As cities densify, affordable housing is scarce. In Quito, Ecuador, architects created a "parasitic house"—a mere 129-square-foot dwelling perched on an existing roof. It’s a tiny, innovative solution to the space crisis.

The structure has steel panels on the outside and the insulation is filled with coconut fibers.

Using a standard timber A-frame, the home is still able to contain a bathroom, kitchen, bed and storage, as well as a multipurpose area for eating, working and socializing.

Sindicato Arquitectura believes the solution to the urban housing market crisis is to use these underused rooftops that are structurally sound to contribute to the city’s densification without a big economic investment.