figure ground

site plan

northern elevation

northern elevation

terracotta facades

terracotta facades

axo revealing phases of construction

axo revealing phases of construction

1:5 scale model detail of module edge

1:5 scale model detail of module edge

1:5 detail of stacked modules

1:5 detail of stacked modules

1:5 detail of window and facade

1:5 detail of window and facade

module parts and dimensions

module parts and dimensions

1:20 detail

module adaptations

module adaptations

floorplan of private rooftop garden and modules

floorplan of private rooftop garden and modules

process sketch of model

process sketch of model

cooperative + independent housing in a permaculture forest

Delft, Netherlands : site

MSc.1 Architecture Engineering studio, TU Delft, Faculteit Bouwkunde : status

Autumn semester 2021 : year

8 : mark

Gemeenschap Bouwpark

This project implements a modular timber and terracotta construction technique and strives to push the societal norms of dwelling. In an age where climate change and the urban heat island effect are much more noticeable and exponentially increasing, this construction embraces the historic concept of multigenerational living and aims to show society that living modest and in a shared community should become the new normal for the future. With the intention to create as little waste on site, the units of the structures are all prefabricated off site. The length and width of the modules are determined by the longest European Modular System (EMS) load-carrier according to C-class, 7.82m ; however, the module could also be designed to reach a maximum length of 13,6m, determined by the longest EMS semi-trailer. With the concept of adaptability at the forefront of the design, the construction is intended to suit the ever changing needs of its residents. Modules are slotted and fixed using an interlocking railsystem that allows units to be temporarily removed and swapped out. Two terracotta facades are also integrated, the one facing the south is enery-efficient, while the northern one is molded to hold green vegetation. The program includes two multigenerational blocks (elderly, families, singles and students) boarding the north-east corner of the site joined by a public passage to the communal permaculture forest. The co-living blocks include communal kitchens and flexible event/play spaces to allow the residents to engage in social activities together. In order to accommodate the elderly in the site, they have been placed at ground floor level. This gives them immediate access to the communal permaculture forest situated between the co-living structures and the BK faculty. The permaculture forest extends through the remainder of the site binding all the existing and new structures. The permaculture forest becomes a metaphor for the site in that its wild ecosystems contain webs of cooperation and interdependence that help generate emergent system properties of stability, resilience, and harmony.