Acknowledgments
We acknowledge the people - past, present and future - of the Dkhw’Duw’Absh, Duwamish, Muckleshoot, Suquamish, Tulalip and other Coastal Salish tribes on whose traditional lands we study, work, and gather. Additionally, we are extremely grateful to Barb Oliver (Hope Factory) Matt White and Jay Yong (LIHI) and Aaron Allan (Environmental Works) for their invaulable feedback and collaboration. We could not have undertaken this journey without their support. Additionally, this research would not have been possible without the support and funding from our generous sponsors.
ABSTRACT
The Arch 505/508 Wiki.V.Stix 2024 research studio, supported by the Arch 594A seminar, explores the possibilities for a modular flat-pack prefabricated housing solution. We began by studying the WikiHouse model developed in Great Britain with an aim to leverage digital design and fabrication for the public good, creating adaptable housing. We will prototype several approaches to enhance the WikiHouse model, ultimately developing and testing one full-scale solution. Some key goals include making the system accessible and enjoyable for volunteer builders, ensuring flexibility for various user needs, addressing storage issues, and designing for durability and disassembly (DfD).
Our research and teaching model is based on “Action Research,” which seeks transformative change through the combined process of action and research, linked by critical reflection. The four stages of this approach are: plan, act, observe, reflect.
Plan: Define objectives, design parameters, and methodologies through research and stakeholder consultation.
Act: Implement plans by constructing prototypes and testing materials and assembly techniques.
Observe: Collect and analyze data on prototype performance.
Reflect: Critically analyze outcomes to refine and improve the approach, creating a continuous feedback loop.
By following this framework, the Wiki.V.Stix studio aims to produce impactful, practical solutions for housing challenges, contributing to both academic discourse and community welfare.
TINI
Our system takes the WikiHouse concept into the context of a tiny home, exploring how the quick, fool-proof assembly can be utilized for speeding the construction of tiny home villages for the unhoused populations in Seattle and beyond. This has resulted in a new system:
TINI. The TINI system aims to have as little variation between the module dimensions as possible, to ease fabrication and construction. Additionally the TINI system was optimized to be extremely efficient with material use, simpler in terms of construction and connection between boxes, and more accommodating for interior insulation, a variety of wall thicknesses, and cladding opportunities.
- LAYOUT
- STORAGE
- TRANSPORTATION
- ON-SITE/OFF-SITE ASSEMBLY
- DISASSEMBLY
- REUSABILITY
FLEXIBILITY DURABILITY
- ROBUST CONSTRUCTION
- LONG LIFE SPAN
- STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION
PARTS
STORAGE
PACK
SETTING PARAMETERS
Our process began with defining the parameters that would guide our design, including allowable footprint, allowable height, available materials for our budget, wall thicknesses, and user needs. With these constraints in mind, we generated a variety of design options that explored different forms and layouts.
BASIC PARAMETERS
INTERIOR: 6’-11.5”X10’-11.5”
HEIGHT: 11’-6”
WALL THICKNESS: 7”
IDEAS TO EXPLORE
FOOTPRINT
- RECTANGULAR
- INSET CORNER
- FRONT VS SIDE ENTRY
ROOF FORM
- GABLE
- SALTBOX
- SHED
DAYLIGHTING
- FRONT VS SIDE WINDOWS
- CLERESTORIES
- SKYLIGHTS
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
After collectively deciding on the design that best suited our needs, we focused on actualizing this design. Our goal was to minimize the number of boxes required for the structure. This not only simplified the cut files necessary for construction but also made the assembly process more straightforward for volunteers. To achieve this, we tested various panel sizes and shapes, aiming to balance efficient material use with user-friendly construction and assembly.
Throughout the design phase, we explored various options to maximize benefits and adaptability. Each design variation explored had unique advantages, such as enhancing natural light, optimizing interior space, ensuring privacy, providing additional storage, accommodating more inhabitants, and more. We aimed to design adaptable solutions that could be customized to meet different needs and preferences.
DESIGN PRIORITIES
- CUSTOMIZABLE LAYOUT
- MAXIMIZED FLOOR SPACE
- NATURAL LIGHT ACCESS
- INCREASED CEILING HEIGHT
- FLEXIBLE IN ORIENTATION
- LESS VARIATION IN BOX SIZES
STRUCTURE + CONSTRUCTION
Structural integrity and safety were paramount, so we carefully considered construction details. We adapted the aspects of the WikiHouse system that worked well for our needs and modified those that were more challenging. This involved exploring different methods of assembling the boxes, connecting them, and cladding them. We tested the strength and design flexibility of various corner profiles, wall panel widths, and roof forms.
ASSEMBLY
We devised an assembly system that could be completed by groups of inexperienced volunteers from any background. The process began with constructing a floor, followed by building the walls starting from the corners, and finally attaching the roof. We aimed to limit the materials needed for the overall structure, focusing on screws, plywood, wood glue, and nominal 2x6 lumber. Additionally, we designed the system to be disassembled, moved, and reassembled in a new location. See chapter 03 for detailed assembly manual.
SYSTEM DETAILS
L-SHAPED CORNER PROFILE
- INTERIOR FACE CONNECTION
- DESIGN FLEXIBILITY
- REDUCES WALL BOX VARIATIONS
- ACTS AS INSIDE CORNER
FINGER JOINTS + STAPLES
- TIGHT CONNECTION OF WALL
BOX PIECES
- MULTI-DIRECTIONAL
CONNECTION OF WALL BOX TO WALL BOX
NOMINAL LUMBER
- UTILIZED AT KEY TRANSITION POINTS: SILL PLATES, TOP PLATES, RIDGE BEAM
VERTICAL BOX STRUCTURE
- SIMPLER INSULATION LAYOUT
- FEWER LINEAR FEET
- MIMICS STICK FRAME
STABILITY
+ STAPLES
BOXES
These structures are assembled out of a series of boxes that can be mixed and matched depending on the required program, needs of the residents, or constraints of the site.
Each box has an assembly diagram, with specified tools and binders required such as glue and screws. Most boxes are simple and can be assembled by one or two people, taking less than 30 minutes per box.
TOOL KEY
CAUTION: PAY ATTENTION 2” OR 3” SCREWS SKILL SAW
ASSEMBLY NOTES
PLACE INSULATION AT STEPS WITH ASTERISK (*)
PLACE GLUE AT EVERY EDGE THAT MEETS
PLACE FACE WITH INT LETTERING TO BE HIDDEN
PLACE SCREWS AT SCREW HOLE MARKERS
SCREW HOLE MARKER
