01 / OVERVIEW
Highlights.
An earthquake-resistant housing solution marrying modern amenities with local practices in the non-formal urban areas of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
9
X
MORE EFFICIENT
Than a traditional Mongolian Ger
Eliminated toxic fuel sources while reducing electrical loads at an accessible cost.
21
K
TOTAL COST
55.5 million MNT (in 2018)
Backed by local banks as a subsidized housing solution.
$
560
SF
LIVING SPACE
Sleeps a family of five
Funded by a local developer with the intention of building 13 more.
02 / CHALLENGE
The Problem.
In winter, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia experiences the highest air pollution levels globally due to two-thirds of the city households burning coal to heat their homes.
Air Quality Crisis:
Air pollution levels are 3x the WHO's toxic limit - causing 1 in 10 deaths annually.
Water Contamination:
Hand dug latrines and toxins from the air polluting the water table.
Lack of Standards:
Non-formal neighborhoods operating without building codes or infrastructure.
Extreme Climate:
Housing must withstand harsh Mongolian winters, harsh winds, & seismic activity.
03 / SOLUTION
Our Approach.
PREFABRICATED DESIGN
In response, the Passive Ger was developed for Ulaanbaatar’s low-income population to address the local air pollution crisis and fill a gap that required more sustainable long-term housing.
QUALITATIVE & QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
The Passive Ger was a modern and sedentary adaptation of the traditional Mongolian Ger. Using Design Thinking, the vernacular housing typology was adapted based on interviews conducted with eighteen Ger District households. The final design integrates the qualitative and quantitative data gathered - combining the community members’ preferences with the sustainable design principles of the Passive House Standard.
DESIGN PROFILE
Total Living Area
560 SF
Max Ceiling Height
13.4 FT
South Facing Window
28.4 SF
Sleeping Layout
Family of 5
HOUSING PRODUCT FEATURES
Energy Consumption
7.71 kWh/SF
Heating System
Electric
Thermal Resitance
R80
Structure
Certified Prefab Structure
04 / SPECIFICATIONS
Technical Details.
ENGINEERED FOR
EFFICIENCY & COMFORT
Optimized thermal performance and efficient electric systems that lower operating costs, enhance occupant comfort, and safeguard long-term asset value.
DESIGN TO PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST
Thoughtfully chosen materials and precise installation methods safeguarding health, safety, and long-term peace of mind.
05 / PROJECT GALLERY
Key Features.
CUSTOMIZED PREFAB EXPERIENCE
A resilient prefab system combining seismic engineering with a customizable design - without sacrificing quality or cost.
Our collaborative approach brings together the finest minds in architecture, engineering, and materials science.
Collaborating with world-class partners to push the boundaries of resilient design.
PARTNERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
08 / PARTNERSHIPS
Strategic Partnerships.
