Adaptable Typology
A Home for Life looks at creating domestic spaces that are designed to adapt easily to the needs of residents. Homeowners will be able to annex part of their dwellings throughout the different stages of their lives, in order to accommodate a growing family, or to supplement income and mortgage payments by renting part of their property. A truly sustainable dwelling is one that can grow and change to support its residents and thus encourage sustainable living choices for their whole lifes. A home in which economic, social and environmental demands construct a new way of living.
Balcony access not only serves each dwelling with generous semi-outdoor space, it allows for multiple accessible entry points to each unit. As each home is designed to grow and shrink, split and multiply, we aim to achieve a diverse mix of tenures. Shared circulation and amenity spaces advocate for a friendly and inclusive residential building, one in which you get to know your neighbours and where residents choose to share part of their life with others. In return they are granted extended independence and agency within their homes. Diversity in tenure and age-inclusive living will serve to strengthen a sense of community and will construct a diverse and multigenerational neighbourhood.
Shared circulation and amenity spaces advocate for a friendly and inclusive residential building, one in which you get to know your neighbours and where residents choose to share part of their life with others. In return they are granted extended independence and agency within their homes. Diversity in tenure and age-inclusive living will serve to strengthen a sense of community and will construct a diverse and multigenerational neighbourhood.
Outlines show the growing or shrinking possible apartment typologies. Three single bed flats to the left, for example, for three students, occupy the apartment, each with a separate entrance, kitchen and toilet. In the centre, one single and one double; for example, a mature student moves into the annexe to provide companionship and additional help around the home. To the right, the full use of the apartment, the home expands to accommodate the growing family.
The proposed winter garden strategy thus becomes an efficient architectural device, able to adapt to numerous typologies, as well as having the potential to retrofit existing building stock. It also serves the function of creating an inhabitable thermal envelope, granting residents additional space to their homes. A sustainable trade-off that improves well-being and reduces carbon emissions.
A collaboration with Enrico Brondelli di Brondello.