Incremental housing

Quinta Monroy

An incremental housing project designed to grow with its residents over time.

Original housing blocks at Quinta Monroy in Iquique — Image courtesy of ELEMENTAL. Photography: Cristóbal Palma

Exterior view of Quinta Monroy with resident-led adaptations — Image courtesy of ELEMENTAL. Photography: Takuto Sando

Street-level view of adapted homes at Quinta Monroy — Image courtesy of ELEMENTAL. Photography: Tadeuz Jalocha

Quinta Monroy housing framework with later resident expansions — Image courtesy of ELEMENTAL. Photography: Cristóbal Palma

Urban context of Quinta Monroy in Iquique — Image courtesy of ELEMENTAL

Before and after comparison showing the growth of Quinta Monroy homes — Image courtesy of ELEMENTAL

Overview

Quinta Monroy is an incremental housing project in Iquique by ELEMENTAL. Designed for 100 families already living on the site, it rethinks what public housing can provide within a limited budget. Instead of delivering a small finished house, the project provides a durable framework that residents can expand over time.

Why it matters

Quinta Monroy demonstrates how housing can be designed as a process rather than a finished product. The initial homes provide the essential structure, services, and urban framework while leaving space for residents to expand their homes as their needs and resources change.

The project has become one of the best-known examples of incremental housing, showing how public investment can support long-term adaptability, resident agency, and lasting value beyond the day of completion.

Image credit

Images courtesy of ELEMENTAL