Modular Housing

This project proposes a modular system for affordable housing. This proposal is focused on customizability as if the occupant were ordering a car from the factory or swapping the parts of a bicycle. This resulted in the creation of an extensive panel taxonomy from which occupants can pick and choose. When deployed, the design becomes a cohesive yet idiosyncratic tapestry of parts. Aside from geometric differences, the panels have material delineations; between terracotta (to fit with the contextual vernacular), bamboo, and galvanized ribbed steel sheets. A stigma against modular is the assumed sameness of the apartments - this system shows that a modular system is not stagnant but can highlight individuality.

Apart from panel design, the system attempts to create a community fostering engine. The overall building mass is broken up into four vertical courtyard columns, found to be a nicer solution than a double-loaded corridor. This also allowed for a community dialogue between neighbors; each apartment has a balcony on its exterior and interior (into the vertical court). The external balcony functions as a continuous backyard. All apartments in this system are duplexes and are broken up into 2 variations: Lofts and family apartments (2 bedrooms), combining these creates a vertical neighborhood of townhomes.