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100 Houses: an exploration of home world house project 06/07
100 HOUSES: An Exploration of Home
Designed and Edited by Liz Huntly-Cooke Richard MacIntosh All rights reserved to the Institute without Boundaries (Image rights for most photographs not yet obtained) copyrightŠ June 2007 School of Design Contributors: Berkeley Warburton Carmen Irene Paz Rivera Donna Mcphail Emily Moss Evelyne Au-Navioz Garth Tweedie Gary Moloney Gavin Baxter Giorgiana Penon Heather Ligler Heidi Nelson Jennifer Lee Kar Yan Cheung Liz Huntly-Cooke Perin Ruttonsha Reema Kanwar Richard MacIntosh Sarah Tranum Thomas Lommee Special Thanks: John Pylypczak Lorraine Gauthier Luigi Ferrara
100 Houses An Exploration of Home World House Project 06/07
As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own. —Margaret Mead
Contents
Introduction
1
Glossary Terms
2
Rating Criteria
4
Polar
7
Mountain
13
Continental
33
Coastal
91
Mediterranean
145
Tropical
155
Savanna
169
Desert
189
Worldwide
211
How to Use This Book
The 100 Houses Book is a collection of structures exemplifying qualities and characteristics that could inform a World House. The homes are assessed on the basis of four factors: climate, terrain, economy and culture. These can be further subdivided into twelve systems of the home: air handling, energy, water, spatial, waste, food, construction, mobility, finance, social, communication and identity. The book outlines each chosen house, its particular innovation in one or more systems, as well as possible drawbacks. A colour wheel is used to evaluate the success of each house within the four quadrants. Homes which fulfill large portions of the colour wheel exemplify a holistic approach to the integration of the individual systems. These homes are well on their way to World House classification. However, as of yet, none of the houses complete all twelve requirements. The chosen structures cross cultural and topographical borders. They are selected from a broad expanse of space and time, and contain thousands of years of cultural knowledge and experience. A truly successful World House system must pay homage to all of these homes. It must mimic their successes and learn from their failures.
Glossary Terms
Systems Climate AIR HANDLING Often referred to as Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) in houses, the system of moving, replenishing, moderating and maintaining air quality within and around the home is fundamental to the health and well being of occupants. ENERGY Energy is used to heat, cool and make things move. Like the fire around which we gather, energy courses through our dwellings, making possible the artifice of light in darkness, the animation of mechanical tools and toys, the flow of data to our screen and the mobility of our vehicles. CONSTRUCTION Construction refers to the materials that comprise a dwelling, their means of extraction, processing and fabrication into the constituent building elements that make up a home. The integration of these elements into a system of knowledge that coordinates labour, products, craftsmanship, machine processes and information technology results in a constructional system that delivers shelter for human habitation. Culture IDENTITY Our sense of self, our cultural patterns, and relationship to society are embodied in our dwelling. With the creation of the World Wide Web, we populated cyberspace with our home pages, a testament to how the home reflects our being, status and social position. SOCIAL We live in houses that act not only as a physical shelter from the elements but also as supports, which allow us to fill a home with the actions and intentions of our lives. A home lets us rest, play, work and learn as part of our familial life. It becomes a container for our most intimate and valued relationships. SPATIAL People inhabit space. It has depth, breadth and height. Space is the invisible conjured by the interplay of light, shadow and form. Space governs and gives purpose to an environment, and our experience of it.
Economy COMMUNICATION A puff of smoke exiting the top of a tipi or a brick chimney stack indicates that someone is home. What do our houses say to us? The home is a space of reflection, the forum for discussion and the focus of decisions. In its intimate spaces, knowledge begins to be shared, language is passed from generation to generation and culture is practiced. Financial Financial systems act as a medium of exchange by using units of account that measure value and allow for standards of defined payment. Sound financial systems have reliable currency and digital interfaces for safe, quick and cheap transactions. The finance systems related to the home have spurned fields of study such as home economics, to tools and innovations in mortgages and microcredit that have made ownership possible for a greater number of people. MOBILITY Mobility allows for the flow and interchange of people and goods from and to the home. Linked to our sense of discovery, possibility and experience, systems of mobility help to define the nature of our existence in time. The extent of mobility determines the framework for our consumption choices and influences how, when and why we make our decisions. Mobility can be both psychological and physical, framing what is possible within our social and spatial systems. Terrain FOOD The current world of the food system is globalized in its distribution, mechanized in its production, biotechnical in its design, culturally diversified in its preparation and media driven in its consumption. The system that sees food move from the field to the table is one of the most complex social constructs we have created. WASTE The by-product of life, waste accumulates as a result of the process of living. In the past the mistreatment of waste has lain ruin to many a civilization, polluting waters, fostering disease and consuming and destroying land. The sheer volume of our waste – biological and industrial – now threatens not only urban areas but our entire planetary balance. WATER Water plays the key role in cleansing our bodies, the food we ingest, and the waste we secrete. Water flows down from the roofs of our dwelling and up from the earth into our sinks and baths. Water creates delight in our gardens, soothing us with its sounds and nourishing the growth of the food we eat.
3 Climate / Terrain POLAR Sub-zero temperatures are the norm. The only building material in plentiful supply is ice. Tundra summers may allow for settlement, but winters force a nomadic lifestyle. Homes must be designed for easy dismantling and portability. MOUNTAINS Snow, avalanches, wind, and rain are obstacles to be overcome. Location and orientation are critical design factors. CONTINENTAL Seasonal temperatures range from cold to warm. Buildings must be robust and chameleon-like to create ideal indoor environments. COASTAL Cold winters with strong winds and rain. Buildings must be strong to withstand weather conditions. MEDITERRANEAN Closest to an ideal climate. However, shelters must still need to protect inhabitants from intense summer heat. TROPICAL Summers are hot and humid. Shelters must be well ventilated and provide protection from sun and rain. SAVANNAS Homes shade and cool, providing ventilation and protection from sandstorms. DESERT Hostile in terms of temperatures and water supply. Homes are generally temporary.
Characteristics BUILT Housing designs that have been carried through to the final stages of construction and have been inhabited for a period of time. CONCEPTUAL Houses that were designed but not constructed, or constructed as models for competition or display only. MOBILE Housing that has been constructed with the intention of providing shelter that can travel with its participants, can be disassembled and relocated for use by new inhabitants, or exemplifies mobility through adaptable spaces and functions. PERMANENT Housing that has been constructed with the intention of providing shelter for a significant period of time in a relatively static form. VERNACULAR Forms that have traditionally been used in a specific region or by a specific group of people. Vernacular forms were developed hundreds to thousands of years ago, and are built using cultural knowledge without the input of professional architects or engineers. ICONIC A single house that has become emblematic of a specific time period or architect. The iconic house embodies a paradigm shift in architectural and design technology or methodology and has had significant influences in housing design since its conception.
Rating Criteria
The following criteria were developed to determine how well a structure meets World House principles in each of the 12 systems. A filled section in the colour wheel indicates that one or more of the criteria were met for that system.
Air Handling Passive air handling utilizes natural convection, cross ventilation, stack effect or breathable membranes Use of healthy, natural building materials and finishes improve indoor air quality Passive or effective filtration methods remove particulates, harmful gases and allergens
Construction Use of natural, renewable building materials, or innovative materials that challenge conventional products Building methods conserve resources throughout the construction process and the life cycle of the home
Energy Building site, size, shape and orientation are used to harness the natural elements Implementation of highperformance building envelope with superior insulation of walls, floors and roofs Attention to reduction of thermal bridging and air leakage Use of innovative and simplistic technologies that are efficient in their use of fuel or resources, are affordable and practical
Waste Waste is minimized during construction by intelligent resource management Attention to building geometry and shape minimize scrap generation Waste reclamation, or use of post-consumer waste in construction Waste diversion strategies implemented throughout life cycle of the home
Food Vegetation and food growth within the home provides connection between the consumer and nourishment Kitchen designs are conducive to purchasing fresh, local produce
Water Conservation and intelligent management of water within the home Collection of rainwater for domestic use Implementation of grey water treatment, recycling and diversion strategies Use of water as an architectural or artistic component
5 Finance Finance model aids hard-tohouse, low-income or other marginalized groups Use of local, ‘free’ materials and community labour, or other lowcost construction methods Live/work model allows owners to recoup costs of the home through enterprise
Communication Innovative connection of places: passages within the home, physical or virtual roads between homes Transmission of information, especially by electrical or mechanical means Stimulation of human senses (touch, sound, taste, smell and vision) through interactive interfaces
Mobility Ability to move components of the home, or the whole home freely and easily Ability to move freely and easily within the home Identity Promotes or enhances longstanding cultural patterns Promotes alteration or reconfiguration by the individual user Embodies identity of the architect, builder or inhabitant in a unique way
Spatial Spaces are minimized, but meet needs of the inhabitant Spaces are multifunctional, adaptable to various needs Spaces balance public and private environments Spaces balance indoor and outdoor environments
Social Architecture enables interaction between individuals within the home, balancing private and public spaces Architecture enables interaction with the greater community, fostering relationships within local and global environments
7
Polar
Igloo Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that appears and disappears
Central Canadian Arctic / Thule, Greenland
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
-10,000
-5000
Identity Social Spatial
0
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2000
9 Innovation The Igloo is a traditional Inuit structure constructed from blocks of packed snow. Igloos are built without any supporting frame, yet the dome shape is surprisingly sturdy. Constant melting and refreezing on the inside forms a layer of ice that increases the igloo’s strength. The architecture also traps body heat inside and keeps cold out, protecting the inhabitants from temperatures of -50°C. Three types of igloos are built to serve different social functions. The smallest are temporary hunting shelters. Medium sized homes are semi-permanent, and grouped into village arrangements. For special celebrations such as feasts or dances, large igloos are built from scratch or around an existing structure.
Systems AIR HANDLING Dome shape improves natural air circulation, while venting hole provides exhaust escape. CONSTRUCTION The igloo makes use of the only material abundantly available in polar regions—snow. The hemispherical dome offers the maximum resistance and the minimum obstruction to winter gales and at the same time exposes the least surface are to the chilling environment. The dome also encloses the largest possible volume within the smallest structure. ENERGY The dome shape offers the most effectively heated space by a point source, using the radiant heat from a central oil lamp. The wall material has a low heat carrying capacity to limit the influx of the cold climate. An interior ice film is applied to enclose the structure and limit air leakage, while keeping body and oil lamp heat within the structure, similar to the effect of aluminum reflecting foil in modern insulation. Inner walls are covered with animal furs or skins to limit the conductive heat transfer to the exterior. FINANCE Built from locally available materials at little to no financial expense. MOBILITY Allows mobility of occupant while gathering food. IDENTITY Strongly linked to cultural forms of the Inuit community. SOCIAL Buildings can be configured in several ways to meet various social functions, and are useful in different contexts (hunting, living, celebration).
FOOD Used as temporary housing while hunting. “Food scrap’ (skins) become part of interior. WASTE Structure creates zero waste.
Critique While the igloo addresses many of the issues within the twelve systems, it is very sitespecific. With temperatures appearing to be on the rise globally, the igloo may need to adapt to very different conditions in the polar regions where it is used.
Sources en.wikipedia.org/wiki/igloo cires.colorado.edu/-aslater/BARROW/igloo. jpg Heschong, Lisa. “Thermal Delight in Architecture”. The MIT Press. Cambridge, Massachusetts. Pg. 9 Images Photo by Eugenio Manghi
Cape Dorset Studio
Tammy Allison
Relevance to the World House Project:
A space that encourages education and craft Cape Dorset, Baffin Island, Canada
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
-10,000
-5000
Identity Social Spatial
0
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2005
11 Innovation This northern community is home to some of the worlds greatest Inuit artists, including approximately 70-90 carvers. This unique culture is, in large, a product of their extreme environment, which provides them with their source of food, shelter, stone to carve and also the designer’s experience in this community is evident in this concept proposal. The architectural program that arose is responsive to a mix of concerns for building a healthier social community and strengthening the carver’s cultural identity.
Systems Construction A structural steel grid shell with translucent fiberglass panels and aerogel insulation form the structure, which is raised off the ground using a steel pipe system with piles driven down into the bedrock. Finance The economy in Cape Dorset is largely craft based, particularly due to their carving community. An intermediate body was set up to promote a healthier system of exchange, creating a more vibrant artistan community and the chance to promote and attract youth to the trade. Identity Design promotes a vibrant community by uniting artisans in a common space to share ideas and reeducate a new generation of carvers. Social Studio for the people of the community to visit, watch, learn and carve. The idea was to design a space to help promote craft, share skills and work with one another. Design hopes to promote education of the arts and preservation of craft through youth involvement.
Critique It is not clear how much influence the carvers of Cape Dorset had on this conceptual design. An exploration of such a distinct cultural community and their very personal craft of carving requires the level of input that can only come from the people themselves.
Sources “Cape Dorset sculptural studio: a proposal”, On Site Review
Arctic Research Facility Relevance to the World House Project:
The new igloo
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
-10,000
-5000
Identity Social Spatial
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2006
13 Innovation Aiming for zero emissions, “The International Polar Foundation will use the development and construction process to pursue the objectives of the Foundation: to educate and inform on research in the Polar Regions, on climate change and on sustainable development.�
Systems Construction Materials and technologies selection conform to ecoconstruction principles, aiming to reduce environmental impact of establishing the new base. Energy Renewable energy sources including solar and wind will be used to meet most energy requirements. Year round automated energy management and monitoring system with capabilities to optimize and analyze building performance. Finance Commissioned by the Belgian Government through the International Polar Foundation, the program will seek out sponsors and technology partners in the hopes of raising 4.4 million euros to build this zero emissions facility. Social Facility located in an extreme and remote geographic area. The inhabitants will live and work in the facility for extended periods of time. The creation of a working social system within this facility will be an important and crucial part of its desired success. Waste Wastewater treatment methods for both grey and black water studied to determine the most effective treatment methods to minimize environmental contamination.
Sources www.polarfoundation.org
15
Mountain
Yaodong Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that is in harmony with nature
China
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
-10,000
-5000
-2000
Identity Social Spatial
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17 Innovation Yaodong caves house tens of millions of people. Dating back 4000 years, the three types of caves – earth, brisk or stone – can be 100-200 meters deep. Original caves are dug into the mountainside, while more recent evolutions are partially inset, or even freestanding.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Built in accordance with local conditions and available materials, using simple hard tools. Little or no manufacturing, transport or machinery are required, and the homes survive hundreds of years. ENERGY Warm in winter, cool in summer – south facing caves use thermal mass of the mountain and soil to moderate temperature. FINANCE Built using locally available materials and naturally existing structures. IDENTITY People and culture have flourished in these caves for hundreds of years, and are historically tied to this design. The caves exemplify values of harmony with nature. SPATIAL Use space economically internally as well as within natural environment.
Critique Ventilation in these homes is poor. This particular design is limited to mountainous terrain, and not suitable for dense urban populations.
Sources http://en.chinabroadcast.cn/1702/2005-218/14@207629.htm www.chinaculture.org/gb.en_curiosity/200309/24/content_29629.htm Science Museums in China www.kepu.net.cn/english/nationalitymse/ han/200312240022.html www.spokane.wsu.edu/academic/design/ architect Yubanet.com/artman/publish/articleK_33651. shtml Images Iweb.tntech.edu/pli/HG/Cave_Dwelling.htm
Swiss Chalet Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can withstand harsh climate and natural conditions Switzerland
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
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Identity Social Spatial
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19 Innovation The typical Swiss alpine chalets are perfectly designed to their environment and the seasonal and daily habits of the cultures they are centered around. Nestled into the mountainside, they are compact and sturdy, able to withstand extreme temperatures and annual landslides and avalanches over hundreds of years. The materials used for the construction of these houses were locally sourced and milled using low-tech methods, passed on through generations. Though the chalets were mainly constructed of stone and wood, reforestation was consciously practiced so that these homes had no negative impact on the surrounding environment. The interlocked construction of these buildings makes them a perfect example of DFD (designed for disassembly) since this system meant that nails were not even needed to hold the structure together.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Low-ceiling, one to two storey home provides a dense structure that is needed to withstand possible landslides, avalanches and extreme temperature variance. The structure is fabricated from local building materials – typically wood and stone – and is not stained or painted as it was believed to inhibit the building from breathing. The structure is built with the intention of longevity using an interlocking wood construction method that negates the need for nails. Slate or wood shingle sloped roof directs snow to the ground. ENERGY Heat is typically generated usually a central woodburning oven. Low ceilings provide a construction and density benefit and also conserve heat within the home. IDENTITY Structure blends into the natural landscape of the mountain. Mimicking the aesthetic of the snow-covered peaks. SOCIAL Housing reflects the society’s close relationship to the mountain. The construction method is passed down through generations, allowing the structures to be built by owners and their communities. SPATIAL Lack of hallways save space and materials. WASTE Toilets are located at the end of a back porch or sheltered exterior passageway – often above the manure tank near a barn.
Critique Traditional mountain chalets are often limited to one a two storeys and do not receive much sunlight due to limited windows. Chalets are often mimicked in areas where the materials and structural form do not serve a valuable purpose.
Sources Langsner, Drew and Lousie. Handmade: Vanishing Cultures of Europe and the Near East. New York: Harmony Books, 1974.
Round House Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that protects its inhabitants from attack and natural disaster Fujian Province, China
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
-10,000
-5000
Identity Social Spatial
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21 Innovation Typical design of Hakka people, developed when they moved into Fujian province, where terrain was rugged and mountainous. These houses were necessary in defending the Hakka people against attack and theft.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Easily defended fortresses had one doorway, no window at ground level, and upper windows too small to allow intruders. Homes were also resistant to earthquake, and have survived for hundreds of years.
Critique Not necessarily appropriate for city use as large acreage is required. Defensive structure and identity are not conducive to extended community building.
Rammed earth structures were produced in round, oval or square shapes. The round house is most common.
IDENTITY Defensive posture with respect to other peoples reinforces Hakka culture.
Sources Aboutchina en.chinabroadcast.cn/1702/2005-218/14@207629.htm www.chinesecultureclub.org/special/detail www.asiawind.cm/hakka/houses.htm www.countryholidays.com/sg/tourDetails. asp?tripKey=291 http://www.answers.com/topic/hakkaarchitecture
SOCIAL Most round buildings are of medium size. At three stories high, they house roughly 20-100 people in multifamily arrangements. The smallest buildings have 12-18 rooms, the largest 60-72. SPATIAL The unique spacial design relates to the security and safety of the community. High walls surround open courtyard and living areas, creating layers of interior/ exterior spaces. FOOD Livestock were kept on the first floor, and dry goods were stored on the second, ensuring the community always had access to food. WATER Ground floor contains a community well.
Images Aboutchina en.chinabroadcast.cn/1702/2005-218/14@207629.htm www.chinesecultureclub.org/special/detail http://www.answers.com/topic/hakkaarchitecture
Petite Maison
Le Corbusier & Pierre Jeaneret
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that is ahead of its time
Switzerland
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
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Identity Social Spatial
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1923-24
23 Innovation La Petite Maison, created for Corbusier’s parents, was extremely innovative for its time. The design itself was conceived without a specific site, after which Corbusier searched for a suitable location. Though an unconventional approach, the house is an exploration in then new materials and methods, such as steel and concrete construction. The house is also revolutionary in its form and the way it allocates and defines space. Unlike the compartmentalized interiors of the traditional surrounding homes, this interior of this building is linear, free flowing and transformational. The structure is a testament to universal design principles as Corbusier’s mother was able to live comfortably and independently in this home until she was 101 years old. Systems
CONSTRUCTION One of the first steel and concrete homes. Uses durable, low maintenance materials. ENERGY South and west facing windows, green roof and concrete thermal mass contribute to passive heating and cooling. IDENTITY Ahead of its time, the house broke away from conventional materials and building practices, redefining current notion of “home.” SOCIAL Modular construction allows for transformations within the space to adapt to user needs. Accessibly design to accommodate Corbusier’s aging mother. Strong division of privacy versus public space is defined by confining the home behind a solid concrete wall. WATER Water is conserved through collection of rainwater and greywater management.
Critique While La Petite Maison is a highly celebrated example of Modernist architecture, it has its share of shortcomings. While in many ways it can be considered structurally ingenious, the foundation itself was poorly laid and the proximity of the house to the lake resulted in many moisture problems. Also, the house has a strong identity of its own, but is completely alien to the surrounding architecture and many at the time perceived it as a blight on the waterfront. Corbusier’s approach to privacy by building a big, solid concrete wall around the house and lot was very exclusive, and further disengaged the house from the rest of the neighbourhood.
Sources http://www.housesofthefuture.com.au/index. html
Hundertwasser House
Friedenreich Hundertwasser
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that grows with its inhabitants
Vienna, Austria
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
-10,000
-5000
Identity Social Spatial
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1983
25 Innovation “The straight line will be the downfall of mankind,” said Friedenreich Hundertwasser, who was an artist and environmentalist prior to designing houses and buildings. The Hundertwasser House is an excellent example of integration of his philosophy and architecture. He felt that standard architecture could not be called art, and declared that the design of any building should be influenced by the aesthetics of its eventual tenants. His eclectic design, though distinctive from the original architecture in the area, is still sensitive to its site. The house incorporated trees as “tenants” since they “pay rent” by cleaning waste and filtering the air. He claimed each resident had a window right: “A person in a rented apartment must be able to lean out of his window and scrape off the masonry within arm’s reach.” This idea is manifested in the abundance of windows compared to wall area.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Abundance of windows, incorporation of trees and a green roof, and asymmetrical forms are all unique characteristics that were ahead of Hundertwasser’s time. SPATIAL Window walls allow interplay of light and blurred transition between the exterior and interior. His disdain for straight lines also creates a unique geometry in the formation of spaces. SOCIAL Involvement of tenants into organizing events, web sites and preservation initiatives has allowed for alignment and community building. IDENTITY The building has a unique identity in both its aesthetic and social environment.
Critique The uneven floors may not be universal for people with physical disabilities or vision impairment. Furthermore, because these houses attract a lot of attention from around the world, tenants must be tolerant of the curiosities of a constant flux of viewers. Sources www.hundertwasserhaus.at/HwH/en_main. htm en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedensreich_ Hundertwasser en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundertwasserhaus Images Christin Tröger
Gucklhupf
Hans Peter Worndl
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that constantly reinvents itself
Loibichl, Innerswan, Mondsee, Austria
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
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Identity Social Spatial
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1993
27 Innovation The name of the structure comes from the name of a hill nearby, Guglhupf, which references a traditional Austrian cake called Gucklhupf. The derivation of the word comes from the verbs ‘gucken’ and ‘hupfen’ which indicate the actions of watching and hopping up and down to get a better view. The Gucklhupf is a live object that remains in a state of permanent transformation.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Flexible construction allows each module of the house to pivot freely and easily MOBILITY The work is a kinetic object, that despite its assumed completion is in an ever-changing state. IDENTITY The name of the design is fitting as the house is intended to alter and change its form and structure for the purpose of attaining different vantage points. While some members of the community opposed this unconventional structure, others see the beauty of its design. It has been likened, in its closed and most compact state, to a flower waiting to bloom. Spatial The constant state of change in the home allows the user to alter spatial configurations and functions of the home at any time.
Sources Ricorico. Mini House Style, Harper Design Int, New York, 2004. pg 212.
Elemeno
Jay Shafer
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that needs nothing more, yet has nothing left to take away California, USA / Hino Mountains, Japan
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
-10,000
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Identity Social Spatial
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29 Innovation The Elemeno is a very small home, less than 50 square feet in size, built by Jay Shafer, founder of The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. This house was inspired by the Buddhist story of Hojoki, which translates to “The 10 Foot Square Hut.” This story was written in the 13th century by Kamo no Chomei. It recounts his life in the mountains of Japan living simply and conscientiously in a small, humble hut. This house provides lessons about simplicity and intention. Chomei had left a comfortable life in Kyoto but had become disillusioned by the events of the times. He retreated into the mountains to find solitude; here he wrote about the transient nature of built structures. This, he explains, exemplifies the true temporality of our existence. The Elemeno embodies the 10 Foot Square Hut by providing a simpler, easier alternative to the mammoth homes that most modern families inhabit in North America. Jay Shafer started The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company because he was concerned about the large footprint and environmental impact conventional homes have on the surrounding landscape. Shafer, like Chomei, wanted a place to retreat to in order to reflect.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Small, compact space requires very minimal construction materials. ENERGY Simple 50 square foot home requires little energy load, powered by solar and propane. FINANCE Constructional system of these small homes encompasses quality and affordability, prices ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. MOBILITY Built with wheels and can be moved easily to a different site – ideal for the modern nomad. IDENTITY Home reflects the habitants and their choice to live in a simplistic manner. It necessitates a pared down, intimate existence to reflect and seek solitude. SPATIAL There is virtually no unused space. Shafer builds his structures based on his methodology of “subtractive design.” A quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry exemplifies this design process, “You know you have reached perfection of design not when you have nothing more to add, but when you have nothing more to take away.”
Critique One improvement to the design would be an integrated energy system. A Dickinson stainless steel fireplace is included to provide efficient heating but on-grid electricity, propane or a separate solar panel system is required to meet the other energy needs. The small size of The Elemeno makes it ideal in incorporate a compact energy system into the structure’s design so that it is completely self-sustaining.
Sources “The Hojoki”, The Ten Foot Square Hut by Chomei Kamo http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com http://www.washburn.edu/reference/ bridge24/Hojoki.html
Vacation Cottage
EM2 Architekten
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that remakes the vernacular
Flumserberg, Switzerland
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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31 Innovation ‘If it is not broke, do not fix it’ is not a methodology the architects of the vacation cottage adhered to. The theory and functionality of design in chalets was and is both sound and efficient. That being said, the architects and designers behind the ‘Vacation Cottage’ sought to break the traditional mold and explore contemporary innovation while still holding true to the specific design elements of the chalet.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Traditionally in chalet design small shuttered windows are commonplace for avalanche security. The second floor of the house makes use of this window design with a staggered placement, offering the same intended benefits, and an interesting contrast in scale to the mammoth panes of glass above them. Rather than spreading out low to the hillside he structure shoots upward. Large third floor windows frame a full 360 view of the area. Identity Design pays homage to the traditional identity of the Swiss chalet, while overlaying a modern, cosmopolitan persona. Social Despite the size of the cottage, the sleeping room has space for eight. The design forces social interaction through this intimately shared space, and also encourages inhabitants to use outdoor space as a significant part of their living area.
SPATIAL Compensates for compact size by creating maximum richness and diversity. It avoids oversimplification and creates ambiguous shapes with multiple interpretations. To optimize usability, rooms allow for many different modes of functionality. Three separate living spaces serve multiple purposes. No distinct rooms; three storeys form series of stacked zones: first floor garage and an indoor/outdoor play area used in summer and winter; a vertical staircase and bathtub separates a room with a bath and double height sleeping space to accommodate 8; the third floor living, dining, and viewing zone, with its kitchen, balcony, and den connects the elements.
Sources Ricorico. Mini House Style, Harper Design Int, New York, 2004. pg 17.
33
Continental
Tipi Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that becomes its own transportation carriage Great Plains
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35 Innovation The word Tipi comes from the Lakota language and is translated to mean ‘house’. Originally made from skins and birch and popularized by the Native American population in the Great Plains, the tipi provided shelter and comfort during extreme weather conditions; warmth in the winter, dryness in the rain and breathability during the hot summer months. The tipi is easily constructed, disassembled and transported – a necessary characteristic of the nomadic lifestyle. When broken down, the skeletal poles of the tipi are typically used in the construction of dog- or horse-drawn carriages. Typically 10-15 sapling poles act as the skeleton, and a series of canvases or skins are used for the inner and outer coverings. Tipis are distinguished from other tents because of the breathability of the canvas and the smoke opening at the top, allowing the occupant to cook within the tent and stay warm. The smoke flaps are controlled using long poles, adjusting the amount of heat and exhaust requirements. In the summer months, the canvas can be lifted and the opening at the top provides a vent for the hot air to escape.
Systems AIR HANDLING Simple and passive design uses an adjustable chimney effect, with the air flow controlled by opening canvas flaps or buried pipe from the outdoors. CONSTRUCTION Fabricated from locally available materials. Shelters are easily erected, disassembled and transported to reflect requirements of nomadic life. ENERGY Central fire and insulation provide comfortable temperature. MOBILITY Can be easily assembled and disassembled. During transportation poles are used to construct carriages. FINANCE Constructed from locally available and durable materials that can easily be relocated for reuse. IDENTITY Reflects cultural values of the Native American populations in the Great Plains. SOCIAL Provides a means to cook, gather and share. Spaces are typically familial, with little allowance for privacy. Circular conical shape provides a means to easily gather and group around the fire.
FOOD Transportability allows occupants to relocate based on food and resource availability. Food waste (skins) becomes a structural element. WASTE Components are entirely biodegradable.
Sources www.wikipedia.com
Sod Roof Relevance to the World House Project:
The original green roof
Scandinavia / Russia / North America
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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37 Innovation The Sod Roof House was the traditional housing system used in Scandinavia, with the earliest incidences dating back to approximately 3600 B.C. These sod roof houses are the original “green roofs”, employing materials found in the local environment. Though construction of the roof varies according to tradition, most roofs are assembled either with solid bricks of sod or with strips of sod laid on top of wooden planks. Sod roof houses blend in naturally with their surroundings simply by virtue of their roofs. The sod provides a durable material that withstands the harsh northern climate. The versatility of this method enabled its adaptation in other parts of the world, such as North America. Early prairie settlers from Europe built sod roof houses, from materials that were relatively inexpensive and abundant in the vast plains. However early 20th century movements in urban planning and building codes to unify housing types in cities disallowed the use of sod roofs in homes. Consequently, this practice was lost and did not resurface until the 80s.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Simplicity of construction and use of local materials; can be constructed by unskilled labourers. ENERGY Sod roof withstands climate and effectively insulates from rain, snow and wind. IDENTITY As a traditional house of Scandinavian and Russian peoples dating back thousands of years, homes have a unique identity tied to cultural practices and reflect a strong connection to the land. Water Sod absorbs excess water on roof.
Critique If proper maintenance was not kept, deterioration of the roof would lead to leakage of water into the house because the roof would absorb all the rainwater. “It rains for 3 days outside and 10 days inside,” people would say.
Sources www.plainsfolk.com/bowman/sod.htm www.sustainable-communities.agsci.ubc. ca/thesis/kp-3.pdf#search=%22sod%20ro of%22
Chinese House Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that makes transparent social and cultural conditions China
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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10 39 Innovation The construction of the traditional Chinese house incorporates elements of the typology and geography of the land, and embodies the values of the culture. Conventional definitions of house are still represented by this style of dwelling. Variations among the different Dynasties do exist, but the form and structure are essentially static. Hierarchical and regional variations account for climate and the status of the family, but, except for ornamentation and proportion, the structure of the homes is universal.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Innovative framing system is uniquely designed to provide flexibility in construction to accommodate heavy roof system, regular bays, and to incorporate awnings and roof drainage. All houses are constructed according to Building Standards set down by the Emperor’s governing body. Principles employed centuries ago have remained current practice. ENERGY Employs Feng Shui principles of spiritual energy. Incorporates passive solar design principles. IDENTITY House holistically represents its importance in the culture. SOCIAL Homes can be constructed as modules that frame a courtyard, providing safety for families, and a sense of community and connection within a village. Universal construction systems are used for both Emperors and peasants. FOOD Houses are traditionally located adjacent to spaces that are food sources, or can be managed as food sources.
Sources “House Architecture.” A Visual Sourcebook of Chinese Civilization. Ed. Particia Buckley Ebrey. 15 Sept. 2006.depts.washington.edu/ chinaciv/home/3intrhme.htm Liang, Sicheng. A Pictorial History of Chinese Architecture.
Iroquois Longhouse Relevance to the World House Project:
A structure that adapts and expands with its community Ontario, Canada / New York, USA
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41 Innovation The relatively simple design of the longhouse has been used by many different native populations throughout the world, but the longhouses built and inhabited by the Iroquois people are one of the strongest examples of this type of structure. The longhouse was built using natural materials, building knowledge and tools available at the time. Considering that longhouses were a critical part of the Iroquois culture for over 200 years, the material and techniques used changed and improved over time. These structures were resilient, sustainable and adaptable. The longhouse became synonymous with the Iroquois culture, its strong matriarchal clan system, reverence for the natural world and the struggle to maintain its identity within a modern culture.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Built from locally available materials and able to expand and contract based on family needs. FINANCE Economical structure, as it could shelter many generations and families. IDENTITY Bear, Hawk, Turtle, Snipe, Wolf, Deer, Beaver, Eel, and Heron clans each had its own longhouse identified by a symbol placed over the front door. Also became a symbol of the larger political structure of the Iroquois nation, embodying traditions and position within the shared territory of the Iroquois Confederacy. Remains a powerful symbol for Iroquois people, their history, traditions and connection to the land. SOCIAL Generally 5 to 7 meters wide and could reach 100 meters long. Length could be extended as the clan residing within the structure grew. As many as 20 maternally related families could dwell within a typical longhouse. When a woman married, her husband came to live in her longhouse and when a young man married, he moved into his bride’s longhouse. Women managed the affairs of the longhouse, which included decisions over farming and food distribution.
Critique Spatial and air handling systems are not sufficient. Two families would share a fire used for heating, cooking, and light. The smoke from these fires escaped from a hole left in the roof above it. These holes and the doors at either end of the structure were the only openings. As a result, little light was able to penetrate the interior of the space and there was minimal air flow.
Sources http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/IroquoisVillage/ constructiontwo.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iroquois http://www.iroquoismuseum.org/ http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/ index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA00 04760
Farmhouse Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that produces a surplus of food
Rural America
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43 Innovation One of the original work/live homes, the farmhouse draws on generational knowledge of the cycles of life, community and human survival. A farmhouse can be seen as an oasis amidst miles of crops. A farmhouse is connected to the tool shed, gardens, crops, barn, weather, wildlife and family interactions. Many of these connections to the house are now disappearing with the diminishing communities of small, family-owned farms, creating a struggle for rural American farmers to re-identify how they fit into the growing industrialized world.
Systems Finance Farms were modestly built from locally available materials according to the needs of the family. The surrounding farmland provides most of the family needs, as well as surplus food to be used for income generation. IDENTITY The farm represents a close relationship to the land and an understanding of its cycles, abundance and growth. SOCIAL The farm house was traditionally built by the community, and the workload was shared as necessary. SPATIAL The home is tiny in comparison to the acreage of the property – yet every portion of the site is used with care to maximize productivity. FOOD Sufficient food is grown on site to support inhabitants of the property, and surpluses are used to bring income into the home. WASTE Cycle that is implemented between animal, plant, human and bacteria is transparent in the home and the land.
Critique Reliance on a large acreage, and the labour intensive nature of food production makes the farmhouse incompatible with dense, fastpaced urban settings.
Sources Site visit Images Heidi Nelson, South Dakota, August 2006
Sears Catalog House
Sears, Roebuck & Company
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can be assembled from components and delivered across a nation USA
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1908 - 1940
45 Innovation Accessible, affordable and reflective of the time and culture in which they were built, Sears mail-order homes provide many lessons to modern designers. Sears never claimed to be an innovator in the area of design and architecture, yet they were able to take the leading home designs of the early 20th century and devise revolutionary ways to construct and distribute them across a nation. Aspiring homeowners could flip through a catalog and choose their dream home by style and cost. This revolutionary design gave them a freedom that the traditional stick frame home did not afford. Once consumers chose the style, they had endless options on the details that would customize their home. To help customers pay for their homes, Sears introduced an affordable financing plan to help those families who needed to pay in installments. The desired home was then shipped by railcar and was received in over 30,000 pieces for the consumer to put together. Sometimes a professional contractor was hired to build the house from the providing plans but in many instances the homeowners did it themselves, often with the help of friends and neighbours.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Innovating construction system of its time. Designed to be easily constructed, built by either a homeowner with specific instructions or a contractor. COMMUNICATION Catalog with building options were delivered across the nation. FINANCE Affordable housing packaged to reflect the economic diversity within the country. MOBILITY Houses packed and delivered by rail or truck across the country. IDENTITY Mass customization to reflect needs of the household. SOCIAL Selection and customization of each individual home caters to different incomes and requirements by the owner. Typically, the community was involved to build the house.
Critique These homes reflected the conventions of the time in which they were built. Sears helped popularize the latest technology available to home buyers at this time, including central heating, indoor plumbing and electricity, but these would not be considered efficient or sustainable today. Some of the larger, more expensive homes were worse than others, lacking efficiency in terms of heating, lighting and space utilization. However, some of the small, simpler homes, many of which were used as cottages, have been retrofitted today to utilize new, alternative energy sources.
Sources http://www.searsarchives.com/homes/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sears_Catalog_ Home http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/ Features/Sears_Kit_Houses/
Prairie House
Frank Lloyd Wright
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that completes the inhabitant
USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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1910
47 Innovation The architectural style was marked by the strong horizontal lines, flat roofs and large overhangs, blending into the native prairie landscape. The design of the Prairie house was inspired by the American Arts and Crafts movement, where handcrafts, simplicity, and functionality were of major importance.
Systems IDENTITY Long, horizontal lines blends the building architecture with the surrounding prairie landscape. SOCIAL Open-concept floorplan removed the separation between men and women within the home
The Robie House was completed in 1910 and is considered one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture, thought to have inspired an architectural revolution.
SPATIAL Long, sweeping overhangs provide terraces and increase the overall perception of the home. Seamless transition between interior and exterior space.
Wright strongly believed that the quality of the building influenced its inhabitants. The Robie home aspired to create a complete living environment for the occupant.
Sources www.wrightplus.org www.galinsky.com/buildings/robie
Maison de Verre
Pierre Chareau
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that transformed the rules of construction Paris, France
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1928
49 Innovation Although known for its splendid architecture, the Maison de Verre is renowned for its construction constraints and use and integration of materials. It was built on the site of a much older building, which the owner intended to demolish and rebuild. Unfortunately, a tenant on the top floor refused to sell her property, introducing a complication to the building construction. The patron was obliged to demolish the bottom three floors and construct the Maison de Verre, without disturbing the original top floor. The upper floor of the old masonry building was supported from below by steel frames and concrete slabs. Piece by piece, the masonry structure was replaced by steel, the masonry removed and replaced by concrete slabs. The steel frame allowed for complete freedom of the internal space, with tall beams stretching from the ceiling to the floor. The glass block wall is able to stand alone without a heavy frame breaking the pattern, allowing the natural light to enter the home. Natural ventilation through the glass block is provided by a series of movable traps, with a weight and pulley system to open the window panels. Interior space was opened using sliding insulated walls and retractable staircases throughout the house.
Systems AIR HANDLING Natural ventilation through glass blocks provided by a series of movable traps, with weight and pulley systems to control operation. Construction Chareau introduced building materials that had never been considered in the architecture industry. Combined steel frame with concrete slabs to create a durable, strong and open structure. Original top floor of masonry building was untouched during the construction of the bottom three floors. ENERGY Uninterrupted access to natural light and heat absorption by using large glass blocks. IDENTITY The original masonry building was maintained and reinforced. SPATIAL Steel frame and beams with concrete slabs provide open floorplans.
Sources www.erzed.demon.nl/enparis.html www.hometown.aol.com/hazeej/chareau. html www..wikipedia.org/wiki/Maison_de_Verre
Villa Muller
Adolf Loos
Relevance to the World House Project:
Beauty on the inside, privacy from the outdoors Prague, Czech Republic
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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1930
51 Innovation The concept behind this house was to separate the interior with the exterior space, providing the ultimate privacy for the resident. “The building should be dumb outside and only reveal its wealth on the inside”. The exterior of the home was cubic in shape, with a flat roof and terrace, irregular window shapes and all white façade. The interior of the home and the spatial design was where Loos was most innovative. Different levels in floors and ceiling, accompanied with varying marble and wood finishes were used to create a promenade throughout the home. “My architecture is not conceived by drawings, but by spaces. I do not draw plans, façades or sections... For me, the ground floor, first floor do not exist... There are only interconnected continual spaces, rooms, halls, terraces... Each space needs a different height... These spaces are connected so that ascent and descent are not only unnoticeable, but at the same time functional.”
Systems Identity Exterior finishing was intentionally dull to improve privacy and deflect any attention to the interior wealth of the home. SOCIAL Separated the interior with the exterior space. Provided the ultimate privacy with all wealth shown inside and hidden from the outside. SPATIAL Ultimate use of space. Varying ceiling and floor levels; every room required a different theme and entrance level.
Sources www.galinsky.com/buildings/villamueller/index.htm
Usonian House
Frank Lloyd Wright
Relevance to the World House Project:
Design for accessibility, affordability and desirability USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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53 Innovation Wright developed a series of homes with the intent of creatng a formula and construction method for the production of affordable, beautiful housing. The Usonian house was a low-cost home for middle income families. With Wright’s plan, the family could build their own home. Wright believed in the moral and political values exemplified in home ownership and felt that well-designed, tasteful dwellings would produce happier, more harmonious and enlightened societies. The main principle behind the Usonian home is to provide affordable and desirable shelter for the common person. The name Usonian refers to Wright’s vision of the United States landscape, including the planning of cities and the architecture of buildings. The typical Usonian design is based on single story plan divided into public and private wings. The two wings are joined by a “service core” common area, comprising of a kitchen, a bathroom and a hearth.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Easy to build. Customized formula and construction method to produce affordable and functional housing. Walls lined with bookshelves to create division and provide storage FINANCE Design and construction intended to provide affordable and desirable housing. IDENTITY Organic home, grows from the hearth and shaped to the surrounding landscape. SOCIAL Living and dining rooms are connected to the kitchen, a ‘servant-less’ design. SPATIAL Gardens and terraces are located outside living rooms and bedrooms which extend the house dimensions. House is divided into a private and public wings.
Sources www.pbs.org/flw/buildings/usonian/usonia.html www.thewileyhouse.com
Fallingwater
Frank Lloyd Wright
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that links human and nature
Bear Run, Pennsylvania, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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55 Innovation Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses are some of the greatest American architecture of all time. His Usonian houses addressed the need for affordable houses for the masses. However, his more costly projects captured his total vision and became great works of art. The most famous project of this type is Fallingwater, built as a vacation home for the Kaufmann family of Philadelphia. The Kaufmann’s expected to have a great view of the waterfall from the house, but Wright built directly on top of it. The house embodies Wright’s concept of organic architecture, where the architecture evolves out of its context, with a building so well integrated with the site that the structure, furnishings, and surroundings all become part of the composition. Voted the “best all time work of American architecture” by the American Institute of Architects in 1991, Fallingwater is a total work of art. The admiration for the project grows largely from its connection to the landscape. The line between the interior and exterior spaces of the house is practically invisible.
Systems AIR HANDLING Design utilizes the cool breezes provided by the waterfall and creek to air condition the house. CONSTRUCTION Series of cantilevered balconies and terraces are anchored in the natural rock around the waterfall. Limestone is used for all vertical planes, and concrete for all horizontal planes. ENERGY The materials of the house act as thermal mass that absorb and hold heat. IDENTITY Identity is reflective of the site. The house grows out of the waterfall. Everything inside the house – including furnishings – is part of this identity, completely expressing Wright’s conceptual ideas. This integration provided such a profound image that it remains one of the most famous houses of all time. SPATIAL Consistent with Wright’s development of an open interior plan with the living room and fireplace at the center of the composition. WATER The home is integrated into the waterfall, positioned to take advantage of its cooling effect.
Sources Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Fallingwater. September 8, 2006 www. paconserve.org/fr-about.asp Public Broadcasting System. Frank Lloyd Wright. September 8, 2006 http://www.pbs. org/flw/buildings/fallingwater/fallingwater. html> Image Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Dymaxion House
Buckminster Fuller
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that is efficiently manufactured
Kansas, USA
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57 Innovation Dymaxion House was developed in response to several problems Fuller saw with the home building techniques of the time. One of the driving influences behind this house was the automotive industry, and Fuller’s design attempted to capture its efficiency and cost effectiveness for the Dymaxion. Constructed from aluminum, the house was to be prefabricated as a kit in a factory and easily delivered to any site, where it could then be assembled with little skill. Lightweight aluminum had been used on aircraft assembly lines, and Fuller saw an easy transition of airplane production to Dymaxion House after the war. The round shape of the building itself and its spatial layout also spoke to Fuller’s obsession with efficiency. In the end, only one prototype was ever built in Witchita. Today, a model of the Dymaxion House is on display at the Henry Ford Museum.
Systems AIR HANDLING Dome shape construction enhances natural circulation. CONSTRUCTION The house was intended to be mass-produced once the war was over in existing airplane manufacturing plants. The dome shape provides the maximum square footage for minimal material use. The aluminum was considered a durable, low maintenance material with a long life-span. ENERGY Lightweight construction materials utilize less energy in shipping the prefabricated home. Obsessed with efficiency, Fuller designed a dome shape that enhanced heating and cooling. MOBILITY Efficient, lightweight, mass produced aluminum panels provide a means for transportability and easy assembly. Within the home, flexible floorplans allowed adaptability. IDENTITY A house with the intent to reinvent factory home building to reflect the efficiencies of industry. SOCIAL Considered a transition from the airplane production industry to new, post-war production, the home would use existing infrastructure and skilled labour in its production. WATER Rain gutter collects water and directs it to cistern.
Critique While some interest was expressed in Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion House, the existing technology of the time was not yet matched with his design, and many technical problems arose with the prototype he created. In addition, the house was criticized for being a one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter approach to housing. Local sites, existing architecture and culture were not reflected in the design, and while Fuller saw many benefits of aluminum as the main construction material, it was rejected due to fact that it was an energy-intensive material.
Sources davidszondy.com/future/Living/ dymaxionhom.html www.amswers.com/topic/dymaxion-house www.thehenryford.org/dymaxion/
Farnsworth
Mies van der Roche
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that does more with less
Plano, Illinois, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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1951
59 Innovation One of van der Roche’s great masterpieces, the Farnsworth House was an exemplary model of simplicity and openness. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls appear to float above the ground, creating weightlessness, opening the home to its surroundings and letting nature in, uninhibited. “The great panes of glass redefine the character of the boundary between shelter and that which is outside.” Designed for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, an independent single woman in the 50s, the house was a retreat for her in Plano, IL. Its contemplative nature, stillness, transparency and reflection of its surroundings broke away from van der Roche’s previous homes in Europe and was unprecedented in architecture at that time.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Composed of three strong, horizontal steel forms - the terrace, the floor of the house, and the roof - attached to attenuated, steel flange columns that serve to float the house above the ground. The elevation raises the house above the flood plain it rests on. Identity The home’s identity is strongly linked to van der Roche’s iconic style, with an emphasis on glass planes and strong verticals. Yet design is also intrinsically linked to Farnsworth herself, and the social and gender identities of her time. SOCIAL Gender issues and societal norms permeate the design and background to this house. Although the house was designed for a single woman, a second bathroom was incorporated to allow modest separation of male guests. SPATIAL The lack of rooms inside house, and the window walls challenge how we relate with each other and nature.
Critique The Farnsworth House has been criticized by its commissioner as being utterly uninhabitable. The complete exposure to the outside challenged privacy and the lack of divisions was difficult, especially while guest where staying overnight. Furthermore, the house was built on a flood plain and, thus, has been subject to numerous floods.
Sources www.farnsworthhouse.org/history.htm Freedman, A. 1998, Women and the Making of the Modern House. Harry N. Abrams Inc., New York.
Healthy House
Martin Liefhebber
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that considers occupant health
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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1992
61 Innovation The Toronto winner of the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Healthy Housing Design Competition, CMHC’s Healthy House is an excellent example of a completely self-sufficient 21st century home. The competition stressed five key components in the design: occupant health, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, environmental responsibility and affordability. Martin Liefhebber’s winning design is a 1700 square foot semi-detached house built on a vacant infill lot in Riverdale. The building is an efficient use of land that had been considered unusable due to lack of servicing. Its vertical plan strives to occupy as little space as possible in its design while its heating, electrical, water and wastewater management systems rely solely on sun and precipitation.
Systems AIR HANDLING Low-E materials used to furnish and decorate improve indoor air quality. CONSTRUCTION Building envelope sealed by airtight construction, efficient windows and doors, and high levels of insulation. Durisol blocks (wood particle concrete made with 78% recycled natural raw materials) reinforced with steel and concrete provide structural wall system. ENERGY Triple-glazed, thermally efficient windows are strategically positioned to take advantage of solar heat gain and minimize heat loss in winter. Solar radiant floors retain heat during the day and radiate it from interior floor and ceilings at night. Sunlight is collected through solar panels. Warm water is circulated through pipes in the floors to supplement solar heat. Heat gain is controlled by window shading and moderated airflow. Excess heat is radiated to the ground surrounding the house. Waste water system provides evaporative cooling through a heat exchanger. Mobility Conveniently situated close to public transportation. SPATIAL Designed to provide maximum usable space on a minimum amount of land. FOOD Garden features edible plants.
WATER Rainwater collected, filtered, purified, and stored for drinking and washing. Consumption is approximately 120 litres/day for family of three (compared to typical 1050 litres/day). A limestone cistern gives drinking water a fresh taste and helps to lower acidity. Slow sand filter, activated charcoal filter water and UV light purify water. Surplus water filters into the ground under the front lawn to water fruit trees and flowers. Low-flow faucets are used and greywater is recycled for showers, washing machine and toilets.
Critique A drawback of the CMHC Healthy House is the lack of accessibility: the four-story home might pose difficulties for the elderly or otherwise disabled individuals.
Sources http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/popup/ hhtoronto/v http://www.architecture.uwaterloo.ca/ faculty_projects/terri/cmhc.html
C2C
Patrick Freet
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that fits its occupants like a shirt
Minneapolis, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
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63 Innovation A Cradle-to-Cradle international design competition was held to address the need for the design of sustainable housing. The C2C 2nd place entry was a home based on system components that could be easily assembled, disassembled, added and subtracted. The home was inspired by the clothing industry’s ability to identify with the individuality of the owner and offers a means for self expression. Wardrobes provide for all climatic seasons, accommodate body growth and lifestyle changes. Clothing can also be obtained from second hand stores when it no longer serves a need for the owner. Housing that is reusable can offer similar environmental, social and financial benefits. The house is assembled from a system of durable, interchangeable building components that can be disassembled and reassembled as the needs of the home evolve. The components use snap-lock connections that are easily released from the interior of the home. Building materials that are undamaged during removal will retain their value and can be diverted from landfill. Owners can sell or donate used components to families who cannot afford to buy new components.
Systems CONSTRUCTION House is manufactured from customized components. Doors, window, roofs and insulated wall panels are assembled from the interior of the home using a snaplock mechanism. FINANCE All components are reusable and can therefore be sold to and purchased at second hand stores. IDENTITY The design can be expanded or contracted to reflect the needs of the occupant. The textures, interior and exterior finishes can be interchanged and selected based on the occupant’s preference. SOCIAL The house design can be expanded or contracted to reflect the needs of the occupant. SPATIAL Wall panels are flexible and adaptable and can be relocated depending on occupant’s needs WASTE The building components are reusable and sold when no longer needed, diverting from landfill disposal.
Sources www.c2c-home.org
Sunspace Rotating Home Relevance to the World House Project:
A home that follows the sun
Canada / USA / Asia
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
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1996
65 Innovation The Sunspace rotating home utilizes a bearing mechanism to pivot up to 300°, varying the view and the access to direct sunlight throughout the day. The ability to track the sun also provides the increased ability to harness solar energy, thereby maximizing natural and passive solar potential and minimizing the energy load for the home. The Sunspace is offered in nine different sizes ranging from 700ft² to over 6000ft², with flexible layout options to cater to the occupant’s needs. Given the simplicity and efficiency of the bearing system, the rotation can be either electronically controlled using a 1-horse power motor or can be manually rotated by 2-3 people.
Systems AIR handling Aerodynamic shape provides wind and lift resistance. The interior shape provides improved natural air circulation as air travels up the curved walls and down the curved ceilings. CONSTRUCTION The pivoting mechanism of the home is anchored to a 12’ x 12’ platform, thereby requiring a minimal footprint for construction. The structure is mounted onto a steel turntable that utilizes 1,600 stainless steel ball bearings to facilitate efficient rotation. The prefab components are manufactured in a controlled environment and can be assembled on-site in 4-6 weeks. Durable wood frame is designed to minimize material consumption and interior walls by maximizing the strength of the design.
ENERGY The pivoting house is an ideal solution for optimizing solar exposure and maximizing a passive solar design. Curved shape of the structure provides natural convection for improved heating and cooling transmission, reducing the energy load by up to 30% in comparison to a box-type construction. Walls and ceilings are constructed with high insulation, thereby minimizing the heating and cooling loads of the home. FINANCE Depending on the model selected, the cost of a Sunspace home varies between US $46,000 to $186,000, and typically cost $50-60 per square foot. The Sunspace home rotating feature provides an increased potential to harness the natural elements, reducing energy load of the home and annual operating costs. Limited footprint also reduces the cost for site preparation and foundation requirement. MOBILITY A 1-horse power, low-maintenance motor is used to pivot the home, using a simple and reliable bearing system. The pivoting feature can either be controlled by an electric tracking system or can be rotated manually using 2 to 3 people to rotate a 2400ft² structure. SPATIAL The absence of load-bearing walls allows options for an open-concept floor plan or a more traditional, segmented plan. FOOD Pivoting house is ideal for natural sunlight and vegetation growth indoors. WASTE Prefab sequential construction process creates minimal waste and site disturbance during assembly.
WATER Sloped roof provides the potential for rainwater collection. SOCIAL The lack of structural walls provides unlimited variability in the structure, allowing the occupant the flexibility to change the layout over time.
Sources www.rotatinghomes.com http://phuketdir.com/sunspacehomes/index. htm http://www.findanewhome.com/displaystory. aspx?edid=00&salerent=0&storyid=4282
Bordeaux Villa
Rem Koolhaas
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house whose floors move up and down
Bordeaux, France
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
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1997
67 Innovation Located on a hill overlooking the Bordeaux region, this private residence is conceived of as three houses stacked into one. The lowest level, which accommodates intimate family life, is a series of caverns carved out from the hill; a garden level, completely sheathed in glass, provides additional living and working spaces, while the highest level is reserved for a master suite and children’s bedrooms. The heart of the Maison à Bordeaux (Bordeaux Villa) is an open mechanical lift, which moves freely between the three levels. “Contrary to what you would expect, I do not want a simple house. I want a complex house, because the house will define my world.” —wheelchair bound homeowner to architect, in regards to his expectations for a house with universal access Koolhaas designed a home that stands as an assault on gravity, where spaces unfold like a labyrinth. The engineer on the project, Cecil Balmond, describes the task of constructing this building as a visual illusion where a massive concrete bunker appears to levitate in space. The design of this house challenged the conventional notions and protocol for universal design; throughout the house there are large zones of unprotected and rail-less space. Most notably, the lift shaft that runs through the core of the home is not enclosed.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Conceived of as an assemblage of three houses layered into one structure, a hydraulic lift creates the core of the Villa allowing a moving, silent room to connect each level. Beam lines slide and stagger, both in plan and vertical elevation, creating an image of airborne freedom to the enclosures of a solid form. The traditional solution of evenly distributed bottom support would have given the configuration of ‘table’ and a static response. But the Bordeaux villa ‘flies’, the skewed nature of top hung right support juxtaposed with bottom left cradle support, setting up a precise danger point. Balance is precarious. Social Home challenges social stigma surrounding disabilities by providing barrier-free access in an unconventional format. SPATIAL Layout generates a polarized sense of exhilaration, safety and risk; of uncertainty and unpredictability. Visitors think of the expression, “look, no hands!” because of the suspended appearance of the structure. Though the main form is dark, strong and concrete, reminiscent of a fortress, the house seems poised to launch itself into space, the exaggeration of form and its ‘slips’ makes the structure itself vanish.
Mobility The heart of the house is a 3 by 3.5m (roughly 10ft by 11.5ft) lift that moves freely between the three floors, becoming part of living space and kitchen, transforming itself into an intimate office space and granting access to books, artwork and the wine cellar. The movement of the lift elevator changes the architecture of the home every time it migrates to another spot or level within the house. The “moving silent room” allows the wheelchair bound homeowner to travel, communicate and live in a house that he defines, as opposed to one that limits and defines him. Sources Polazzi, Giovanni. Maisons du monde, 2003 Federico Motta Editore S.p.A., Milan Actes Sud Motta pour l’edition Weston, Richard. Plans, Sections and Elevations: Key Buildings of the Twentieth Century, 2004 Laurence King Publishing London, UK Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) http://www.oma.eu/index.php?option=com_ projects&view=project&id=19&Itemid=10 Balmond, Cecil. New Structure and the Informal, 2007 Prestel
CNIB
Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners and Finlayson Architects
Relevance to the World House Project:
A structure that makes space visible through smell, sound and touch Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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1997 - 2005
69 Innovation “The goal was to make a unique building that was not extravagant, but exceptional, one that worked on many levels so that it would be an enjoyable experience for people of all abilities.” —Mary Jane Finlayson While technically not a house, the building serves as the homebase for Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), a nationwide, community-based, volunteer organization committed to research and public education directed toward the vision health of all Canadians. The building seamlessly integrates universal design considerations into its interior and exterior spaces in a successfully understated fashion. With universal design elements showcased so well, the CNIB Centre has become a key landmark exemplifying how current and future spaces can be better designed to cater to all.
Systems COMMUNICATION Sight: – Minimum of 70% contrasting colors used to distinguish different planes and surfaces, such as doorways, stair risers and treads and walls. Careful attention placed on lighting creates directional indicators and diffused, indirect light to avoid glare. Glare is also minimized by use of non-reflective surfaces and materials. Touch – Subtle changes in floor surfacing and textures between circulation hallways and offices, approaching the elevator or stairway and when exiting the building. All doorways and directions are provided in raised text and braille on signage.
Smell – Exterior garden at entrance of the building is filled with a variety of colorful and fragrant plants. The garden provides a navigation tool, directing visually impaired individuals to the entrance, while offering the smells and sounds to an audience that might not be able to enjoy the visual beauty. Cafeteria is also positioned in an open area, allowing odors to waft into the vicinity. Sound – Throughout the building various ‘hubs’ are positioned in key areas to send out signals that are detectable from a personal portable device that can recite information to its users. The centre offers the country’s largest audio library collection and has several recording studios in which its volunteers can translate written information into an audible format. Computers around the facility are equipped with Braille keyboards and audio decoders that allow a user to dictate commands to the computer and have it read back information. MOBILITY Generally speaking, the building is barrier free and considered widely accessible. Even the exterior connection to the street and traffic are well thought out to ensure safe and easy mobility to and from the CNIB Centre. IDENTITY At first glance, other than some Braille on certain signage, it is not apparent that this building is any different from any other. This reflects the beliefs the CNIB has towards universal design: that what is generally beneficial towards individuals with special needs is also ideal for most people.
SOCIAL Centre houses rehabilitation programs and education, as well as a library, recording studios, in-house ‘print’ shop, cafeteria and store. In addition to accommodating the specific needs of the CNIB, the building is also rented out for meetings, receptions and weddings. SPATIAL Zoning of certain areas such as office space, washrooms, main hallways and stairs are consistent with their location on the floor plan from floor to floor to allow for more instinctive and simplified navigation through the building.
Sources Visit to the centre. May 2007 http://www.cnib.ca/eng/about-us/mediacentre/news/launch.htm Images Heidi Nelson
Underground House
Bill Lishman
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that disappears into the earth
Ontario, Canada
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
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1998
71 Innovation The design of the Underground architecture was conceived in the early 70s when Lishman built an igloo and was amazed by the natural warmth and illumination properties within the dwelling. Inspired by the British artist Roger Dean, Lishman came up with the design to build an underground home consisting of interconnected igloo domes. Underground construction takes advantage of the earth insulation and significantly reduces the cooling and heating requirements of the home. The construction began in 1988 by excavating a hill top and assembling the steel frame domes. The domes were covered with multiple layers to ensure structural and environmental protection. This unique home has been featured in multiple publications, including Ikea’s Space and Canadian Architect and televised around the world, featured in CBC’s Life and Times and Weird Homes.
Systems AIR HANDLING Natural airflow is channeled and heated from solariums throughout the house. CONSTRUCTION Dome housing encloses the maximum amount of space, using the least amount of material. The sphere structures are reinforced using steel truss frames to provide an incredibly strong and durable design. Underground house provides protection from hurricanes, floods, fires and tornadoes. ENERGY The underground structure utilizes surrounding earth and green roof as thermal insulation. The interior is well insulated and is heated passively by the sun when available or from radiant floor heating. Identity Architecture is inspired by the igloo design, a concept conceived in North America. The structure is buried, allowing it to integrate and blend into the natural landscape. SPATIAL Sphere encloses the maximum amount of floor space. Reinforced steel truss walls provide open floorplan with little need for interior supported walls or columns.
Critique While the Underground house does take advantage of the natural insulation of the earth, the construction and design are incredibly complex, with a high initial investment cost.
Sources www.williamlishman.com/underground.htm Underground Architecture
Digital House
Hariri & Hariri - Architecture
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that is globally connected
New York City, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste
Identity Social
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Spatial
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1998
73 Innovation Designed to showcase what house of the future might entail, Digital House focuses on changing social and domestic structures, as well as an emerging redefinition of family and home.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Everything other than the central spine is designed to be prefabricated. Parts could be bought off the shelf and simply plugged into the spine, allowing for endless personal configurations. COMMUNICATION Spaces are off a central “liquid” spine that is globally connected to a network of databases. Community is emphasized through public access into the home, while privacy is diminished in value. IDENTITY Reflects changing domestic structures in the new millennium. Digital house becomes a status symbol by showcasing that those who live here are at the cutting edge of technology. SOCIAL Seeks to explore the nature of domestic space. The exterior of the house reflects activities going on inside so that each is unique to the users within. “Smart” glass skin allows users to learn as they do and to be connected to anyone, anywhere. SPATIAL The liquid spine creates infinite virtual space inside the home.
Critique This type of technology still has limitations and has not reached the point where it can be as transparent as is necessary in this scenario. Cost of this type of technology is also a barrier to accessibility for the mainstream public.
Sources http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/1999/unprivatehouse/project_05.html http://www.haririandhariri.com/ Image ©Hariri & Hariri - Architecture
Forever Young
Bill Allen
Relevance to the World House Project:
A structure that connects ground and sky
USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
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1998-2006
75 Innovation Forever Young tree houses are designed for children and young adults with disabilities. The tree houses are built to give access to people who experience barriers to fun and play on a daily basis. Accessible tree houses remove these barriers and allow people of all abilities to experience a connection with nature. Forever Young is a not-for-profit organization that aims to have an accessible tree house in every state by 2050.
Systems CONSTRUCTION The structures are built to respect the health of the natural environment, and do not harm the surrounding trees. The construction is also focused on the safety of users. Mobility The tree houses create spaces that link the sky to the ground that are accessible to people with varying degrees of mobility. Rather than moving people up and down, the house is designed to allow people to wheel to all levels. IDENTITY Embodies freedom and youthfulness. Space in the trees provides connection to nature. SOCIAL Universally designed, these tree houses eradicate stigma surrounding disability and break down social barriers. SPATIAL Integrates design with natural landscape. Variation of open-air levels create spaces within the sky.
Critique Forever Young tree houses are constructed out of donated materials and are built by a team of volunteers. However no postconsumer products are used, and the cost of a tree house is quite high – current projects range from $125,000-$500,000 (US). Use of recycled materials would make these projects more economically accessible, as well as lowering their environmental impacts.
Sources http://www.treehouses.org/
Shaw House
Breathe Architects
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that supports its senior community Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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Energy
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77 Innovation Shaw House is a renovation developed on an existing dwelling on Toronto Island. The project aimed to provide supportive housing for seniors in a responsible and sustainable manner, while maintaining respect for the historical and cultural aesthetic of the Island community. The design responded to a specific set of needs of this particular group. Most residents were in their 80s and lived alone. They faced isolation, especially in the winter months, but also desired some measure of independence and privacy. Most also depended on a small, fixed income and experienced increasing frailty. Shaw House provides a supportive atmosphere with reasonable rents, where seniors can age with comfort and care.
Systems AIR HANDLING Siting takes advantage of lake breezes to maximize cross-ventilation. CONSTRUCTION The house is renovated using a pre-existing structure. Parts of the original home where conserved where possible. ENERGY Solar panels and siting use sunlight and lake breezes to achieve maximum passive heating and cooling. A green roof provides insulation. Finance Costs are geared toward seniors with fixed income and moderate resources. MOBILITY Spaces are designed to be accessible to seniors with limited agility. IDENTITY Traditional local building style is modified to meet mandate of sustainable, inclusive living. SOCIAL Community living with emphasis on private space, Shaw House is inclusive to seniors with specific physical and social needs. Each tenant has access to both private and public space. SPATIAL Native vegetation and parkland are preserved and integrated into design. WASTE Use of existing structure and recycled materials where possible.
WATER Water is conserved by use of low-flow fixtures, rainwater collection and a green-roof to minimize run-off.
Critique Shaw House is successful in meeting most of the needs of its residents. However, due to its location, people and goods must be transported by ferry. Extensive food production could be incorporated to supplement goods that need to be transported from the mainland, decreasing the residents’ overall energy consumption.
Sources torontoisland.org/tabloid/167/Default.aspx www.breathebyassociation.com
4Tree House
Lukasz Kos
Relevance to the World House Project:
Form defined by nature
Ontario, Canada
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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2003
79 Innovation What is striking about this house is the harmonious interplay of human economy and ecology. The essence of the house is its structure. It employs balloon frame construction, the precursor to North America’s current structural framing system, and uses it in the purest form – instead of cutting down the trees to move to the building site, the house is framed around living trees. The support structure allows both the tree and the house to move independently of each other.
Systems AIR HANDLING Building is sited to maximize air flow. Natural shade is provided by the tree canopy, making a roof system a secondary layer of protection. CONSTRUCTION Incorporates balloon frame construction in its purest form. Systems allow independent movement of trees and building. House system evolves around nature without the need to harvest materials and to clear space. IDENTITY Interpretive design reflects connection between nature and human artifice. SOCIAL Secluded home permits a more connected living with nature, and isolates the inhabitant from everyday public interactions. SPATIAL Creates a balance between the natural environment and the built environment. Becomes a beacon in the trees, introducing living spaces in a previously uninhabited world.
Sources “Construction.” TreeHouse Company. 2003-2005. 15 Sept. 2006.www.treehousecompany.com/materials.htm “4TREEHOUSE.” Inhabitat. 31 Aug. 2006. 15 Sept. 2006. inhabitat.com/blog/categroy/ treehouses “4TREEHOUSE.” Inhabitat. 31 Aug. 2006. 15 Sept. 2006.inhabitat.com/blog/2006/08/31/ 4treegouse-by-lukasz-kos/#more=1079 “Testroom.” 15 Sept. 2006. www.testroom.ca
Accessible Bungalow
Historic Chicago Bungalow Association
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house reinvented to be inclusive to all physical capabilities Chicago, Illinois
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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81 Innovation The Green Bungalow Model Block is a rehabilitation project that transformed four vacant bungalows located in an older Chicago neighbourhood into adaptable and energy efficient homes. Each bungalow was remodeled to conform to the Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative Design Guidelines (available at www. chicagobungalow.org/restoration/guidlines. shtml). Green building practices were also emphasized during the project.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Renovation materials include: low VOC paints; accessible cork, ceramic tile and linoleum flooring; copper treated, wood decking (ACQ treated decking); and recycled content drywall. Kitchen cabinets were made without urea formaldehyde. Recycled and salvaged brick was used for stairs, sidewalls and new addition. Wood baseboard, window frames and wall trim were also recycled materials. Exterior aluminum clad wood windows were replaced with insulated low-E glass.
The Accessible Bungalow was modified to become wheelchair accessible and was expanded to include a master bedroom suite on the first floor. Laundry facilities and the electric fuse panel were also relocated to the first floor. The existing interior space was carefully evaluated and modified to allow adequate space for a wheelchair turning radius and the exterior was adapted with raised flower beds and widened walkways.
ENERGY Geothermal closed loop system provides heating, cooling and hot water, with a programmable thermostat Rigid insulation between brick veneer and concrete block. Attic insulated to R43 with blown cellulose. Icynene foam insulation in the existing plaster walls. Energy star appliances, and interior and exterior compact fluorescent lighting were installed. Mobility Accessible features increase mobility within the home. New accessible one story rear addition with first floor master suite (bedroom, study and laundry). Electric fuse panel is located on first floor and hallways are 36� wide. Accessible kitchen, bathroom, backyard patio and floor coverings used. Two car garage allows wheelchair side loading and unloading. Accessible front entry and doorways; outside walkways widened to 5ft. A new side entrance can be retrofitted for wheelchair lift from sidewalk to first floor. WATER Water conserving plumbing fixtures are installed.
Critique Bungalows are not ideal for dense urban populations.
Sources http://www.chicagobungalow.org/ greenbungalow/ab/index.shtml
Fab Tree Hab
Mitchell Joachim, Lara Greden and Javier Arbon
Relevance to the World House Project:
A dwelling that grows and nourishes
MIT, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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2005
83 Innovation This award winning design from MIT dissolves the conventional concept of home and establishes a new symbiosis between the house and its surrounding ecosystem. The design aims to replace the conventional home that continues to ignore its impact and the health of the occupant and the surroundings. The objective was to create a dwelling from native trees, enabling the structure to be a part of a green community. The designers utilize “pleaching�; a gardening technique in which tree branches are woven together to create durable structures. The building takes shape over a number of years. Designers use a natural building material that creates a superstructure made from materials that do not contain any foreign or unknown substances.
Systems AIR Handling Strategic window orientation and placement takes advantage of buoyancy driven ventilation flows, drawing in cool air at ground level and exhausting warmer air higher in the structure. Porous, natural wall system provides a healthy, breathable internal environment. CONSTRUCTION Pleaching is introduced to weave together tree branches to form living archways, lattices or screens. Stronger trees (elm, live oak and dogwood) are used for load bearing structure, while branches form continuous lattice frame for the walls and roof. Dense protective layer of vines, interspersed with soil pockets for plant growth are woven along exterior. The interior is formed using clay and
straw composites that insulate and block moisture, while providing shape, comfort and aesthetic appeal. ENERGY Solar radiation provides natural heating and ventilation, similar to the heating and cooling strategies in nature. South glazing and high thermal mass in walls and floors provides an efficient heating source in winter months. In summer months, the structure is shaded from extreme temperatures and the solar energy is used for photosynthesis, creating additional shade for the dwelling. Solar hot water collection is used to heat the home through a radiant floor heating system. The dome shape construction provides improved natural circulation. FINANCE The design acknowledges that the long-term life cycle costs of buildings have to be considered. This design utilizes proven efficiency developed throughout the evolution of healthy ecosystems, relying on passive and natural means to heat and cool and process and treat water and waste. IDENTITY Dwelling fits into nature, blending and working within the principles of a healthy and balanced ecosystem. SOCIAL Design challenges societal views of conventional housing to provide more natural and healthier dwellings.
FOOD Provides food to occupants with gardens and exterior wall planters. Upon completion of the life cycle, the home will decompose and produce nourishment for the ecosystem.
WASTE The design considers the life cycle of a product, from use to disposal. The dwelling is composed of 100% living nutrients that are able to return to and feed the land upon the completion of the life cycle. A composting toilet is used to treat human waste and introduce nutrients to nature. WATER Water flows from a roof-top collector, through human consumption and exits via transpiration to the natural ecosystem. A grey water stream irrigates the gardens and a filtration stream enters a Living Machine, where it is purified by bacteria, fish and plants. Clean water enters a pond, where it may infiltrate the soil or evaporate to the atmosphere. Water travel reflects that in nature, using gravity fed plumbing, grey water recycling and natural purification.
Sources http://www.inhabitat.com/2005/09/18/fabtree-hab/ http://www.archinode.com/bienal.html Images http://www.archinode.com/bienal.html
Photo-Stack
M. Coates & T. Meldrum
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that harnesses the elements and gives back
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Mobility
Energy
Finance
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85 Innovation In 2006, Cradle-to-Cradle hosted a design competition to appeal to sustainable and intelligent housing. The professional, firstplace entry was the Photo-Stack design, which focused on healthy, long lasting materials and a primary focus to harness the elements.
Systems AIR HANDLING The shape of the building harnesses the wind energy, redirected by the overhang of the roof design. The core of the house acts as a stack ventilation tower, allowing a controllable flow through the home. CONSTRUCTION The home is built into the earth, thereby reducing the amounts of materials needed. The wall panels are made from a soy foam product, which offers superior insulation properties with minimal embodied energy. ENERGY Extensive passive solar strategies, shield unwanted summer sun and absorb winter sun through thermal mass. Active solar collection provides the electricity needs for the home, using a super conductive photosynthetic plasma cell skin. Research for this material is still ongoing, but utilizes an extracted spinach protein that grows while harnessing solar energy. The home is also built into the earth and utilizes high thermally insulative soy wall panels to reduce heating and cooling requirements. SOCIAL Communal waste is collected and treated to nurture common garden. Excess generated electricity is directed to supply the grid. SPATIAL Large overhangs provide enclosed terraces. Green spaces are also provided throughout the site plan. FOOD Communal vegetable gardens.
WASTE Rainwater, grey and black water is collected, treated and used throughout the home and garden. WATER Vegetated roof system collects and filters storm water into the building core. Black and grey water are directed to a septic tank below the core and are eventually released as effluent to the surrounding gardens.
Sources www.c2c-home.org
miniHome
Sustain Design Studio
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house with a mini footprint that can blend into various climates and terrains Canada / USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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87 Innovation The miniHome is a prefabricated, completely self-sufficient trailer designed with a 50 year life expectancy. It is eco-efficient, affordable and sustaining. Moreover, the trailer has the ability to be climate-specific through different material options available to the consumer. This makes the house an affordable yearround living option to almost any site, be it remote wilderness and forest, dry desert or arctic climates. Transportable on a flatbed truck, the makers of the miniHome have also created a highly functional home that encompasses many green aspects such as photovoltaics, grey water storage, rainwater collection, hemp, low VOC wheatstock particle board and a portable green roof, to name a few. The interior space, measuring only 350 square feet, is incredibly well organized, taking full advantage of every bit of available space to make it possible to even house a family of three or four and the energy efficient systems and beautiful finishes, which might generally be likened to expensive condominiums, instead evoke a certain simplicity and purity.
Systems AIR HANDLING Operating windows and skylights create passive cross ventilation. Also utilizes a stack-effect-based heat recovery ventilator. CONSTRUCTION Prefabricated, small and compact construction limits materials used and waste generated. Special attention is given to responsible material selection. ENERGY The mobile home is designed to be off-grid with the use of photovoltaic panels or a small wind turbine. A Stirilng multi-fuel biodiesel furnace provides the heating, hot water and back-up electrical needs. Portable green roof insulates home. MOBILITY Transportable on flatbed truck or attached to a trailer. FINANCE Affordability is a key design consideration, providing all that is needed for the occupant under a small, fully functional roof. SOCIAL Different configurations available for single, double or family occupancy. SPATIAL Mezzanine creates vertical separation in the interior and adds space and privacy to a small area. WASTE Implements a composting toilet. WATER Rainwater collection and grey water treatment.
Critique The miniHome is very thorough in its design and presents solutions for many problems pertaining to affordability, eco-efficiency and climate. A drawback to the design is the generic rectangular shape, which may create a ‘tunnel effect’ in the interior.
Sources www.sustain.ca www.inhabitat.com/entry_1136.php www.treehugger,com/files.2005/12/the_minihome_f.php
Duke Smart
Pratt School of Engineering
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that intelligently cares for its inhabitants Durham, North Carolina, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
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89 Innovation Duke’s Smart House is a live-in research laboratory operated by Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering. Centred on the belief that smart homes can improve the quality of life for people of all ages and incomes, the 4500 square foot living laboratory is an innovative demonstration of future residential building technology. Currently the students are working on projects revolving around occupant health, energy efficiency, and home automation. Examples of their research include artificially intelligent temperature controllers, voice automated control panels, noninvasive health monitors, and solar tracking photovoltaic panels.
Systems AIR HANDLING Indoor air quality is monitored. ENERGY Desiccant cooling system used. Artificial intelligence learns relationship between occupant behaviour and temperature to control heat. Energy use conserved by LED lighting, green roof, photovoltaic panels, geothermal pump, water heat recovery and solar tracking. COMMUNICATION Voice activated lights, music, security and temperature, controls; active noise filtration monitors sound level. Premises secured by keyless entry biometric identification. SOCIAL Health monitoring via noninvasive biosensor. Sleep monitoring for optimal wake up times. Facial recognition monitors inhabitants. WASTE Automated sorting and compacting of recyclable materials. WATER UV disinfection purifies water.
Critique The Duke Smart House is so technically advanced that potential homeowners may be overloaded or feel anxious about all of the technology. Occupants may not want the added burden of technological maintenance. In addition, much of these recent advancements are still in their development phases and may not yet be suitable for the real world.
Sources http://smarthouse.duke.edu/
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Coastal
Ondol System Relevance to the World House Project:
A home that uses passive heating
Korea
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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Systems AIR HANDLING Vertical chimney provides draft. CONSTRUCTION Floors are made up of a series of stone piers, slabs, clay and an impervious layer which is typically oiled paper. ENERGY Kitchen is built lower than rest of house to allow heat to escape underneath the floors through a system of “ducts,” transferring heat throughout the house. The whole floor then acts as a radiator. IDENTITY Traditional system has been used to heat floors for centuries. It is inherently linked to traditional Korean cultural practices. Food Heat from cooking is utilized as a heat source, connecting comfort and nourishment in the home.
Critique Older systems experience problems when cracks in the floor allow carbon monoxide to leak into the house causing fatalities when burning charcoal. Floors can also potentially overheat, taking several hours to cool down. Modern homes have resorted to using hot water to heat the floor.
Sources www2.ald.net/~roden/korea/album/ondol. htm (author unknown) Keun-Min, Bae. “Warm Welcome for Ondol,” The Korea Times, http://times. hankooki.com/lpage/culture/200511/ kt2005111019031211690.htm
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Innovation The Ondol floor heating system is a traditional Korean design which allows heat from the kitchen to passively heat the rest of the home.
Traditional Japanese House
Architect
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that is scaled to human proportions Japan
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Systems AIR handling Good air flow and cross ventilation through moving panels and connection to exterior and garden. Airspace beneath structure allows wind to blow beneath the home, creating convection currents and drying out ground. CONSTRUCTION The lightweight construction is designed for disassembly, without the use of adhesives or nails. Wooden posts, beams, flooring and panels are built with a number of accurate joints, using wood wedges and pegs to secure pieces together. Structure is also built on stilts, lifted off the damp ground, reducing the footprint of the structure. ENERGY Straw thatch roof provides superior insulating properties to maintain indoor comfort. Typically contain minimal thermal mass to avoid re-radiation of heat into interior. Large roof overhangs used to create additional shading and cooling. MOBILITY As a separate component to a structural wooden frame, walls (called Shoji screens) can move freely and be reconfigured, linking or dividing spaces based on the needs and desires of the inhabitant. As a result, there are no clear or permanent formalization of rooms. IDENTITY Strong identity that is widely recognizable and very influential in modern architecture. Promotes simple and minimalist living due to the lightness expressed in the house. SPATIAL The floor is an area for sitting, lounging and sleeping. Furniture is limited, lightweight and easily moved.
Space is measured not only through absolute distances, but also through relative scale (the relationship between elements), known as ken. Tatami mats which cover the floor are roughly 3’ x 6’, scaling the home to the proportions of a human body. Storage and components making up rooms like the kitchen are hidden underneath floor panels or behind sliding wall panels so that the visible space in a room remains clean and without a clearly assigned function. Do not typically have windows. Instead, Shoji screens act as moveable partitions within the interior space, and transitional ports to the exterior. When a screen is pushed aside for a view, circulation or airflow, the interior becomes completely open to the exterior; the two spaces are not rigidly delineated. FOOD The kitchen is not given a specific area, but rather is hidden under floor panels and only revealed when needed.
Sources http://www.japanlinks.ch/traditional_ japanese_house/index.php Heschong, Lisa. “Thermal Delight in Architecture”. The MIT Press. Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1979. Pg. 9. Images http://www.xaraxone.com/FeaturedArt/ oct04/html/01.htm http://www.pingmag.jp/2006/08/21/stayingin-james-turrells-house-of-light/
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Innovation With its careful attention to human scale, relationship between elements, moveable partitions, flexibility and adaptability of space, shadow, light, movement and flow and interior/exterior and private/public relationships, the traditional Japanese courtyard house encompasses a truly innovative sensibility towards the use of space within a home. Its unique and thorough approach has influenced many of the modular housing designs of today.
Maori Meeting House Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that embodies tradition
New Zealand
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Air Handling Construction
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Systems COMMUNICATION Structure provides a space for communication and the exchange of knowledge, acting as an artifice through which cultural practices and beliefs can be preserved through generations. IDENTITY Decorative elements and structural divisions of space reflect spiritual beliefs and art forms. Traditions also include cruciform elements and adapted Christian symbolism. SOCIAL Guardian of Peace reigns here, allowing for interaction of people with conflict or differences. SPATIAL Cultural beliefs are manifested in physical space through representation of the ancestors’ body in each part of the square structure.
Critique The meeting house is inflexible due to its spiritual, spatial and aesthetic systems. It is specific to its site and use.
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Innovation The Maori meeting house provides an interesting example of traditional identity embodied in building, with an additional overlay of Christian missionary symbolism.
Sources www.maori.org.nz Keiran, Simone. simone-keiran@telusplanet. net Images northonline.sccd.ctc.edu/christen/ NZ.newmeethouse.html
Schroeder-Rietveld
Gerrit Rietveld
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can be rearranged to create new social environments Utrecht, Netherlands
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Systems MOBILITY Moveable wall systems allows for constant adaptation and change. SOCIAL Schroeder house reflects the changing domestic norms of the time. Schroeder’s strong independence and desire for transparency in her family space is embodied in the radical design. SPATIAL Sliding walls create dynamic spaces, constantly blurring borders between public and private. This concept is mimicked on the exterior of the building, which is composed of a collage of planes and lines which appear to glide past each other.
Sources www.pushpullbar.com/forums/archives/index.php/t100.html www.public.iastate.edu/~farahkj/homepage.html
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Innovation The Schroeder house, commissioned by Truus Schroeder-Schrader, was designed to meet changing ideas of domesticity and family life. It is a dynamic, open space that adapts to create private or public rooms as needed.
Erasmus Bridge
Ben Wan Berkel & Freek Loos
Relevance to the World House Project:
A structure that connects communities
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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101 Innovation This bridge is an example of how a structure can be defined by the populations that surround it. The Erasmus Bridge has become the official city logo, identifying Rotterdam as a gateway connecting industrial modernism and beauty. It attracts tourists from around the world, enriching Rotterdam’s reputation for art and design.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Modern technology and engineering allow functional structure to take a beautiful form. COMMUNICATION Creates a physical and subconscious connection in the city, allowing for layers of connection and communication across the barrier of water. Mobility Facilitates the passage of people, ideas and cultural identity. IDENTITY Conception stems from the identity of the city, while its existence brings new meaning and redefinition. SOCIAL A structural and graphic symbol for its society, the bridge provides connection for social segments of the city. SPATIAL The bridge itself layers a pedestrian area over vehicular passage, while a third layer of boat traffic flows beneath.
Critique The bridge can inform connections and communication within the home, but cannot itself be inhabited. As a public space it lacks the personality and privacy of a person’s own home.
Sources wikipedia.com Images Flickr.com
Naked House
Shigeru Ban
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that unifies family through transparency and shared space Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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Systems CONSTRUCTION External walls are made of two sheets of corrugated fiber-reinforced plastics and the inner walls are made of a nylon fabric. Both mounted on wooden stud frames and sit in parallel. In between are attached clear plastic bags, carefully stuffed with strings of foamed polyethylene “noodles” for insulation. ENERGY Extruded white polyethylene “noodle” walls that combined the properties of insulation and translucence. COMMUNICATION Open concept removes all privacy boundaries of the family, enhancing interactive behavior and a greater sense of togetherness. MOBILITY All room containers are moveable, as the rooms are able to change locations, expand and contract based on needs. SOCIAL Minimal privacy, but allows space for individual activities while retaining an atmosphere of togetherness. The transparent house has four moveable open room containers. The rooms are all small and only allow minimal storage for personal belongings. SPATIAL Large open room, with movable containers that can be relocated to accommodate various spatial arrangements. The containers can be moved outdoors to create additional indoor space or be used as a play surface for the children. Sources
http://www.designboom.com/history/ban http:findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3575/ is_1256_210/ai_79759815 http://www.shigerubanarchitects.com/SBA_ WORKS/SBA_HOUSE/SBA_HOUSES_24/ SBA_Houses_24.html
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Innovation The Naked House consists of a number of open cubical ‘rooms’ that can be freely wheeled around an open, two storey high plan based on the desires and needs of the family. Each of the open rooms allows for a suggested division of space without forming an actual permanent blockade. As a result, only minimal privacy is granted and family members stay connected while having their own space for individual activities.
Earth Sculpture
Savin Coulle
Relevance to the World House Project:
A home sculpted from its site
Great Mercury Island, New Zealand
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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Systems Construction Site specific construction utilizes many of the natural materials found on this Island Energy Built into a hill (berm) utilizing the passive heating and cooling effects of the site. Also oriented to maximize passive solar gain. Spatial Blends the interior of the home with the exterior landscape, thus allowing for a free flow of usable space.
Sources Frank, Michael. “New Zealand Idyll,” Architectural Digest, Pgs 138 -145 Images Erhard Pfeiffer 2005
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Innovation Savin Coulle’s designs are typically site specific and artistic in nature, as is this particular home, which grows out of the hillside like a sculpture. Inspiration for this design came from the Adzes, tools of stone and bone and fishing hooks and lures, artifacts that wash up on the shore of Great Mercury Island.
Floating Home
Ooms Bouwmaatschappij’s
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that lives and moves on water
Ijburg, Netherlands
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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Systems Construction Revolution in the design and construction of transportable lodging. Products are often modular in design and consist of materials typical to both the housing and shipping industries. Energy Incorporate renewable energy into their designs, making them easier to move and less reliant on infrastructure. Mobility Homes can be anchored or can be moved to a different location. Identity Created a shift from the traditional idea of the home, in the context of a fixed geographic location. By building homes that can adapt to rising water levels, they have developed the opportunity for people to be ‘nomadic travelers’ of the waterways. Social These pod like communities share docks, boats and waterways, redefining conventional conceptions of ‘streetscapes’. SPATIAL Addresses problems of available land to build on, an issue that will likely require increasing attention in the coming years. Rethinks possibilities for living spaces. Water Completely dependent on water, and at the same time built in harmony with water.
Sources www.ecoboot.nl/artikelen/floating_houses.php
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Innovation The idea of floating homes has been around for a while, especially in the Netherlands where rising sea levels are a way of life. The innovative idea behind this proposal is the development of entire floating communities.
BedZED
Bill Dunster
Relevance to the World House Project:
A community that produces as much as it consumes London, England
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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The development consists of 99 residential homes, allocated for sale, shared ownership, or social housing. The development also includes commercial space, an exhibition centre, a children’s nursery and a show flat for education purposes. Although densely packed, the community feels spacious due to interlocking design footprint and individual gardens and terraces.
Systems AIR HANDLING Roof mounted wind cowls provide ventilation to the super-insulated buildings without using any electricity. CONSTRUCTION Materials sourced to maximize the use of recycled, reclaimed, low embodied energy or natural renewable materials. All wood from sustainable practices. ENERGY Each unit has full access to sun and optimizes passive solar energy. Each house is equipped with energy meters to track production and consumption and monitor household energy performance. Solar panels and green space top the roofs. On-site cogeneration plant uses renewable fuel sources designed to provide energy and domestic hot water for the community. COMMUNICATION One residence is allocated for public education, allowing visitors to tour and experience the BedZED lifestyle. FINANCE Houses are allocated to cooperative ownership, private ownership and social assistance. Mobility Residents within the community have access to a shared electric car and there are 40 on-site car chargers, poised for the growth of the electric car market. IDENTITY Community promotes sustainable lifestyle and shared values of human and ecological health.
SOCIAL Sale properties, on site workers, cooperatives, shared households and social assistance housing have flexible and adaptable floor plans to meet differing needs. On-site child day care, exhibition centre, commercial spaces and green areas enhance community. FOOD Individual gardens for each unit provide an opportunity for a vegetable garden. WASTE Waste water is collected, treated and recycled on-site.
Sources www.designcouncil.org.uk www.peabody.org.uk/pages/GetPage. aspx?id=179 www.zedfactory.com
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Innovation The BedZED housing system appeals to sustainability both environmentally and socially. It consists of desirable and affordable homes with a long term vision for thriving communities. BedZED is designed to be a net zero fossil energy development, producing as much renewable energy as it consumes.
4x4
Tadao Ando
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that fits where others don’t
Chiyoda-Ku, Kobe, Japan
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
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Systems CONSTRUCTION The concrete tower is anchored in the ground to withstand seismic possibilities.
With a deep connection to the recent history of its site, this house is a solid symbol. The story of the house is significant in itself, but it is also an example of a compact minimalism foreign to most Western homes. The efficiencies of this minimalism go beyond spatial considerations. Less space is less waste, less energy, less consumption.
SPATIAL With a small footprint of 4 meters by 4 meters, the house only has one room per floor. Upon entry a stair takes you up past the bedroom and study floors; the best view at the top is saved for the living space.
IDENTITY Form of the house provides a strong visual response to the earthquake. It was such a desirable identity that the neighboring house was built as a copy clothed in wood!
Sources 50 Years of Record Houses. Architectural Record. September 8, 2006 archrecord.construction.com/recordHouses50/12_ 2004.asp>. Record Houses 2004. Architectural Record. September 8, 2006 archrecord.construction.com/projects/residential/ archives/0404_4fourByFour.asp
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Innovation At only 243 square feet, 4x4 responds to the need to maximize efficiencies within the growing density of Japan’s cities. The house was conceived as a response of both the owner and the architect to the devastation of the Great Hanshin earthquake. Tall enough to provide views to the epicenter’s location on Awaji Island, the house rose out of the disaster.
S.H. House
Katsuhiro Myamoto
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that fuses living and working environments Hyogo, Japan
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Systems Construction Contains four separate staircases each reaching to an individual level (five in total throughout house). SOCIAL House becomes a single room with varying levels, yet is structured so that privacy and an implied room separation exists; with every ascending elevation privacy increases. SPATIAL Utilizes a synergy between both living and working environments with certain elements. Ground floor is referred to as a ‘dirt floor’ area named ‘Labo’ (acronym for laboratory), by the occupants. The room serves as an entrance hall, and reception, adjoined by the kitchen/dining room where the table can alternately be used as a conference table.
Sources Ricorico. Mini House Style, Harper Design Int, New York, 2004. pg 50.
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Innovation The S.H. House is a prime example of a live/ work structure.
Sloping North
Hiroshi Sambuichi
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that is protected by the land
Yamaguchi, Japan
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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Systems CONSTRUCTION Structure of the house results in only one truly exposed wall. Building design is very much like that of an earth ship home, where 3 of the 4 prominent walls of the structure are surrounded by a natural barrier (the hill itself). ENERGY Angle and positioning of the home minimizes sunlight for overheating in the summer, and maximizes the heat retention in the winter. IDENTITY Forward, exposed portion of the house contains main living space and in an open-concept with no obstructive walls; instead it is comprised of a step design of 3 varying levels. Views of the natural surroundings are key components of the design, fusing home and landscape. SPATIAL Revitalizes a neglected track of land as a residential area. WATER Green roofing system reduces grey water runoff.
Sources Ricorico. Mini House Style, Harper Design Int, New York, 2004. pg 116.
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Innovation The Sloping North House combines boldness and modesty to provide its inhabitants with comfortable shelter. It is closely linked with the landscape, climate, and vegetation of the area.
Dwight Way
Leger Wanaselja Architecture
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that makes old new
Berkeley, California, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Throughout both the new addition and the original building, alternative products were used in the construction and decoration. Street and traffic signs purchased by the pound from the local salvage yard were transformed into fences, siding, and railings. Car windows and hatchbacks were employed as shelving, protective stair railings, and awnings.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Heavy reliance on salvaged and recycled building materials including: old growth Douglas Fir and Redwood salvaged during demolition reused as windowsills, walls, floors, and custom doors; blown cellulose insulation (old telephone books and newspapers); recycled glass kitchen counters, sourced locally; concrete slab employs 50% fly ash; natural plaster walls are left unpainted; FSC certified sustainably harvested 2 x 6 framing lumber, hardwood flooring, and oak slab counters. Toxins reduced in formaldehyde free cabinets, non-toxic gravel paving, 100% wool carpets, non-VOC paints, and wood finished with natural oils. ENERGY Energy conserved through installation of energy saving appliances, south facing windows, parking for bicycles, insulated floors, and photovoltaic panels. FINANCE 280% improvement on energy reduces living costs. IDENTITY Alternative use of recycled materials makes for unique and lasting impression. Street signs are used as fences, siding, railings, outdoor lights, and eaves. Car windows and hatches used as shelves, protective stair railings, and awnings. Parking lot gate is fashioned out of Volvo station wagon doors. Car headlights are used in gardens. SOCIAL Architectural summation of city’s values, design embodies social surroundings.
SPATIAL Smaller living spaces (~800ft², 2 bed, 1.5 bath) create pared down dwellings. WATER Low-flow dual flush toilets, rainwater collection and grey water management; native and drought tolerant plants in gardens reduce water consumption.
Critique The unique aesthetic of a project such as Dwight Way must be sensitive to an existing neighbourhood’s appearance.
Sources www.lwarc.com/dwight1.html Grawe, Sam. Dwell Vol. 6, 2 Dec/Jan 2006 pg. 154-161 Photos by Randi Berez
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Innovation Dwight Way is a mixed-use urban infill project in the heart of Berkeley, California. Designed, built and developed by Leger Wanaselja Architecture, the project is a remodel and new addition located at the busy intersection of Dwight Way and Martin Luther King Jr. Way. In 2001 the architects purchased the run down building, originally a corner store with apartments above, and began the remodel of the existing structure. Windows were punched into the Southern elevation for added passive heating while embossed wainscoting was restored to reference the building’s history. During the demolition and remodel of the existing building, many of the original materials were salvaged.
Michaelis House
Michaelis Boyd Architects
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that intensifies the urban fabric
Notting Hill, London, UK
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
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Systems Energy Green roof takes advantage of earth’s natural insulation. The indoor pool acts as a heat sink, stabilizing the home’s temperature. CONSTRUCTION Built 22 feet down to comply with zoning laws, and uses natural heat sink in the earth. SOCIAL Concept arose from the building restriction that the house could not be taller than a six foot fence surrounding it, design meshes with existing social conditions. SPATIAL Plan was based around an open, family-oriented concept that is conducive to shared experiences. Water A bore hole 110m deep into the earth’s aquifer allows water to be extracted and filtered for use.
Critique As a result of the green technology in the house, the utility room “resembles that of a control deck of a submarine – huge pipes circle the ceiling space, giant tanks...” (Richard)
Sources Richard, Michael Graham. “Update: Alex Michaelis’ Underground Green House,” Treehugger, http://www.treehugger.com/ files/2005/10/update_alex_mic.php Jeffries, Stuart. “The Renovator,” The Guardian, http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/ story/0,,1822548,00.html Jana, Reena. “Architecture: What Resides Beneath,” Business Week Online, http:// images.businessweek.com/ss/06/01/ underground/index_01.htm Image Richard Lewisohn
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Innovation This house was designed to deal with strict zoning restrictions and as a showcase of a commitment to green technologies.
Ugly Duckling
Brian White
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that transforms and revitalizes a dilapidated space Portland, Oregon
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The architects involved in the projected communicated between Portland, Oregon and Japan, exemplifying the “flattening” of the globe and possibilities for collaboration through technology.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Reused existing house as much as possible, and supplemented with low-cost new materials. COMMUNICATION The home is born out of transcontinental collaboration between the architects. IDENTITY The home is a cumulation of its original state and its new imbued meaning. SOCIAL Single-family space was chosen for its proximity to a neighbourhood park. It is envisioned as a private space within larger social network. SPATIAL Simple, modern recreation of the structure transforms a deteriorating home into a beautiful space.
Critique Brian White is quoted saying he would never attempt this type of project again. There are too many obstacles to reconstructing old homes.
Sources Dwell Magazine, June 2006, Cool Ranch, by Sam Grawe, Photos by John Clark Images http://www.dwell.com/inhabit/ dwellings/2859341.html
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Innovation This a creative, modern way to revitalize an existing home. The house has great examples of usage of light and window space. The recycling of the original home is the basis for sustainability in this construction. The home has been described as “funked-up modernist”.
Straw Bale
Sarah Wigglesworth Architects
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that recycles industrial and agricultural waste London, England, UK
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Systems CONSTRUCTION Living wing has walls insulated with 550 straw bales. Office wing walls are covered with sheets of quilted silicon faced fiberglass cloth. The wing is raised up on gambions (wire cages filled with lumps of recycled concrete). Springs attached to the gambions and house absorb vibration from nearby train tracks. ENERGY Larder-fridge uses naturally cool air sucked up from ground floor below living area. FINANCE Live/work space incorporates “green” technologies, allowing the inhabitant to recoup costs of building through enterprise and long-term energy savings. SPATIAL Live/work space with common area for dining or conferences provides the owner with a multifunctional living arrangement. WASTE A composting toilet in the living wing creates fertilizer for a garden situated underneath the raised living area. Recycled materials are used inside and out. A terrazzolike counter top is made from recycled pop cans. Exterior stairs are constructed from wood of trees felled during storms in 1989. WATER Rainwater collection subsidizes water use.
Critique These techniques are currently costly, and are not affordable in mainstream markets.
Sources www.swarch.co.uk/index0.html Wilhide, E. 2002. Eco: The essential sourcebook for environmentally friendly design and decoration. London: Quadrille Publishing Ltd.
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Innovation Built as the architect’s home and office, the straw bale house and quilted office incorporates sustainable design technologies in an urban setting.
Scrap House
John Peterson
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can be made of anything and everything San Francisco, California
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Systems CONSTRUCTION Strange conglomeration of unusual materials creates a beautiful aesthetic. IDENTITY Makes a bold statement about out throw-away culture and the alternative landscapes we could imagine. SPATIAL Diverse textures and colors create unique spaces within and outside the structure. WASTE Reconsiders what constitutes waste, and imagines new possibilities for reuse and recycling of discarded objects.
Critique This model is not yet explored as a livable space.
Sources www.scraphouse.org Images Cesar Rubio Photography, copyright 2005, Public Architecture http://www.scraphouse.org/downloads/photographs/
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Innovation Build as a temporary exhibition, this structure redefines conventional aesthetics. Scraps and salvaged materials were accumulated over three weeks, and the structure was built it in a two week “blitz build.� It shows a very experimental quality to housing, demonstrates alternative object uses, and informs public education and awareness locally and internationally.
Turning Torso
Santiago Calatrava
Relevance to the World House Project:
A structure that reaches new limits of possibility Oresund Strait, Malmo, Sweden
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Systems CONSTRUCTION Nine five-story cubes are twisted around the core of the building. This structure was highlighted on Discovery Channel’s series Extreme Engineering. IDENTITY Sparked a redefinition of the city through identification with this building. SOCIAL Redevelopment of the area created a strong social network within and outside the building. SPATIAL Urban planning in the area of the Turning Torso complemented its construction, creating a complete neighbourhood space.
Critique The building is made up of luxury homes, and is not accessible to most residents. The building itself was not built based on any principles of sustainability.
Sources www.turningtorso.com en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turning_Torso i-sustain.com Images Flickr.com
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Innovation Using housing as a symbol for the city, Turning Torso aimed to put Malmo on par with well known cities such as Paris, London and Amsterdam. The mixed use building of offices and luxury homes, with the possibility of live work space, served to revitalize its surrounding neighbourhood. Examples of sustainability, connections to water, mixed materials, urban planning, and other interesting social and economic projects were spurred by Turning Torso’s development.
Coast House
Obie Bowman
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that withstands the wind
Oregon, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Systems Construction Built using locally harvested timber, and designed to withstand gale force winds. Structure carries wind loads from the building down to the posts that are anchored to concrete piers. Energy Heat build-up is controlled using tinted recessed low-E glazing, interior shades, a passive ventilation chimney and a reflective rooftop. Social Designed for two families to share, with each with private bedroom and bathroom, and joint common spaces. Spatial Rooms are separated by large sliding wall panels that, when closed, offer privacy for bedrooms, but open to allow free access to space and views throughout the home.
Sources Grayson, James Trulove w/ Nora Richter Greer. Sustainable Homes, Collins Design Miller, Charles. “Safe Harbour on the Rugged Oregon Coast� Getaway Homes. Winter/Spring 2006 Pgs 92-97
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Innovation The exoskeleton of Port Orford cedars help to anchor the structure to the ground and resist over 100 miles per hour winds that sweep of the Pacific Ocean.
ROAR_ONE
Lang Wilson
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that gives its residents equal access to light Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Systems AIR HANDLING Building utilizes a common exterior opening, providing natural air ventilation to both units. Operable windows provide cross ventilation and air exchanges. CONSTRUCTION Architecture is porous, full of strategic cuts that bring air and natural light deep into the building. Apartments were “unfinished”, so that owners could select their own kitchen and bathroom finishes based on individual preferences. ENERGY Use of natural light and passive air circulation and ventilation reduces the energy load on the building. SPATIAL Floorplan is open, flexible and can be redefined based on the user’s needs. Design incorporates high ceilings, mezzanine spaces and deep, inset courtyard balconies that blur the interior and exterior space.
Critique The only major drawback with this structure is the fact that it is on a major and busy street and the large floor-to-ceiling windows on the street facing side do not afford the inhabitants much privacy.
Sources Grdadolnik, Helena. “Room to Breathe”. Azure. September 2006, 82 - 87 HotsonBakker Homepage, 15 Sept 2006. http://www.hotsonbakker.com/ROAR_one. html
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Innovation ROAR_ONE stands out among its neighbours with a light well that splits the building in two. On the street facing side, the building appears as one unit. However, a closer inspection reveals the middle of the building to be part of the outside. This innovative slot eliminates the need for air conditioning in Vancouver’s temperate climate, since it allows natural cross ventilation between the two building halves. It also brings natural light deep into the interior. Glazed windows extend the length of the exterior wall and allow for placement of bedrooms deep within the apartments. Deep, inset courtyard balconies provide a rare opportunity for indoor/ outdoor living in combination. The front street side face of glass and slotted patios are partially obscured by 15ft rectangles of aluminum mesh, which can be moved around horizontally by residents like giant shoji screens to provide some privacy and protection from the sun.
Floating Community
WaterStudio
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that rise with flood waters
Maasbommel, Netherlands
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Instead of costly reconstruction measures after floods, Dutch designer Koen Olthius and WaterStudio have devised a floating housing system that copes with rising tides. The amphibious housing design is a structure that is built on land but can rise and fall as the water level changes. This type of housing solution is suited to all low-lying areas that are susceptible to rising and unpredictable water levels. When the house can respond and be resilient to changing climates, the damage and loss of value is minimized.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Wood frame construction minimizes structural weight and allows easy adjustment to changing water levels. A light-weight foam is built into the hollow concrete basement to increase the buoyancy of the structure. Two mooring poles at the front and rear of the building act to stabilize the house and dampen the fluctuating waves. Flexible PVC pipe is used for plumbing, natural gas and electrical lines to provide extensions for movement capabilities. ENERGY Energy and resources required to rebuild communities after floods are no longer required. The system utilizes a dampening feature to reduce the impact of the changing waves on the house. Future projections will combine these dampeners with tidal energy generators, harnessing tidal energy to dampen the fluctuations of the home while producing electricity. FINANCE Adaptable housing that minimizes damages post flooding and thereby reduces associated cost to rebuild a community. MOBILITY 34 of the houses within the community are amphibious and are able to respond to the changing water levels by sliding up two 18 foot mooring poles that are anchored to the foundation. The other 15 homes are able to relocate if desired or can remain anchored and stationed to that community. IDENTITY Provides a housing solution and future guidance for communities that are below or at sea level. Redefines disaster-prone areas as comfortable living spaces.
SOCIAL Responds to the social responsibility to design structures that are suitable and can adapt to local issues. Community development binds majority of residents, but supports 15 ‘nomadic’ units. SPATIAL The floating and amphibious design provides solutions to populate areas that are deemed unsuitable for habitation under conventional housing strategies. WATER A housing design that lives on water and responds to cyclical changes.
Sources http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1026/ p13s02-lihc.html http://www.ecoboot.nl/ecoboot_new/?page_ id=2 http://www.drijvendestad.nl/site/ drijvendestad/tekst_ddwoning_uk.html http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4852739/
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Innovation This community development in Maasbommel, Netherlands consists of 15 floating and 34 amphibious homes that can respond to the changing and unpredictable water levels. Over 26% of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the government predicts that by 2050, 1.2 million acres of dry land will need to be relocated as flooding zones increase.
Spacebox
Mart de Jong / de Vijf
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can be transported in modular units and stacked on site Rotterdam, Netherlands
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Systems CONSTRUCTION Constructed of light composite materials that can be transported to the site via truck and fitted with the help of a light crane. The simple construction method facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, making it suitable for temporary living quarters. Wall and roof panels are made from a sandwich construction, created in molds. This sandwich consists of a “Spac” interior finishing layer, Cempanit fire-resistant panels, Meranti multiplex panels, Pir Styrofoam panels and an outer polyester glass fibre laminate. Thermo-galvanized steel columns are included in the wall panels so that the units can be stacked on top of each other. FINANCE Small, compact and fully functional shelter that is affordable. Mobility Prefabricated homes can be easily transported to the site and erected with the use of a crane. SPATIAL Compact, fully functional studio apartment that can comfortably accommodate two inhabitants.
Critique The stackable quality of the Spacebox makes it ideal for dense urban areas. However a potential downfall in this solution is the limitation that the boxes can only be stacked to a maximum height of three, thus limiting the potential of optimizing land use. Another potential downfall is the fact that the Spacebox is made entirely with new and synthetic materials. The exterior is made with polyester glass fibre laminate and Styrofoam and there appears to be no reuse of materials. With the Spacebox marketed as a potential solution for temporary housing, this is a concern as it should not be considered as “disposable” housing.
Sources Spacebox Homepage. 18 Sept 2006. < http://www.spacebox.info/index-eng.htm>
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Innovation The Spacebox is an appealing urban housing solution, drawing from the concepts in Moshe Safdie’s Habitat 67. Modular “stackable” housing allows for efficient use of land, and also presents a dramatic aesthetic. The fact that each individual unit can be transported to the site via truck and quickly assembled and placed using cranes also makes the Spacebox a possible solution for temporary housing needs.
Sunset Breeze
Michelle Kaufmann
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that lets the breeze flow throughout California, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Systems AIR HANDLING Designed to allow natural air circulation into each of the major rooms through operable windows, green spaces and terraces. CONSTRUCTION Prefab construction provides efficient use of building materials and limited waste generation. Minimal assembly requirements reduces the environmental impact to the actual construction site. ENERGY Maximize natural air circulation and natural daylight. Passive solar design reduces heating and cooling loads for the home. Butterfly roof also provides the option for solar panel installation. Mobility Prefab construction allows the house to be shipped on a flatbed truck. SPATIAL Each room opens to a courtyard or garden, blurring the interior and exterior space. Fold away walls create openness and temporary privacy within the home. FOOD Garden space can be used for growing a vegetable garden. WATER Butterfly roof provides a means to collect rainwater.
Sources www.mkd-arc.com/ Sunset Breeze House. September 18, 2006 visited. Copyright 2006 Michelle Kaufmann Designs. Image Photographer: Tom Story/ Courtesy of Sunset Magazine
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Innovation Sunset Breeze is designed to utilize prefab construction and, as a result, reduces the construction waste and resources required. The design is quite flexible, allowing for variability in the floor plans, roof designs and exterior finishings. Walls are able to collapse and fold away, providing modularity and versatility in the home. Each room is connected to either a courtyard or garden, offering greater openness and blurring divisions between interior and exterior space.
FACIT
Bell Travers Willson and FACIT
Relevance to the World House Project:
A holistic design that integrates building components into a comprehensive system London, England, UK
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The basic concept of the Digital House system is a component based structure of load bearing plywood cassettes. All the cassettes have been designed to be easily manoeuvrable by one person, minimising expensive transport and lifting plant, and also to make optimum use of the natural dimensions of plywood sheet. Two typical wall cassettes use three sheets of plywood with minimal wastage. Each cassette locks into place with all its neighbours creating a very rigid and air tight construction.
A vacuum bed holds the material to be
CONSTRAINTS Due to the cutters being circular and us is over come by either drilling out these
COSTS CNC routers can vary from small scale w The more expensive machines are faste cutting features such as side drilling. Running costs are minimal. Machine size for 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; plywood sheets Ease of use - simple Microsoft Windows Common 2D CAD drawing formats are i of minutes to provide paths for the cutte 3 Phase power required.
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Innovation This home explores a new method of building that uses digital design technology and low volume production methods to produce customizing designs. The Digital House is produced using 3D computer modeling that contains all details for the construction materials and assembly. The model information is then transferred to a CNC router (Computer Numerical Control) and the components are rapidly cut using engineered timber sheets. These sheets are assembled into lightweight hollow cassettes, similar to large Lego pieces, which can be filled with various insulating materials to achieved the desired thermal requirements. FACIT provides a one stop shop for developers or self builders, delivering the complete building service from design, planning, digital production and on-site assembly. The FACIT ethos is based on the workings and economic model of industrial manufacturing, whereby one company is responsible for the research, design, development and production, providing products directly to the customer.
Systems AIR handling Precision-cut and interlocking components minimize air leakage. All components within the construction are selected to reduce environmental impact and are therefore typically natural or healthy. CONSTRUCTION Digital modeling and CNC cutting provides a precise, yet customized design with high accuracy fits and joints. All elements of the design are fabricated under controlled conditions. All components are self locating as part of the process, therefore minimizing on-site construction cost and assembly time. All materials are selected to reduce environmental impact, using FSC wood and healthy insulation options. ENERGY Heat recovery heating system minimizes the energy load of the home. Hollow panels allow for various insulation materials and thickness. Design also incorporates solar hot water collection. FINANCE Designed to give flexibility with significant cost benefits. Reduced construction time, labor and equipment required with on-site, pre-fabricated fit components. CNC cut components also minimize resource requirements, thereby reducing material costs. Reduced professional fees for structural and mechanical systems integration using customized mass production. MOBILITY Lightweight modules can be handled and maneuvered easily without the need for cranes or heavy machinery Identity The design and shape of the home can be customized to meet the specific need of the occupant.
SPATIAL Customizing cuts allow for various geometries while not being constrained to on-site complications. Customized cuts create freedom from standardized design that has previously been an economic necessity for pre-fabrication systems. WASTE Minimized waste generation during construction and on-site assembly through the design of all cutting patterns. WATER Grey water recycling system integrated into the design.
Sources www.facit-uk.com
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onstruction
ber sheet. paper
Lighthouse
Sheppard Robson
Relevance to the World House Project:
The first net-zero carbon house
UK
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Systems AIR Handling Window openings at east and west façades, shaded by balconies and exterior shutters provide optimal ventilation for the home. Stack ventilation and elevated wind scoops are used to increase convection currents and cool interior space in the summer. CONSTRUCTION SIP construction provides on-site easy to assemble construction methodology. All building materials and components have been sourced for ability to minimize environmental impact. ENERGY A 40° pitched roof is used to optimize solar absorption for solar hot water or PV panels. SIP construction provides efficient thermal envelope that reduces heat loss by up to 2/3 of a standard house with minimal thermal bridging and air leakage and optimal insulation. A wind catcher/light funnel provides a passive ventilation strategy and brings natural light from skylights into the upper floors. Uses series of renewable and intelligent options, including a pellet-based boiler, building integrated PV (BiPV), solar thermal array, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and an interactive metering system that monitors energy consumption and promotes awareness. SOCIAL Design responds to changing demographics, creating socially varied and responsible communities. The multiuse design challenges traditional layouts to encourage lifestyles that are light on resources.
SPATIAL Mezzanine set-up provides accommodations for multi-purposes spaces (offices or bedrooms) and allows the living area to be extended without altering the building envelope. Living spaces are also on the second floor to take advantage of natural light, while the bedrooms are on the first floor, where it is typically cooler and more comfortable for sleeping. WATER Water efficient appliances and low-flow fixtures are used for water conservation. Rainwater harvesting is also integrated into the building and landscape design.
Sources www.sheppardrobson.com http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ business/6735715.stm Images http://www.offsite2007.com/progress-blog. jsp
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Innovation This housing and apartment design utilizes high levels of efficiency with attention to the construction method, energy use, CO² emissions and carbon footprint. The high performance prototype pushes the boundaries of modern housing design and is the first home to achieve the Code for Sustainable Homes - Level 6, the standard to which all new homes in the UK should be designed and constructed by 2016.
Hydrowall
Virginia San Fratello
Relevance to the World House Project:
A wall that acts as a bladder
Copenhagen, Denmark
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Water is an ideal thermal mass, as it offers higher heat carrying capacities than other thermal mass materials (brick, concrete, earth) that are typically used in architecture. However, due to the fear of leakage, condensation, and algae or mildew growth, limited examples exists that blend water within architecture.
Systems AIR HANDLING Perforated holes on the interior shell allow for warm or cool air from the wall to pass into the interior space. CONSTRUCTION Design provides a building integrated method to store and protect water from the building envelope, while making it accessible for multiple uses. The form work of the molds are fabricated using CNC technology, designed to reduce construction waste, time and materials. ENERGY Solar energy is absorbed into the wall and stored in the water. Thermal mass in a passive solar design can provide a significant energy savings as it harnesses and stores solar energy for later use. SPATIAL Walls act as water storage devices, minimizing spatial requirements for water drums. WASTE Walls that surround the water are made of a recyclable, durable thermoplastic shell. WATER Expandable bladders provide rainwater storage to be used as a thermal mass for evaporative cooling or for domestic or industrial usage. Storm water diversion and rainwater usage reduces the load on water treatment facilities.
Sources http://www.indexaward.dk/2007/default.asp?id=706&sh ow=nomination&nominationid=86
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Innovation The Hydrowall design is comprised of a wall system that contains a series of expandable bladders and, when inflated, these integrated cisterns take the form of the wall cavity. The potential applications of a Hydrowall are endless, as they could be utilized in industrial, commercial or residential sectors to reduce municipal water demands. The Hydrowall can provide multiple functions, ranging from water storage for planters and vegetation, to evaporative cooling and thermal mass strategies in passive solar applications. The Hydrowall design provides an innovative and secure means to store water where it is needed most; close and accessible to the occupant and exposed to harness and store energy from the sun. The wall system is still in the prototyping stages, experimentation continues with different fabrication procedures and thermoplastic materials, as well as testing for UV degradation, fire resistance, formability, and rigidity.
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Mediterranean
Roman House Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that brings the sky indoors
Rome
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Systems AIR HANDLING Central atrium in the Roman roof lets in light and air. CONSTRUCTION Few windows in outer walls and only one door provided personal safety. Court could be closed by portieres from other parts of house. ENERGY Central atrium provides natural light and air handling, removing the need for mechanical processes for heating and cooling. SOCIAL Flexibility and evolution of the Roman home shows changing familial and social norms. Introduction of a court allowed for separation of different social or family groups, family versus slave, family versus friends or visitors, and family versus commercial customers. Homes had work/live adaptability; rooms could be built in front of atrium for commercial purposes without affecting privacy of interior. Homes could also be modified to house multiple families or tenants. WATER Water handling is aligned with natural cycles. Rainwater is captured in a basin in the atrium and channeled into underground storage tanks, until aqueducts were designed to conduct water into upscale homes.
Critique Sewage systems were simplistic and primitive, involving a cesspit arrangement in private houses, eventually draining into Cloaca Maxima (The Great Sewer). Tenement houses threw waste out the window onto the street or into a rain barrel under staircase. The Roman house is not easily expandable to very cold climates.
Sources library.thinkquest.org/26602/romanhouses. htm www.furniturestyles.net/ancient/homes/ roman.html www.roman-empire.net/society/soc-house. htm en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanitation_in_Ancient_ Rome Hanson, Roger D. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Water and Wastewater Systems in Imperial Romeâ&#x20AC;? waterhistory.org
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Innovation In this building style we see a change from very ancient round structure of Roman houses to square and rectangular forms. This exemplifies the evolution of the Roman house from a basic structure with atrium and rooms, to an extended structure with a court as a result of Greek influence, to a multi story home for multiple-family and tenant use.
Villa Rotunda
Andrea Palladio
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that marriages geometric precision with natural landscape Vicenza, Italy
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Built atop a hill in order to take advantage of winds and angled slightly to allow each façade to receive an adequate amount of sunlight, the unique cross sectional plan divides the house into equal mathematical proportions horizontally and vertically. This layout also allows for breezes to flow directly through the main axes of the home, encouraging excellent air flow and a means for cooling the structure during the hot summer months. While fireplaces are used as the main source of heat, the cubic structure offers minimum surface area to the exterior and lessens the opportunity for heat gain or loss. In addition, the inner circular rotunda can be sealed to contain or detain heat. Four nearly identical façades are treated with equal importance. Only slight differences are visible on each front and cater specifically to the four different views. This careful treatment emphasizes the importance of landscape and site.
Systems AIR HANDLING Built on a hill to take advantage of breezes. Doors and windows along main axes can be opened to circulate air throughout the building. ENERGY Exterior cubic structure minimizes surface area limiting heat gain or loss. Inner Rotunda can be sealed off to contain or detain heat. Sheltered porches provide protection from sun. Protection from elements from wooded North West. IDENTITY Pedimented colonnades, derived from Greek temples, signified cultural values shared by architect and client alike. Symmetry and mathematical proportions exemplified in the four nearly identical facades. Spatial The mathematical proportions of the home creates symmetry in exterior and interior spaces.
Critique The Villa Rotunda is a historical example from which we can remind ourselves that innovation existed prior to more recent technological advancements. At the same time, we must keep in mind that the Villa Rotunda was created without regard for environmental sustainability. The structure was built with entirely new (although locally sourced) materials and has a much larger scale than what we would deem practical or necessary.
Sources architecture.mit.edu/thresholds/issuecontents/20/gardner20/garndner20.htm www.greatbuilding.com/buildings.Villa_ Capra.html Images www.public.iaastate.edu/-craiger/homepage. html www.bgsu.edu/colleges/technology/faculty/ guidera/villa_rotunda.jpg
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Innovation Palladio’s Villa Rotunda is a 16th century suburban villa from the Italian Renaissance. Although it is a historically dated example and many of its characteristics are not practical for consideration, it exemplifies important characteristics.
Can Lis
Jorn Utzon
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house shaped by light
Porto Petro, Majorca, Spain
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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Utzon was aiming to recreate an archetypal sense of prospect and refuge: an openness and light from beyond, and a deep reassuring sense of enclosure from behind. He purposefully reconstructs a cave-like interior. In the living room, a patch of sunlight falls on the floor through a small glazed opening, placed high in the west wall. A diagonal slice of sun dusts the wall with light, intensifying into a sharp shaft, only to recede in less than 30 minutes, and finally leaving a glowing patch of orange light to linger until evening.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Organic structure mimics natural elements of sky, earth and fire. IDENTITY Focus on nature and the integration of the sea and sky. SPATIAL All buildings have specific function and expand to a terrace. Interplay of light and shadow creates new spaces without the use of solid walls or divisions.
Critique Can Lis is a large and isolated home. It could not be easily replicated, and is extremely site-specific.
Sources Jorn Utzon: The Architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Universe, Edited by Michael Juul Holm, Kjeld Kjeldsen and Mette Marcus, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark 2004
Weston, Richard. Plans, Sections and Elevations: Key Buildings of the Twentieth Century, Laurence King Publishing, London, UK, 2004.
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Innovation Can Lis is built on a 20 meter high cliff, and consists of a collection of five building and walled enclosures. Each building has specific function, and all contain at least one patio, with differing degrees of openness, size and orientation.
Fujy Pilot
Luca Lancini
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that informs sustainable policies
El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling
Communication
Construction
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Systems AIR HANDLING Follows principles of bio-climatic architecture and integrates passive systems, resulting in variation in each façade. CONSTRUCTION Materials chosen for low environmental impact and thermal behaviour. Structure is made out of multi-layer certified wood, and walls are constructed with thermal clay blocks. ENERGY Natural light, high efficiency lighting systems, passage sensors and energy efficient appliances reduce energy loads. COMMUNICATION Creation of sustainable policies through experimentation and education was a main objective. SOCIAL Collaboration with public institutions, NGOs and universities met objectives of implementing sustainable policies and situated the home within the greater community. WATER Rain water is collected and used within the home, greywater is used to irrigate the garden and timed caps are implemented.
Critique The Fujy Pilot Home is a great example of the pioneering high-tech building methods available in the market today; and available to any environmentally conscious customer who is willing to pay 390,000â&#x201A;Ź. However it lacks a waste management method in its design.
Sources Shared Projects, Fujy Barcelona.2003. Sustainable ABC, September 17, 2006. www.sustainableabc.com/p-fujy.htm El Proyecto Piloto de Fujy. SeptemberOctober 2005. Trama, Architecture and Design from Ecuador,September 17, 2006. <http://www.trama.com.ec/espanol/revistas/ articuloCompleto.php?idRevista=18&numero Revista=88&articuloId=209>. La Vivienda Sostenible Fujy. March 2, 2006. Construible, Todo sobre Construccion Sostenible. September 17,2006. <http:// www.construible.es/noticiasDetalle.aspx?id= 82&c=6&idm=10&pat=10>.
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Innovation The Fujy Pilot plan presents a synthesis of the studies done on sustainable architecture. The aim of this pilot home is to educate and create environmentally conscious customers, in order for the building industry to implement sustainable modalities. The collaboration with public institutions, NGOs and universities was of great importance since the creation of sustainable housing policies was one of the main objectives.
Name of House
Architect
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can be assembled from components and delivered across a nation Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
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10 10 10 10 SPATIAL Gardens and terraces are located outside
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SOCIAL Living and dining rooms are connected to the kitchen, a ‘servant-less’ design
Sources www.pbs.org/flw/buildings/usonian/usonia.html www.thewileyhouse.com
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Tropical
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Critique With a deep connection to the recent history of its site, this house is a solid symbol. The story of the house is significant in itself, but it is also an example of a compact minimizing foreign to most Western homes. The efficiencies of this simplification go beyond spatial ones. Less space is less waste, less energy, less everything.
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CONSTRUCTION Easy to build. Customized formula and construction method to produce affordable and functional housing. Walls lined with bookshelves to create division and provide storage
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Systems IDENTITY Organic home that grows from the hearth and shaped to the surrounding landscape
living rooms and bedrooms which extend the house dimensions. House is divided into a private and public wings.
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Innovation Wright developed a series of homes with the intent to create a formula and construction method for the production of affordable, beautiful housing. The Usonian house was offered as a low-cost home for middle income families and with Wright’s plan, the family could build their own home. Wright believed in the moral and political values exemplified in home ownership and believed that well designed tasteful dwellings would produce happier, more harmonious and enlightened societies. The main principle behind the Usonian home is to provide affordable and desirable shelter for the common person. The name Usonian refers to Wright’s vision of the United States landscape, including the planning of cities and the architecture of buildings. The typical Usonian design is based on single story plan divided into public and private wings. The two wings are joined by a “service core” common area, comprising of a kitchen, a bathroom and a hearth.
Shotgun House Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that channels air
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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The simple form allows for several adaptations. Original homes had no bathrooms, but were added on later, often as side addition. Camel back variations allow for partial second story, while the doubleshotgun utilizes space and materials even more effectively by combing one exterior wall to form a semi-detached duplex. The homes became associated with poverty, but are now experiencing a revival as office spaces or for historical value.
Systems AIR Handling Long, narrow plan provides excellent ventilation. Higher ceilings allow heat to rise. FINANCE Built as rental properties for working class or low income families. Narrow lots meant less street front property, resulting in lower taxes. “Camel back” variation (with a half second storey) is still taxed as single story house. MOBILITY Although these homes were not originally designed to be constructed off site, their dimensions make them ideal for transportation by 10’ x 40’ flatbed truck. IDENTITY Variations and add-on options make houses adaptable. Decorative bracketing and shutters indicate colonial influence; traditional Haitian structure and island colours give homes a distinct New Orleans Cajun character. SOCIAL Open floor plan with no hallways creates community living within the home. Houses built near to or flush with the sidewalk, with stoops or verandas for residents to sit on, provide an opportunity for community interaction within the neighbourhood. Spatial Long narrow plan optimized use of street space in areas where land wasn’t readily available. WATER Built on at least two or three foot high foundations to allow for constant flooding without damage to the structure.
Critique No waste considerations are evident in this design. The wood frame construction, with poor insulation and black roofing, maximizes heat gain. Once automobiles and air conditioning became more accessible people began to live in suburban settings in different styles of housing.
Sources http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun_house Image http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun_house
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Innovation The shotgun house earned is name because one could fire a gun straight through from front door to back door without passing through any walls. Developed in New Orleans and popularized in Southern US from 1860s to 1880s, shotgun homes were built largely by population of free slaves of Haitian origin. The homes are primarily found in low-income and working class neighbourhoods, near rail yards and other industry, where land is scarcer. No wider than 12 feet, the long, narrow plan optimized use of street space and passive ventilation strategies.
Superblock
Lucio Costa
Relevance to the World House Project:
A home that defines the city
Brasilia, Brazil
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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Systems Construction Buildings are constructed under strict guidelines so that their form maximizes social interaction and flows of people. Finance The houses were intended to be affordable, and provide shelter to mixed income residents. IDENTITY Uniform aesthetic of the superblocks was meant to foster an egalitarian community identity. The superblock provides a shared identity through which diverse groups could interact. SOCIAL The uniform nature of the blocks is intended to create equality and accessibility in the city. It was hoped this lack of diversity would circumvent economic and social stratification usually seen in urban populations. A single superblock could house people of all income levels. Height limit of six stories meant that a mother could call to her child who might play on the street. Access to services also meant a strong sense of community could be developed because inhabitant would interact within the neighbourhood. Ample green space provides opportunities for cycling, jogging and connecting with nature. SPATIAL Superblocks are designed for low population density and stress the importance of access to green space and transportation.
Critique Despite such intention in planning, the superblocks have failed in many ways. The low density of the city has spurred huge slum settlement on its outskirts. The design is also eerily rigid, and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow the growth of social and economic interactions to occur naturally,
Sources www.wikipedia.com www.superbrasilia.com/aquarela/pic_ maquete_a.htm
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Innovation Influenced by Le Corbusier, the planning of the city of Brasilia organized housing into uniform superblocks. Superblocks were intended to be the primary shelter in Brasilia for 600,000 residents. Each superblock serves as a neighbourhood unit, and includes a church, secondary school, movie house, youth club and sports field. Housing units were built at a uniform height of six stories, and are surrounded by vast motor ways. These residential areas, modeled on Garden City theories, are separate from government buildings and public infrastructure.
House & Atelier
Luis Benedit
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that regenerates old spaces for new uses Buenos Aires, Argentina
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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Innovation Originally a bakery, artist and architect Luis Benedit has transformed this 1,830 square-foot space into a live/work home. The spacious loft is designed for adaptability and constant movement.
Systems IDENTITY Benedit uses local materials to create a homely atmosphere. The loft also features pieces of furniture that he designed.
WASTE A counter top is made from different tiles found at the site. The kitchen can be glimpsed through a dilapidated wall, left intact during renovations. The bathroom also showcases recycled objects, including tiles, washbasin and shelving.
Critique This is a luxury home, and is quite spacious for one person. No attention is given to sustainability from an ecological or economical perspective.
Sources Canizares, Ana Christina G. Lofts, Collins Design, New York, 2003
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SPATIAL Use of differentiated levels defines subenvironments in the long, narrow space. Kitchen and living area are separated from studio space by an elevated surface.
Zachary House
Studio Atkinson
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that divides to let air circulate through Zachary, Louisiana, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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This house began as a rural retreat for the architect’s father. Elegant in its simplicity, the house demonstrates the beauty of traditional American housing forms. The dogtrot has an interesting spatial concept, where public and private uses are literally separate. The kitchen and living areas are one entity, while the bedrooms are across the breezeway. The breezeway functions as both the entry porch to the house and the exterior gathering space of the house with a big fireplace to gather around.
Systems AIR HANDLING Depends on natural air circulation the dogtrot configuration is designed for. Windows and doors are positioned for maximum cross ventilation. A small HVAC system is used for backup in severe summer months. CONSTRUCTION All materials are simple and readily available. The architect designed the house for his father to build by himself. IDENTITY Symbolic fireplace is pulled out from house to anchor it to the site and give the house more character than the traditional dogtrot. Social Outdoor fireplace provides focal point for communal gathering. SPATIAL Dogtrot divides public and private interior spaces.
Critique The modern aluminum skin and roof are attractive but probably add a lot of heat to the little house, causing the air conditioner to be used more often.
Sources Studio Atkinson. September 8, 2006 www.studioatkinson.com/1-zachary-1.htm Images Photograph by Joshua Paul/Budget Living Magazine www.studioatkinson.com
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Innovation The Zachary House represents the traditional agrarian architecture of the southern United States. It is a modern interpretation of the dogtrot house, where a central exterior breezeway or ‘dogtrot’ divides two separate spaces of the house.
Kem Eco Camp
Tay Kheng Soon
Relevance to the World House Project:
A structure that considers its sociocultural environment Singapore
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
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2004
Kem Eco Camp is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Jenera River and the Nenggiri River. The structure was designed around the life cycle of the fish Khela (one of the most reveled fish in Malaysia), its surrounding ecosystem, and the biological environment that it inhabits. By doing so, it stops destructive harvesting methods of this important fish, such as dynamiting, netting and poisoning. The native inhabitants of the Northern Malayan forests, The Termiar are in full support of Kem Eco camp.
Systems Air handling Roof design facilitates ventilation and lets indirect light in. CONSTRUCTION Labourers were largely from the Orang Asli village nearby. The natural habitat of the riverside flood plain was protected during development. Most materials were locally sourced, though some were transported up the river by horse-power. Palm hatch was harvested to create the roof. Fast-growing bamboo was mainly used for the rest of the structure. ENERGY Electricity is provided by small hydro-powered dynamos recycled and reconfigured from old truck engines. To respect the river no generators are used. Communication Most of the camp attractions are focused on ecological programs and education, and it is now featured as part of the curriculum in Singapore’s schools. FINANCE The camp supports sustainable enterprise, enabling citizens to support themselves long-term. IDENTITY Structure design resonates with the native traditions. For example the woven bamboo floor matting on bamboo rafters is a reference to the Orang Asli Sewang Dance. Social A main longhouse with adjoining open deck, kitchen and dining hall, and workers’ quarters make up the camp. Traditional and contemporary communal activities – such as scientific discussions or sporting events – enhance human interaction.
SPATIAL The structure enables an atmosphere of serenity where the sight and sound of animals in the forest is predominant. FOOD Education and activity at the camp rests on sustainable harvesting of a precious food source. WASTE Decomposable human waste is channeled to sedimentation tanks. Partially purified water then flows to an oxidation pond nearby where kangkong is grown. WATER The camp supports a symbiotic relationship with the river, enabling conservation and protecting its wildlife.
Critique The only way to get to Camp Eco is through boat. Only a very small number of ecotourists are welcomed.
Sources KEM JENERA LONGHOUSE (2004), KELANTAN, MALAY Tay Kheng Soon / Akitek Tenggara Website. September 17, 2006. <http://www.akitektenggara.com/>.
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Innovation Kem Eco Camp grows from its regional identity, considering the sociocultural environment of Singapore and bringing together the society, the environment, human needs and heritage. It demonstrates that river conservation is an economically viable solution for eco-tourism and further sustainable development.
Ecology House
Andreas Froese
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house constructed from waste materials Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
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Systems CONSTRUCTION Materials can easily be found in a landfill: rims of wheels, old buckets of paint, sawdust, and nonreturnable pop bottles. The rims of wheels are used as columns, and the plastic PET bottles are used instead of bricks, filled with sand or sawdust. Energy Large overhangs and a green roof provide shade and insulation. Finance Construction materials made from post-consumer waste and affordable products. SOCIAL Communities literally come together and participate from the inception of the project, collecting bottles and necessary materials, through to the final stages of construction. SPATIAL Spatial distribution of the home is centered around the living area, where the family gathers. WASTE Introduces waste as a viable building material. Nonreturnable plastic bottles, rims of wheels, buckets of paint, and sawdust are included in the homes. WATER Green roof provides means to collect and absorb rain water.
Critique The method of construction of the Ecology House is atypical. Due to this, no real guidelines and building codes are followed. The communities are forced to learn the method and teach it to other community members only as they remember it.
Sources Projects Eco â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tec. 2004. Eco-Tec Soluciones Ambientales, September 17, 2006. www.eco-tecnologia.com/English/ defaultenglish.htm
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Innovation The Ecology House is the first house built out of non-returnable plastic bottles. Using waste as a construction material has been the answer for providing homes to many people in Honduras. Andreas Froese, a German who has made Honduras his home for the past 10 years, developed this technique and is determined to teach it to whomever is willing to learn. Community involvement is a key factor in the success of these constructions, since mass collection of bottles and manual labour are required for construction.
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Termite Mounds Relevance to the World House Project:
A home that evolves with its climate
Australia / Africa
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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Economy
Terrain
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There is a direct relationship between what is needed and what is constructed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is no waste, nothing is unnecessary or under utilized, unlike so many human structures. Termite mounds are organic, completely sustainable in every meaning of the word and, as a result, incredibly beautiful, succinct structures.
Systems Air handling Porous walls and passage structure of the mound allow for hot, stagnant air to escape and cool, clean air to enter and settle into the base of the structure where the termites live, work and breed. Thinner walls help to better facilitate respiratory gas exchange during the wet season when high humidity decreases the porosity of the walls of the mound. Studies have found that the temperature with the mounds stays regulated within a narrow range of plus or minus one degree Celsius.
Critique There are few drawbacks to the design of termite mounds. As this structure has evolved over centuries and has adapted to climate and other factors, it is a truly organic and whole structure. Many lessons can be learned from the design and use of materials of the termite mound as humans attempt to build better, smarter, kinder, more attuned abodes.
Construction North-south orientation and wedge shaped design provide optimal interior conditions.
Sources The biological significance of Magnetic Termite mounds, Anna M. Schmidt and Judith Korb. Biologie I, University of Regensburg, Universitätstrasse 31, Regensburg, Germany ehps.une.edu.au/f/s/curric/pMetcalfe/DOCS/ NatureNotes/Termites.html k43.pbase.com/u20/thunor/ upload/12932815.litchfield01.jpg en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Termite
Social Termites have a strong social network that is highly interdependent. Communal characteristics are reflected in the design of the mound and the large, open area where termites live together as a colony. Food Interior climate allows termites to keep dry store of grass during flood seasons. Waste Homes are built from the surrounding environment, and create no lasting waste during or after their life cycle. Water Construction and ventilation allow mounds to dry quickly after rainfall, increasing stability of the homes.
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Innovation Termites are considered by many to be the best architects of the animal kingdom. Able to construct mounds over three metres high, termites have perfected the science of thermoregulation within these structures. The mounds are located on a north to south axis with the flat, thickest side facing east and west. The thick walls keep the mound from absorbing excess heat during the warmest parts of the day. A narrow passage along the thinner wall allows warm air to rise and exit and cool air to enter and flow along a wider passage. This fresh, cooler air settles into an area of the nest where the termite colony lives.
Refugee City
Mike Pearce
Relevance to the World House Project:
A community that converts complex technology to low-capital, low maintenance systems Harare, Zimbabwe
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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Climate
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Food Waste Water
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Refugee City is a development of rammed earth buildings that are low-maintenance and low-capital and have minimal operating cost, and renewable energy systems. Mike Pearce “successfully adapts sophisticated technologies to minimize economic and ecological cost, adapting the global to the identity of the particular region.”
Systems Construction Clever construction creates sound shelter out of various donated materials and abundantly available earth. ENERGY Materials are mostly recycled or reused products, and homes have little access to electricity. FINANCE Minimal resources are available, so homes use donated materials. SOCIAL Community relies on international aid, which helps to prevent extreme human deprivations in Harare, where hunger, AIDS, and scarcity of fuel is part of daily life. WASTE Materials used in construction are recycled. Black cords that hold together the plastic roofs are cut up strips from tires found in local agricultural farms. Plastic roofs are imported from Holland. WATER Some homes use low tech geodesic domes which hold up plastic roofs. Ring-like PVC connects the bamboo frames, designed to collect and transport water.
Critique The Refugee City is not permanent. The government should get involved and work towards a healthier community system instead of allowing Operation Murambatsvina or “drive out filth” to spur an avalanche of homeless citizens.
Sources Curriculum Vitae, by Liane Lefaivre and Alexander Tzonis. Architects for Peace. September 17, 2006. <http://www. architectsforpeace.org/mickprofile.html>. Priests told: don’t aid ‘filth’, June 19, 2005. The Sunday Times. September 17, 2006. <http://www.timesonline.co.uk/ article/0,,2089-1660059,00.html>. CIUDAD, NATURALEZA Y ENERGÍA Arq. Mike Pearce, ZIMBABWE. Instituto de Arquitectura Tropical. September 17, 2006. <http://www.arquitecturatropical.org/ EDITORIAL/INDEX.htm>.
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Innovation In the 90s, a group of low income citizens where relocated from their homes as a city ‘clean-up’ in preparation for a visit from the British Queen. The government promised relocated citizens new housing but never delivered any.
Future Shack
Sean Goodsell
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can be shipped by rail, boat and truck Sydney, Australia
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
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1995
Systems AIR HANDLING Structure can be sited to provide optimal air flow. CONSTRUCTION Durable materials have long life-span. The adaptive shelter reuses existing built forms. Use of shipping container creates simplicity of form and ease of deployment. FINANCE Homes are affordable and accessible. Mobility Homes can be easily shipped around the world. Interiors are accessible and flexible and can be adapted to various needs.
Critique In most environments, it is necessary to provide a structural support system. For the Future Shack, this system is constructed from galvanized steel and is also extended to include a sun-shade awning. The galvanizing process is chemically intensive and would provide limited durability for a mobile house system due to abrasion. The house would require proper anchorage if it were to be used in earthquake prone areas to ensure stability.
Sources “Future Shack.” Architecture Australia. September/October 2001. 15 Sept. 2006. www.architectureaustralia.com.au/aaissue. php?issueid=200109&article=11&typeon=2#t
IDENTITY Provides a most basic, minimalist form of shelter that values functionality over excess. SOCIAL System allows for the construction of communities of similar or other pre-fabricated homes. The homes can also be used to house displaced communities.
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Innovation This house is the purest form of a prefabricated house system. Its origin is as an inter-modal shipping container. While this produces a “prefabricated geometry” for the house, it also means that whatever the origin of the container, it can ultimately be easily and efficiently transported to where housing is required.
Tait House
1 + 2 Architecture
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that harvests light and water
Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
Climate
Economy
Terrain
Culture
Food Waste Water
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Systems CONSTRUCTION Built with lightweight, inexpensive, low-maintenance building materials. Structure is a combination of galvanized steel and timber on a raised steel sub-frame floor, and the exterior is clad in oiled timber planks. ENERGY Combined passive and active solar design. Most power for the home is generated from six photovoltaic panels, mounted remotely. WASTE Bathroom and kitchen waste is collected underground and processed in a septic tank before being dispersed around the garden via a network of subterranean trenches. Native shrubs planted along the trenches, as plants absorb nutrients from the waste and the rest seeps into the earth or evaporates.
Critique This home is built for its unique landscape, which is a very remote island off the coast of Australia. As such, several of its characteristic elements could not be recycled to other locations or topologies. The waste system uses a septic tank to allow for natural absorption of materials back into the earth. Unfortunately, many municipalities, particularly urban ones, do not allow the use of septic tanks. Additionally, the walls are heavily windowed, which again cannot be considered for densely populated areas due to privacy concerns.
Sources Franklin, Catherine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tait Modernâ&#x20AC;?. Dwell Magazine Online. April/May 2006. 12 Sept 2006. www.dwell.com/inhabit/ dwellings/3828856.html
WATER Sloped concave roof collects rain and pipes it down to two 2600 gallon underground storage tanks.
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Innovation The most unique and distinguishing feature of this house is its roof. The concave nature serves a dual purpose â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both to collect and funnel rainwater and to protect the home from the glaring heat of the Australian sun. The curved roof allows the rain to channel into holes punched into valleys created by the tilt of corrugated steel sheets. Water collects in a concealed gutter and is piped down the side of the house and underground to the nearby water tanks. The roof also acts as a sun protector, which is critical in the ozone depleted region of Australia. Use of extended overhangs not only create an open terrace but provide shade from the intense summer sun, while allowing exposure in the winter.
Cardboard House
Peter Sutchbury
Relevance to the World House Project:
A shelter that provides an immediate healthy environment Sydney, Australia
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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Systems AIR HANDLING Building is sited to provide natural ventilation. Large, opposing, and operable portals provide air circulation. CONSTRUCTION Clever construction allows home to be easily shipped and erected with minimal use of materials. ENERGY Principles of passive solar design are incorporated. Structural material has low thermal properties, minimizing heat gain for regional functionality. Uses only 12-volt batteries or small photovoltaic. Finance Homes are cheap to produce and affordable to consumers. Mobility Can be easily shipped and constructed. Ideal for temporary shelter needed in disaster relief. SOCIAL Can be provided as an individual unit or located in housing communities. Ease of entry and accessibility and flexible interior space make this home adaptable to different social functions.
SPATIAL Building interior is an open concept, permitting space allocation as required. WASTE Incorporates a composting system that produces nutrient-rich water for composting. Use of 85% recycled materials in construction.
WATER Water storage systems are provided under the house.
Critique Issues of constructability and durability are immediately apparent and require further investigation. The passive solar design may be limited by the use of “sky-light” type structure on the roof.
Sources “Housing the Future.” Architecture Australia. January / February 2005. 15 Sept. 2006. www.archmedia. comau/aa/aaissue.php?issueid=200501&article=7&ty peon=2 “The Cardboard House.” Houses of the Future. 15 Sept. 2006. www.housesofthefuture.com.au/hof_houses04. html “Stutchbury and Pape’s House of the Future: Cardboard.” Treehugger. 15 Nov. 2004. 15 Sept. 2006. www.treehugger.com/files/2004/11/house_of_the_ fu.php
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Innovation This house uses the by-product of tree harvesting to engineer shelter. The design is flexible, low-cost and has an adaptable built form.
Paper House
Adriano Pupilli
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that responds to student needs
Sydney, Australia
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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Paper House can be transported and constructed quickly to respond to emergency needs, making it useful in disaster relief or as temporary, transitional housing.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Innovative construction to create sturdy, comfortable shelter out of flexible and non-conventional building materials. To increase the durability and strength of the structure, a recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) coating was used. FINANCE Made from locally available, inexpensive consumer waste products, and aimed to provide ownership to homeless populations.
Critique Although Paper House proved to be structurally sound, it was not considered particularly successful in terms of weathering and flammability. It is also not sufficiently insulated to be used in colder climates.
Sources http://www.thepaperhouse.net/
MOBILITY Lightweight, modular construction makes Paper House easily transportable. SOCIAL Modular units allow for various configurations to reflect occupant needs. The cooperative model enables community living. WASTE Only recycled paper products and post-consumer materials are used.
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Innovation Paper House was created in response to increasing housing costs in major urban centres in Australia. The project was aimed to accommodate youth in particular, who comprise a disproportionate percentage of homeless populations. The house was modeled on STUCCO, a student-managed cooperative that provides affordable, comfortable accommodation to Australian university students.
Holl House
Andrew Maynard Architects
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that unfolds and transforms
Australia
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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10 10 Systems CONSTRUCTION Prefabricated housing system morphs as needed. Uses hinged walls and platforms to extend and collapse.
The design aims to achieve architecture that is dynamic and transformative, reflecting the changing desires and needs of the inhabitant.
MOBILITY Small and light-weight structure is easily transported on the back of a flatbed truck and quickly assembled on-site.
Marnyard looks to other economies for inspiration. “How can the housing industry make exciting, well designed and cheap housing? Easy, mimic the car industry.”
Ability to personalize and alter space and structure coverings. Design attempts to satisfy the notion of timelessness through constant transformations.
FINANCE Design of the home aims to be inexpensive and well designed.
IDENTITY The structure of house reflects the user inside; communicating between private indoors and public exterior through physical transformations of the house. SOCIAL Modular construction allows for various configurations to adapt to the occupants needs, allowing different familial or non-familial social units to inhabit the space. Spatial New spaces are created both inside the transformed modules of the home and outside through the ledges, overhangs and shadows as a result of the expanding and contracting characteristics of the structure.
Critique Although fascinating as a conceptual prototype, many of the structural issues in its adaptability are not fully explained or developed. Additionally, the house lacks a cultural and historical identity, as it is not site specific in any way. Maynard’s design does not address practical issues such as water usage, waste or energy systems.
Sources www.andrewmaynard.com.au/holl01.html www.gotoreviews.com/archives/architectureand-building/unfloding-prefab-holl-house-byandrew-maynard.html bldgblog.blogspot.com/2006/12/unhingedand-treeborne.html http://www.arkinetia.com/articulos/art72. aspx
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Innovation The Holl House was conceived for the 2004 VicUrban Affordable Housing Competition. It legally transports on a flatbed truck and arrives on site as a prefabricated vertical column, which transforms into various new forms created by a network of hinged platforms.
Concrete House
Peter Poulet
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that redefines conventional construction materials Sydney, Australia
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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Inspired by well-known structures such as Shigeru Ban’s cardboard cylinders and Tadao Ando’s ‘Church of Light’, Concrete House is revolutionary in its approach to form and spatial aesthetic. The boundaries between inside and outside are blurred, the curvilinear walls feel soft and open. In contrast to the massive enclosures that obliterate many urban central business districts, the architect has imagined a space that is warm and inviting.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Can be quickly constructed without specialized labour. Durable and uses low maintenance materials. ENERGY Utilizes inherent thermal mass of concrete to control temperature. A green roof provides further insulation. FINANCE Can be constructed out of affordable materials, and requires no high-cost specialized labour. IDENTITY Concrete can be personalized with paint or wall coverings.
Critique While Concrete House addresses many key issues surrounding sustainable building, the use of concrete is itself problematic. The process of manufacturing concrete is not conducive to creating healthy environments, and requires that all the elements of the house be new materials. Secondly, while it’s durability is advantageous in the shortterm, concrete cannot be naturally broken down or recycled if the home is unused or redeveloped.
Sources http://www.housesofthefuture.com.au/index. html
SOCIAL Available to diverse groups through use of affordable, available materials. Modular construction allows for various configurations. SPATIAL Open concept integrates indoor and outdoor spaces. Curvilinear forms challenge conventional domestic spaces. WATER Water is conserved through collection of rainwater and grey water management.
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Innovation The Concrete House is a prototype designed for the Houses of the Future Exhibit in Sydney, Australia. It uses concrete, a robust, durable and accessible material, in an attempt to create a model for living that is efficient and enjoyable.
Christineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House
Rural Studio
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that cools itself
Hale County, Alabama, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
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The house was designed and built by two thesis students over a period of two years.
Systems AIR HANDLING The tower was designed with windows on all sides to catch breezes from all directions. Pressure difference pulls hot air up and out, while cool air is pulled in through windows and the openings to the crawlspace under the house. CONSTRUCTION Adobe walls were made on site with 70% newspaper, 25% earth, and 5% Portland cement. Individual blocks were cast in cardboard boxes to make bricks. Block walls have a 2 x 4 stud structure, sheathed with 1/4" plywood and covered with tarpaper in the center of each for stability. The big roof is framed with 2 x 10’s and steel beams; the smaller roof is suspended by truss. ENERGY Adobe walls were positioned on the east and west facades of the house to minimize exposure to sun and maintain interior temperatures. Block walls have an Rvalue of 33 for 12 inches of thickness. Walls, floor, and roof are insulated with cotton insulation composed of recycled denim. IDENTITY The large sloped roof, cedar and porches pay tribute to the traditional vernacular of the southern United States. SOCIAL As part of an extremely rural area, the site contains many separate dwellings of the same family. A bridge connects directly to the grandmother’s house. The shape of the house blocks off cars to create a childsafe play area. The wrap-around porch is of tremendous social value in this environment as a place of informal conversation and events.
SPATIAL Two adobe walls divide public areas of the living room, kitchen and main porches from the private bedrooms, bathroom and smaller porches. The large roof provides covered space all around the exterior of the house to define the porches. FOOD A community garden in the front yard of the house provides for the house and the neighbors on the site.
Sources Bullington, Amy. Personal Interview. September 7, 2006. Images Photos credited to Amy Bullington.
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Innovation Christine’s House is provides thermal comfort based on natural processes. The main materials of adobe block, cedar, and concrete are simple and make a beautiful combination. The house is thoughtfully planted in its surroundings with the porches naturally merging the exterior with the interior. At 800 square feet, the house is efficiently planned for Christine’s family to make their home. The house is located in one of the most impoverished areas of the United States and is a great example of design that matters.
Name of House
Architect
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can be assembled from components and delivered across a nation Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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10 10 10 10 SPATIAL Gardens and terraces are located outside
10
SOCIAL Living and dining rooms are connected to the kitchen, a ‘servant-less’ design
10
CONSTRUCTION Easy to build. Customized formula and construction method to produce affordable and functional housing. Walls lined with bookshelves to create division and provide storage
10
Critique With a deep connection to the recent history of its site, this house is a solid symbol. The story of the house is significant in itself, but it is also an example of a compact minimizing foreign to most Western homes. The efficiencies of this simplification go beyond spatial ones. Less space is less waste, less energy, less everything.
10
Sources www.pbs.org/flw/buildings/usonian/usonia.html www.thewileyhouse.com
Desert
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Systems IDENTITY Organic home that grows from the hearth and shaped to the surrounding landscape
living rooms and bedrooms which extend the house dimensions. House is divided into a private and public wings.
10
Innovation Wright developed a series of homes with the intent to create a formula and construction method for the production of affordable, beautiful housing. The Usonian house was offered as a low-cost home for middle income families and with Wright’s plan, the family could build their own home. Wright believed in the moral and political values exemplified in home ownership and believed that well designed tasteful dwellings would produce happier, more harmonious and enlightened societies. The main principle behind the Usonian home is to provide affordable and desirable shelter for the common person. The name Usonian refers to Wright’s vision of the United States landscape, including the planning of cities and the architecture of buildings. The typical Usonian design is based on single story plan divided into public and private wings. The two wings are joined by a “service core” common area, comprising of a kitchen, a bathroom and a hearth.
Bedouin Tent Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that breathes and moves
Middle East
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Communication Finance
Air Handling Construction Energy
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The goat hair tarp is woven loosely so as to allow airflow and heat to escape in the hot dessert climate. Interestingly, the goat hair tarp is also protective against water. In times of rain, the loose weave constricts, a natural property of the goat hair, making the tent impermeable to water. In Bedouin law, no one is allowed into the tent without the permission of the owner. Sanctity is within 40 steps of the tent. Any fugitives may request lodging and protection by the owner and the owner must accept the guest and provide protection for a minimum of 3 days. Failure to do so is punishable by Bedouin law.
Systems AIR HANDLING Loosely woven goat hair allows for hot air to escape. Goat hair tarp constricts during rain to prevent moisture from leaking into the home. FINANCE Use of materials accessible to a nomadic dessert tribe. MOBILITY Home has ability to move with nomadic tribe. IDENTITY Specific and relevant to the customs and practices of Bedouin tribes. SOCIAL Inherent in Bedouin law, peoples must respect the home and owner. Social customs such as separation of genders and protection of fugitives are inherent in the physical space of the home. SPATIAL Sanctity within 40 steps of tent. Tent is also divided into men’s and women’s spaces.
Sources www.geographia.com/egypt/sinai/bedouin02.htm www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/oldworld/middle_ east/rwala_bedouin_culture/html
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Innovation The Bedouin tent is the traditional housing system of Bedouin tribe in the Middle East. A long standing nomadic tribe, the Bedouin have developed their housing system to suit their migratory needs; the temporary tent is easily set up and is made of relatively light materials, namely a goat hair tarp, wooden supports and rope. Inside the tent, there is a distinct division, by means of a hanging cloth, between the women’s and men’s spaces.
Yurt / Ger Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that provides everything for its inhabitants Central Asia / Mongolia / Pacific Coast USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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The yurt consists of a lattice-wall framework with encircling tension bands that are joined at the centre ring of the roof. Depending on the climate, the lattice walls are either covered with felt or canvas for insulation or open, allowing extensive air passage. Given the scarcity of timber, the lattice walls were created using smaller wooden segments and layered with felt made from sheep’s wool. The yurt symbolized the centre of the universe for the herders. It provided them with shelter and allowed them to live sustainably in the harshest of climates, to move with their herd and raise their families in a manner that was simple and comfortable.
Systems AIR HANDLING Layered skins are adaptable, providing air circulation. Hole at the roof centre provides a natural vent. Aerodynamic structure provides greater wind resistance CONSTRUCTION Roof structure incorporates a compression ring and tension band creates rigid design requiring no internal supports. Compact shape of the yurt, lightweight materials and strong roof create a highly efficient structure with maximum strength while using minimal material.
Critique Felt canvas doesn’t work well in wet climates as it will absorb the moisture and reduce its insulative properties. Other materials are introduced to utilize this building method in damper climates.
Sources www.yurt.com www.yurtinfo.com
ENERGY Round and small structure is more efficient to heat. Layered felt or canvas coverings provide varying degree of insulation throughout the seasons. FINANCE Built from locally available materials and renewable sheep’s wool. MOBILITY Ease of construction and lightweight material allow the yurt to be easily transported, built and disassembled. IDENTITY The yurt is considered the centre of the universe of the herders, its form and aesthetics embody important sociocultural values. SPATIAL No need for interior supports allow for open-concept layout. Food Mobility provides a means for herders to relocate based on food availability.
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Innovation Yurts are portable felt dwelling structures originally used by nomads in the Steppes of Central Asia. ‘Yurt’ is actually a Turkish word meaning tent-site and Central Asian nomads use the term ger, which translates to ‘home’. Although not accepted by the Central Asian nomads, yurt has become the norm to refer to the ger structure.
New Gourna
Hassan Fathy
Relevance to the World House Project:
A home that shelters and nurtures a whole village Luxor, Egypt
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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Systems AIR HANDLING Natural ventilation using open floorplan and chimneys and vents. CONSTRUCTION Centuries old vernacular architecture is more environmentally friendly and is able to withstand time, using mud bricks, enclosed courtyards, and domed spaces. Fathy also discovered other natural methods such as using boiled oil from the helba plant to seal limestone. FINANCE Simpler construction methods were relatively inexpensive and could be used by inhabitants to build their own homes. IDENTITY Fathy’s aim was to resurrect traditional Egyptian vernacular architecture and building techniques.
Critique Fathy’s vision of resurrecting the past ultimately failed because the villagers wanted the modern ideas of the west. They didn’t care what was most efficient for them, instead they wanted what was perceived as more progressive and modern. Now people in Egypt have started to understand the vision Fathy had and are trying to continue what he began.
Sources http://www.kmtspace.com/kmt/fathy.htm Hasan, Alia F. “Hassan Fathy and the New Gourna Experiment,” Suite 101, http://www. suite101.com/article.cfm/arabic_islamic_ architecture/26962 Iskander, Lara. “The Village of New Gourna,” Tour Egypt, http://touregypt.net/featurestories/ newgourna.htm
SOCIAL Honours traditional building methods and represents Egyptian social values using 6 general principles as a guide: 1. Belief in the primary of human values in architecture. 2. Importance of a universal rather than a limited approach. 3. Use of appropriate technology. 4. Need for socially oriented, cooperative construction techniques. 5. Essential role of Tradition. 6. Re-establishment of national cultural pride through the act of building.
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Innovation Designed to relocate several hundreds of villagers from an existing village, New Gourna intended to offer a viable solution to the rural housing problem in Egypt.
Eames House
Charles & Ray Eames
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can be assembled from parts ordered by catalogue and integrated into its site Pacific Palisades, California, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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One of the most significant Case Study Homes, the Eames House translated the idea of mass production into a residential vocabulary. It represents the playfulness and character inherent to all the Eames work.
Systems CONSTRUCTION All materials were ordered from catalogs and delivered to the site. Steel frame of the house was assembled in one and a half days and represents one of the first steps towards modern pre-fabricated housing systems. IDENTITY Colorful house became an icon of post World War II America. As a symbol of the modern home, it was the backdrop for many magazine covers and product ads. It had particular influence in the development of residential architecture in California. SOCIAL Design reinterpreted and reintroduced the notion of live/work. SPATIAL Composed of 1500 square feet of living space separated from 1000 square feet of studio space by an outdoor courtyard. The redesign of the house was largely a result of the Eames wanting the house to have a closer connection to the site. Instead of a bridge house perching on the hill, they slipped the house into the hillside.
Sources Case Study: The Eames House. Architecture Week. September 8, 2006 www.architectureweek.com
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Innovation The Eames House was part of the Case Study Homes program sponsored by John Entenza’s Art and Architecture magazine to design the modern home. The idea behind the project was to produce inexpensive and efficient homes for the post World War II housing need. The goal was to integrate the technologies and materials of the war into the evolution of the home. The Eames Case Study was a couple who wanted to live and work at home. The first design was called the “Bridge House” and was designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen. All of the materials ordered from catalogs were delayed in shipping because of post-war shortages. By the time the materials did arrive, Charles and Ray had a new idea for the house and redesigned it on site using all the materials ordered for the other design. In the end, only one additional beam was needed.
Super Adobe
Nader Khalili
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can be assembled in just twenty-five steps California, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
Mobility
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Systems AIR HANDLING Building is sited to provide natural ventilation and minimize solar gain. Thermal mass of the natural materials moderates temperatures. CONSTRUCTION Uses locally available materials, such as sand, and provides a simplistic construction process. Can be constructed by teams of 3 to 5 people, and is designed to meet California’s earthquake code. IDENTITY Form and structure of this building creates a unique identity. Materials identify its regional application. SOCIAL Modular construction enables the development of communities. The home can be an expression of value, where the dwellers have selected this space as a preferred home (in California), or it can be a expression of effect, where dwellers have been placed in the home as an emergency shelter from disasters (in Pakistan or disaster areas). SPATIAL Structural system is flexible and enables the constructors to mold spaces, providing division or inclusion as required.
Sources “Eco-Dome: (a small house, “Moon Cocoon”).” 15 Sept. 2006. www.calearth.org/EcoDome.htm
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Innovation The simplicity of the design of this house is what is most impressive. It is the synthesis of ancient construction technologies into an adaptive, engineered, low-cost structural system. Its application has been realized as temporary emergency shelter in Pakistan and as permanent housing in Southern California. The architect provides a 2-page, 25-step process for its construction where it is to be used as an emergency shelter.
Rammed Earth
David Easton
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that withstands the test of time and is built from the ground up Western North America
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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1996
Rammed earth provides an excellent thermal mass. It heats up slowly during the day and releases energy into the home during the evening. The wall thickness and density provide natural sound proofing in addition to offering fire and earthquake resistance.
Systems AIR HANDLING Made from natural materials, eliminating harmful and toxic substances within the home. The walls are slightly porous which provide a means for natural air circulation. Studies in Germany have also shown that the Relative Humidity is maintained between 45-55%, over a 5 year period. CONSTRUCTION Walls are made from locally available materials and, with proper instructions, can be quickly erected. Walls are very strong and durable, offering increased resistance to both earthquake and fire. ENERGY Highest thermal mass of any wall system. Also require less energy to produce, process and maintain over life cycle. The SIREwalls provide an R-value up to 33.
Critique Like concrete and brick, rammed earth walls are not good insulators and are therefore not recommended for extreme cold climates without additional insulation. However, recent advances in building methodology have introduced insulated panels within the construction, making it suitable for extreme weather conditions. SIREwalls (Stabilized and Insulated Rammed Earth walls) is a fairly new construction method developed in North America to utilizing insulated rammed earth walls for colder climate applications.
Sources www.earthhomes.com www.terrafermabuilders.ca www.sirewall.ca
IDENTITY Using natural soils and earth from surrounding allows the home to blend into the natural landscape. SPATIAL Walls can be formed to virtually any size, style or shape.
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Innovation Rammed earth shelters predate the opposable thumbs. This ancient building method has proven to be durable and long lasting, and has seen a recent revival in interest for those wanting a low-impact, natural home. Traditionally, rammed earth construction has been used in arid regions where wood supply is limited. The walls are constructed from a mixture of earth, sand, gravel, and a stabilizing cement. The damp mixture is poured into the desired form work of the wall. Layers are compacted until the desired wall height is reached. When the poured mixture solidifies, the forms are removed and the walls are sealed to protect from exterior moisture.
Shorthand House
Franรงois de Menil
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that translates written language into physical architecture Houston, Texas
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
Communication Finance
Energy
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“The occupant must physically engage the house in order to alter the spatial condition and as such is engaged in understanding the experience of the space.” —F de M
Systems Mobility Partitions and doors are moveable so that they can be changed to transform space for different functions. IDENTITY Flexible design empowers the occupants to control their spatial world. SOCIAL Reflects changes in domestic structures by designing for divorced, single parents with children possibly only living with her part time, or couples with no children. SPATIAL Traditional layout is re-examined through use of “spaces” rather than “rooms.” Spaces are defined by a symbol rather than by walls: for example a dining room is defined by a table and a living room is defined by a hearth.
Critique The concerns of a house like this tend to deal more with its economic viability, such as how flexibility affects resale value.
Sources www.fdemarch.com http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/1999/unprivatehouse/project_18.html
203
Innovation Designed for a divorced woman whose children are grown and no longer living with her, the house reflects her fluency in shorthand. It is an architectural representation of the linguistic rules of shorthand.
Earth Ship
Michael Reynolds
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that is constructed from local materials, available worldwide Taos, New Mexico, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
Characteristics Conceptual Built Permanent Mobile Vernacular Iconic
Air Handling Construction
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The organization, Earthship Biotecture, based in Taos, New Mexico is a global company offering proven, sustainable designs, construction drawings & details, products, educational materials, lectures and presentations, consultation & guidance toward helping people achieve sustainable housing.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Independent, globally oriented dwelling unit made from materials that are indigenous to the entire planet. A major structural building component of the Earthship is recycled automobile tires filled with compacted earth to form a rammed earth brick encased in steel belted rubber. The bricks and resulting bearing walls they form are virtually indestructible. ENERGY Designed to reduce impact on the planet and increase our connection to it by utilizing recycled and low embodied energy materials. Earth walls provide an excellent material for a passive solar design. Slanted roof provides solar hot water collection and active PV electricity generation. IDENTITY Many models created depending on ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and regional consideration SOCIAL Single family residences, colonies, communities and city complexes can be developed. FOOD Indoor garden provides the opportunity for year round vegetation growth. WASTE Construction materials consist primarily of recycled automobile tires. WATER Rain water collection and on-site grey water treatment.
Sources www.erathship.org
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Innovation This passive solar home is made of natural and recycled materials. Thermal mass construction stabilizes temperature; renewable energy and integrated water systems make the Earthship an off-grid home with little to no utility bills.
Solar Umbrella
Pugh + Scarpa
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that shares energy with its community Venice, California, USA
Climate / Terrain Polar Mountain Continental Coastal Mediterranean Tropical Savanna Desert
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Systems AIR HANDLING Utilizes natural air ventilation through operable windows, skylights and open terraces. ENERGY Solar panels are used to screen the majority of the home from direct sun exposure. Solar hot water heaters are used to preheat domestic hot water tank, radiant floor heating system and the pool. House is entirely day lit by the sun and requires electric light only during the night or on overcast days. COMMUNICATION Grid connected house uses net-metering system to track energy consumption and monitor performance.
Critique Although the building was designed to be a net-zero energy user, it is currently generating only 95% of the energy it uses, due to the accumulation of dirt and dust on the photovoltaic cells. Total costs of the renovation and the cost of the existing site totaled $620,000.
Sources “AIA Top Ten Green Projects, 2005”. The American Institute of Architects. 20 April 2006. 18 Sept 2006. http://www.aiatopten. org/hpb/lessons.cfm?ProjectID=561
IDENTITY Located on a block dominated by “thru lots,” which have public streets on two sides of the property. The addition to and remodel of the Solar Umbrella creates living spaces and porches on both sides, addressing both streets equally. WASTE Constructed using a variety of reclaimed and recycled components. Wood for concrete forms was obtained from another construction site. Construction consists 50% fly ash content, recycled mild steel, and composite engineered-wood members. A 100% recycled newsprint board acts as a finish on many of the walls. WATER Rain water collection and storage. Solar hot water collection is used to preheat the domestic hot water and the pool. Permeable gravel was used in the surrounding landscape as opposed to paving.
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Innovation The Solar Umbrella canopy serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides 95% of the building’s electric load through 89 amorphous solar panels while also providing shade from the strong California sun. The solar panels are connected to the power grid through a net meter provided by the City of LA, allowing the grid to be used as a storage system. Secondly, the canopy diverts rainwater that is collected on-site.
Nageezi House
Arizona State University Students
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that integrates traditional style with modern aesthetic, while respecting the natural elements Nageezi, New Mexico, USA
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Innovation The Nageezi Home is a model of an affordable, accessible, sustainable, healthy, and culturally responsive home. It was constructed for Mary and Kee Augustine, an elderly couple who are long-time residents of a Navajo reservation located in rural New Mexico. This new construction replaced their former home which was in very poor condition. This project was made possible through many partnerships including ASU and its Stardust Center, which promotes environmentally and culturally responsive housing. Others partners involved were the Navajo Reservation Housing Authority as well as many students and volunteers.
Systems CONSTRUCTION Earth is venerated through the use and reuse of local materials.
ASU architectural students worked with the elder couple to create a design that would incorporate elements of the Native culture and, at the same time, remain sustainable and affordable. This home serves as an example of a design that not only meets the individual needs of those who will live in it, but that can also be replicated throughout the reservation. It is a simple, smart, beautifully designed home that will enhance the lives of Mary and Kee Augustine.
FINANCE Designed with both the long and short term expenses in mind, reducing the maintenance and annual operational costs of the home.
ENERGY Designed to use 80% less energy than a conventional home. R35 walls are made from Navajo FlexCrete, a concrete block made of aerated fly ash. Passive solar design protects the house from the unwanted summer sun and harnesses heat in winter months. Heating is supplemented using radiant floor heating. The house is cooled passively, using natural ventilation, negating the need for air conditioning. A centralized fireplace is used for additional comfort.
Critique There are no apparent drawbacks to the Nageezi home. As it is a new structure, time will expose any faults in the design and materials used. The Stardust Center is using technology to monitor the energy consumption of the house and make any adjustments needed to increase its efficiency. The intent of the design and the collaborative nature of the project make it a important model for other related projects.
Sources http://www.asu.edu/feature/includes/ summer05/readmore/navajohomes.html http://www.asu.edu/stardust/design/ Nageezi.pdf http://www.gallupindependent.com/2005/ august/080905home.html http://www.navajo.org/augustnews.htm
IDENTITY Traditional beliefs were integrated into the home both inside and out. The hooghan, or sacred ceremonial place, is symbolized by a central courtyard which faces east in order to welcome the morning sun. A traditional shade arbor, or a chahashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oh, was included and serves to protect the south wall from the sun.
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WATER Roof designed to collect and appreciate rainwater.
Name of House
Architect
Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that can be assembled from components and delivered across a nation Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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SOCIAL Living and dining rooms are connected to the kitchen, a ‘servant-less’ design
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CONSTRUCTION Easy to build. Customized formula and construction method to produce affordable and functional housing. Walls lined with bookshelves to create division and provide storage
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Critique With a deep connection to the recent history of its site, this house is a solid symbol. The story of the house is significant in itself, but it is also an example of a compact minimizing foreign to most Western homes. The efficiencies of this simplification go beyond spatial ones. Less space is less waste, less energy, less everything. Sources www.pbs.org/flw/buildings/usonian/usonia.html www.thewileyhouse.com
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Systems IDENTITY Organic home that grows from the hearth and shaped to the surrounding landscape
living rooms and bedrooms which extend the house dimensions. House is divided into a private and public wings.
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SPATIAL Gardens and terraces are located outside
Worldwide
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Innovation Wright developed a series of homes with the intent to create a formula and construction method for the production of affordable, beautiful housing. The Usonian house was offered as a low-cost home for middle income families and with Wright’s plan, the family could build their own home. Wright believed in the moral and political values exemplified in home ownership and believed that well designed tasteful dwellings would produce happier, more harmonious and enlightened societies. The main principle behind the Usonian home is to provide affordable and desirable shelter for the common person. The name Usonian refers to Wright’s vision of the United States landscape, including the planning of cities and the architecture of buildings. The typical Usonian design is based on single story plan divided into public and private wings. The two wings are joined by a “service core” common area, comprising of a kitchen, a bathroom and a hearth.
Slums Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that responds to population growth Worldwide
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Systems CONSTRUCTION Structures within a slum are extremely complex and mutable depending on location. Many times government involvement can turn out to be an upgrade of the area instead of the removal of the structure. Some governments have developed standard slum structures that can be used in many areas of the countries using basic materials such as concrete, usually in square shapes.
Slums are a constant struggle for governments. Yet because of corruption, inappropriate regulations, and absence of political will, slums tend to spread out of the control of the state. What governments tend to do with the help of the World Bank and the United Nations is implement projects where inhabitants are relocated to an area with livable conditions.
IDENTITY When alleviating poverty, the key elements are to empower the poor, with innovative institutional models. By doing so, the strong identity that connects inhabitants can be redirected towards positive enterprise.
Despite its downfalls, slum construction offers a glimpse of the incredible scope of human ingenuity when faced with questions of survival.
FINANCE Minimal financial requirement.
SOCIAL Financial, political and institutional mechanisms are key to alleviate the hardships that exist in a slum. A collaborative project that takes into account a continual up-grading process throughout time seems to be the most viable solution to improve social conditions within a slum.
Critique Slums are an example of unsustainable housing. The extreme conditions presented in slums are a catalyst for immediate lowcost solutions. It takes the collaboration of NGOs, governments and foreign aid to begin addressing the proliferation of slums.
Sources Massachusetts Institute of Technology. What is Urban Upgrading? 1999-2001. September17,2006.<http://web.mit.edu/ urbanupgrading/upgrading/whatis/history. htm> Slum construction by A. F. Conord Potlatch #3 6 July 1954. September 17, 2006. <http:// www.notbored.org/slum-construction.html> . Development Outreach, Putting Knowledge to Work for Development. The World Bank Group, Winter 2002. September 17, 2006. <http://www1.worldbank.org/devoutreach/ winter02/article.asp?id=147> .
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Innovation Slums are a response to population growth that go beyond the capacity of the existing housing. Usually immigrants are drawn to the city by the promise of improved quality of life. Yet the inhabitants end up in poor conditions, subject to famine and epidemic plagues. There is an uncontrolled increase of slums in developing countries. Residents lack the basic municipal services such as water supply, waste collection and infrastructure, and are vulnerable to crime, disease and natural disaster.
Habitat for Humanity Relevance to the World House Project:
A house that is built by its community
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Systems FINANCE Finance model helps low-income residents own their homes. Homes are donated by a sponsor and built with community labour. New inhabitants rent-to-own at below-market costs. Because the program rests on donations and volunteer labour, it is self-sustaining, and can continue to build around the world. Habitat for Humanity also operates ReStore, which provides donated and recycled materials at fraction of the price of market value products to help lower costs of construction. IDENTITY Habitat homes are developed to reflect sociocultural values of location; floorplans represent traditional homes of the given area. SOCIAL Sweat equity and volunteer programs bring people together in the building process. Focus on community building and social support for inhabitants. SPATIAL Modestly sized – three bedroom home can have no more than 1,050 square feet of space. Meets inhabitants’ needs while keeping construction and maintenance costs to a minimum WASTE Salvaged materials used, provided by ReStore.
Sources http://www.habitat.org Visit to Musician’s Village Habitat for Humanity community in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 2007.
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Innovative Operating in Canada, the US and over 90 countries around the world, Habitat for Humanity provides housing for low-income families and individuals. Simple, decent and affordable homes aim to provide poor communities with ownership, and a measure of dignity.