopluc recently completed the construction of little shelters with the help of a group of students, the first shelters built on the school’s campus in arizona. with a time frame of only twelve weeks, the students and designers developed and built a series of shelters with only a $2000 budget and materials that were found on site. the project put emphasis on collaboration and survival, utilizing a team dynamic to come up with solutions for habitation in a landscape that is designed to reject it. with the help of economical materials from local construction supply stores the group erected a series of structures whose designs came from the primitive need to survive, offering refuge from the intense sun, cutting wind, and trying weather. 


video by little shelters

aixopluc develops a series of survival structures in the sonoran desert
image © david tapias

 

 

the primary shelter consists of two enclosed volumes whose interstitial courtyard space serves as an extension of the program, providing a space for gathering, relaxing, and working. a series of repetitive frames comprise the small buildings. the roof structure consists of corrugated metal sheets that repel water and form a protective canopy from the elements. the roof is separated from the ceiling of the habitable space to allow for constant ventilation and keep the heated material away from the interior, further helping to cool the space. infill panels between the frames enclose the space, some of which operable to allow for internal ventilation. the foundation elements were re-used from previous structures.

aixopluc little maps
image © david tapias

aixopluc develops a series of survival structures in the sonoran desert
image © david tapias

aixopluc little maps
image © nathan rist

aixopluc develops a series of survival structures in the sonoran desert
image © david tapias

 

 

a separate structure serves as a larger gathering space, built with a base of the same foundation strategy utilized on the shelters. enclosing retaining walls at approximately 3 feet high embed the space partially underground while allowing 360 degree views. draped over the top, a light colored canvas stretches over to provide shade and maintain comfortable light levels underneath. a small tower contains the fireplace and chimney which opens onto the center. its thermal mass can heat up with a fire and release heat throughout the night.

aixopluc develops a series of survival structures in the sonoran desert
image © david tapias

aixopluc develops a series of survival structures in the sonoran desert
image © david tapias

aixopluc develops a series of survival structures in the sonoran desert
construction of the structural frames
image © david tapias

 

 

project info:

 

project team: daniel chapman, mark-thomas cordova, jaime inostroza, dylan kessler, pablo moncayo, natasha vemulkonda, pierre verbruggen (students) + david tapias (studio coordinator)