The Matryoshka housing prototype is designed to accommodate constant family growth through a nesting system of independent housing components. Rooms can slide out to create additional space as needed. Multi-functional furniture allows rooms to transform based on changing family needs. Inspired by Russian nesting dolls, the design aims to improve living conditions in informal settlements through an affordable and flexible housing alternative.

1. GABLE SHED HIP FLAT ROOF / GREEN ROOF BUTTERFLY
ROOF CUSTOMIZATION

2. SOUTH ELEVATION 1:4”=1’
1 3 5 10 20
NORTH ELEVATION NORTH ELEVATION OPEN
EAST ELEVATION 1:4”=1’ EAST ELEVATION OPEN
SECTION A 1:4”=1’ SECTION B
WHEEL AND TRACK DETAL
SIDE VIEW FRONT VIEW
BOTTOM OF UNIT
FINISHED FLOOR
TOP OF TRACK
BOTTOM OF TRACK

3. HOUSE / SHELL ROOMS FOLDABLE DECK WALLS OF SHELL OPENED ROOMS ROOMS SLIDETO CREATE NEW SPACE CIRCULATION HOUSE EXPANDS AS NEEDED
Матрёшка is a housing prototype that responds to
the constant change and growth a family experiences.
Inspired by furniture design and the Russian nesting doll
of the same name, the housing units use a similar
“nesting” system.The components that make up a house
like the envelope, rooms, and furniture are separated
into independent components but when assembled
together they create a house.The separation of these
components allows for flexibility and growth. In the
need of more space, rooms can slide out, liberating the
space that they once occupied to create an additional
room.The rooms can be transformed with
multi-functional furniture responding to the family’s
needs. Following Charles and Ray Eames example of
creating interesting objects and architecture at a low
cost our goal for Матрёшка is to improve the living
conditions in the Colonias as well as to provide a new
and affordable housing alternative all across the globe.
CIDUDAD RIO BRAVO
REYNOSA
EDINBURG
MERCEDES
HARLINGEN
MATAMOROS
COLONIAS / INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
RIO GRANDE
(Matryoshka)
Матрёшка
FLOOR PLAN 4 ROOM UNIT 1/4”=1’-0”
1 3 5 10 20
MURPHY BED
DOUBLE SIDED CABINET
MURPHY BED
DOUBLE SIDED CABINET

4. A B C D
A
B
C
D
MATERIAL PALETTE
E
ENVELOPE FAMILY GROWTH
WIND DRIVEN
RAIN
WALL BOARD
FRAMING
DRAINAGE CAVITY
INSULATION
BACK VENTING OF CLADDING
ALLOWS DRYING BY MEANS
OF AIR MOVEMENT AND
VAPOUR DIFFUSION
PRESSURE-EQUILIZATION
RESULTS IN REDUCED
INCIDENTAL WATER INGRESS
THROUGH CLADDING,
COLLECTED AT DRAINAGE PLANE
AND RETURNED TO EXTERIOR
DRAINAGE PLANE
SECONDARY DRAINAGE
BY GRAVITY FLOW - FREE
FLOW AIDED BY CAPILLARY
BREAK
OPEN JOINTS OR VENTS
AT TOP AND BOTTOM OF
CAVITY- COMBINED WITH
COMPARTMENTALIZATION -
REDUCE PRESSURE DIFFERENCE
ACROSS CLADDING
SHEATHIING
FLASHING WITH DRIP EGDGE
EXTERIOR INTERIOR
D
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
TRIPLE OCCUPANCY
POTENTIAL GROWTH: DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
POTENTIAL GROWTH: TRIPLE OCCUPANCY
POTENTIAL GROWTH: QUAD + OCCUPANCY