About HIL
Housing Innovation Lab is a social enterprise scaling housing solutions that are accessible, affordable and prepared for changing ecological contexts.
Initiation Story
Following the 2022 floods, Rizq delivered relief aid to displaced communities across Sindh. We quickly realized that reintegration into society required more than temporary assistance—it demanded the basic necessity of shelter.
Existing housing models were often neither affordable nor sustainable, leaving vulnerable families at continued risk.
To address this, we partnered with the Heritage Foundation to pilot home construction under Yasmeen Lari’s Barefoot Social Architecture model.
The success of this pilot proved that low-cost, community-built housing could be both dignified and durable.
Recognizing the growing urgency—driven by Pakistan’s exposure to climate change and mounting urban housing pressure—we established HIL as Pakistan’s first dedicated housing research center: a space to test, adapt and scale models that are not just shelters, but stepping stones to dignified, resilient living.
We advance indigenous construction techniques, integrate modern sustainability practices and develop adaptable housing solutions for rural and urban contexts.
Our Vision
To reimagine and scale housing solutions that are affordable, sustainable and dignified—building resilience for communities most vulnerable to climate change.
Our Mission
To research, design and scale low-cost, climate-adaptive and disaster-resilient housing models for diverse rural and urban contexts—integrating local materials, community skills and sustainable construction to reduce risk, promote environmental sustainability and strengthen livelihoods.
Core Philosophy
A roof over the head provides more than physical shelter. It is a sense of safety and a presence of security.
For millions, this fundamental right remains a dream. For many others, disasters rip away their only sense of safety.
HIL exists to make disaster-resilient, safe housing accessible to all without discrimination. We expand eco-friendly models across different locations and ecological contexts while building communal resilience and long-term capacity.
Every project is led and carried out with local members. From design to final touches, each home reflects the culture and preferences of the community—making it more than shelter.
“What we build and how we build it defines life itself for thousands. The question we ask ourselves is: are we helping build a life we would like to lead ourselves?”
VP / Cofounder
Technical Consultant
Senior Research and Policy Analyst
Project Incharge
Associate Architect
Community Manager