Earlier in the year I discovered a small but interesting architectural competition called 'Respace'. The basis of the competition is to raise awareness regarding recycled materials while showcasing creative and successful small space design inspired by functionality. Below is the description and some images of our entry. We find out on the 15th of September who is to be the successful winner.
I would just like to make special mention to Bec Bolson from 'Its-a-Bec' for her collaboration on this project.
Description:
Transportable buildings have been around for many years, their popularity as a model for housing tends to emerge in waves generally surrounding economic and environmentally challenging times.
However, Australia has not suffered much when compared to other nations. Unfortunately, this reality produces other sorts of problems namely idleness and contentment.
Where other continents are forced out of necessity to look at optimising their living arrangements, as a general public, we have become somewhat lazy in our willingness to adopt efficient new sustainable modes of habitation. 97% of all housing stock in Australia is made up of 'project homes' that are incredibly unsustainable to build and run consuming vast amounts of natural resources and energy.
Our Re-Space design attempts to address a number of these issues through looking at space as being extendable and versatile. i.e. The flexibility of habitation adjusted due to natures day-to-day offerings.
The design concept draws inspiration from the humble Russian Matryoshka Doll that continually reveals a smaller version of itself when opened. Our building, like the toy, makes sense from a transportable perspective as four units can be moved at any one time.
In Australia, we are able to move a modular structure without lead-car support if the buildings’ size is under 12m long x 3.5m wide x 3.5m high, four compressed units fit easily into these dimensions. Once set in place a single unit can achieve 6 different combinations of indoor / outdoor configuration. For example the bedroom converts from a secure internal room to an external day-bed, or the living space extends into an external courtyard. The ability to adjust the building depending on the weather allows for sensory living. This coupled with the integration of reuse building material paves the way for an environmentally conscious building that anticipates the memorable moment in each individual environment.
Space Combinations
Perspective Images
2D Drawings
