ADAPTIVE RE-USE FUTURE THINKING & RETROFITTING

‘Transformation of 530 Social Housing Dwellings’

Lacaton & Vassal, Frédéric Druot & Christophe Hutin Bordeaux, France 2016

Lacaton and Vassal’s, inert nature to be able to think laterally about retrofitting is inspiring. In manifesting the simple it is always more complicated than it seems1. They build spaces at the lowest possible cost, providing benefits and space to otherwise lacking. This sense and awareness of economy that still provides comfort and beauty.

‘Spend the minimum to get the maximum,’ - Anne Lacaton2

Was coined by Lacton and falls in-line with their studios ideas. How can we make the most

of the resources we have. Instead of a closed-loop system can we work with existing stock to improve living standards. The idea of retrofitting plays into the notion of preventing disruption, allowing the buildings to change as we see fit, and accommodate the unknown.

Many of their buildings refer to greenhouses. A primary actor in their designs, like many greenhouses is natural light.

There is a need for efficiency in the use of resources and the utilisation of inexpensive materials which are simple with a great impact3 .

There’s opportunities to take these examples of of retrofitting to similar large scale project within Melbourne. Although in 2050 we will be able to utilise materials which are more sensitive in the natural world and with a great understanding of the natural systems, human scale of the built form we can work towards better outcomes for social and public housing.

Fig. 38. Above - Diagrams of overall extensions

1. Eduardo Souza “Translucency & Raw Materials: A Brief Analysis of Lacaton & Vassal’s Solutions”, Arch Daily, Retrieved 28 February 2022, from https://www. archdaily.com/958651/translucency-andraw-materials-a-brief-analysis-of-lacatonand-vassals-solutions/ 2. Souza, “Transcluecency & Raw Material”

3. Pintos, P (2019).Transformation of 530 dwellings - Arch Daily. Retrieved 28 February 2022, from https://www. archdaily.com/915431/transformationof-530-dwellings-lacaton-and-vassalplus-frederic-druot-plus-christophehutin-architecture#:~:text=It%20is%20 part%20of%20the,demolition%20 has%20been%20ruled%20out. seeding/

ADAPTIVE RE-USE FUTURE THINKING & RETROFITTING

Knickflats Heading

Hans Van Der Heijden Rotterdam, Netherlands 2011

Built in the 1968 as post war housing this multistorey block needed refurbishing and adapting to better suit its residents needs.

The accessibility of these was enhanced through additional unis on ground floor. These include accommodation for elderly and with a communicty centre.1

A financial model allowed flexiablity in financing options for residents. This was to buy the flat outright, rent the shell of the flat whilst purchasing internals or simply rent.1

Private decks were formed as an extension to the main building form. The main volume of the blocks were also extended upon the rear side (see plan [Insert text here]

Fig. 39. View of additional circulation and extended units (Stefan Muller, 2011)

Fig. 40. Plan and section of units showing the extended unit modules of unit (DIVISARE, HANS VAN DER HEIJDEN ARCHITECT, 2011)

and section left). These modules provide space to the units extending them both internally whilst also providing private open balcony spaces.

The application of using existing structure whilst providing extensions to the main building becoming important in creating a model of housing which could change overtime. The adaptation to further accommodate user profiles such as the elderly and universal access on ground floor.

Fig. 41. Top - Balcony private space provided to residents (Stefan Muller, 2011)

Fig. 42. Middle - View of ground level unit access (Stefan Muller, 2011)

Fig. 43. Lower - Context and site plan (DIVISARE, HANS VAN DER HEIJDEN ARCHITECT, 2011) Heading

[Insert text here]