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MIT-Backed Start-Up Uses Timber Kits to Solve Global Housing Crisis

From its Milan base, WoHo Systems can ship housing parts across the world,


Wed 11 Sep 24

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“Kit of all parts” is the next big thing in construction, with startups now tapping cross-laminated timber, low-carbon concrete, and other low-carbon materials to click houses into place like Lego. One of the most promising is the WoHo System (or the World Home), developed by architects and engineers from MIT and Georgia Tech. It is busy putting the finishing touches on its first residential project in downtown Madrid.

According to Antón García-Abril and Débora Mesa, the two founders behind the system, WoHo utilises industrialised technologies and systems to control quality, time, and cost and reduce waste:

“We use a combination of materials that add up to the best performance of every part, CLT and low-carbon concrete for structure; triple glazing as part of windows for enhanced daylight, ventilation, and insulation; hydronic systems for radiant heating and cooling; solar panels and geothermal loops for renewable energy.”

Antón García-Abril and Débora Mesa, co-founders of the WoHo System, who spoke to ArchDaily earlier this week.

And this is just the start. WoHo is busy working through projects (in design) in Spain and the United States, where it can ship parts into ports for assembly from California to Massachusetts and even Barbados.

“A pipeline of projects is (our) next big goal, and the challenge is to align it with the scaling of operations,” García-Abril and Mesa said, “at that point, managing supply chain logistics, implementing automation, and ensuring consistent quality will be an easier task.”

“Woho’s components are designed and developed to cater to international standards,” they said, making them perfect for achieving global scale. The balance between global compatibility and local customisation is key…this might mean building in certain contexts with more relaxed regulations using extra layers of safety, but not the other way around.”

Shipped to any port in the world and assembled on-site

Based in Madrid, WoHo aims to become a specialist in developing highly sustainable, eco-friendly, affordable housing and works with local and regional subsidiaries for assembly and on-site construction.

“Our gradual expansion and growth strategy is (also) targeted to reach other places worldwide, (which in turn) contributes to upgrading the standards of building practices globally. From real estate to education and hospitality industries, our potential to cover new grounds is promising.”

Already, the system has attracted attention from Venture Capital (VC) investors like The Engine, a fund spun out of MIT that invests in early-stage Tough Tech companies that are solving the world’s most urgent problems, including the housing crisis.

“WoHo is pioneering construction through technology,” according to Katie Rae, CEO & Managing Partner of The Engine:

“The ability to design, build and manufacture living and working spaces to be shipped and assembled quickly at a construction site provides more control, less waste and quicker time from design to occupancy.”

The secret to its success?

“We use the motto “make universal unique” and although prefabrication is at the heart of the design of WoHo’s building components,” García-Abril and Mesawe said, “we strive to make every building custom, adapted to its local context and the client’s needs.”

“Startups are often nimbler and more willing to experiment with new technologies and business models, which can lead to breakthroughs in sustainable construction practices, affordable housing solutions, and efficient building processes.”

Like Lego sets, a discreet number of pieces click into place, allowing WoHo to build a wide range of different solutions: “While the core components (slab, wall, kitchen/bathroom pods, etc.) are standardized, they can be configured to create unique building forms,” they said. Meanwhile, “other elements and accessories are open to specific aesthetic preferences and climate requirements.”

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  • Wood Central

    Wood Central is Australia’s first and only dedicated platform covering wood-based media across all digital platforms. Our vision is to develop an integrated platform for media, events, education, and products that connect, inform, and inspire the people and organisations who work in and promote forestry, timber, and fibre.

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