COMPETITION
StuCAN Design Competition
https://stucandesigncompetition.co.uk/
This is a competition across 7 universities (Manchester, Bath, Newcastle, Cardiff, Sheffield, Northumbria, Dundee) involving both undergraduate and master students. I am in the University of Manchester Group 2 which consists of six 1st year students. The competition challenges us to come up with a housing solutioin for internally displaced people that were caused by climate disasters. Our group was awarded first place for our design solution.
My Contribution Design aspect: The roof design for maximising sunlight The floor plan solution The natural ventilation design The expandable area design idea Presentation aspect: The 3D digital model of the design (modelled in rhino) The exploded axonometric drawing
MSA - GROUP 2
ALMAZITA
BRAZIL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
“Even with all our technology and the inventions that make modern life so much easier than it once was, it takes just one big natural disaster to wipe all that away and remind us that, here on Earth, we’re still at the mercy of nature.” - Neil DeGrasse Tyson
In 2023 alone, thousands of Brazilians have fallen victim to natural disasters, effectively going homeless. Thus, transitional housing becomes vital in retaining the lives of the people. In between floods, droughts, landslides, and cyclones, it is critical to design towards sustaining life in the face of these threats. Furthemore, with being a transitional structure, it is vital that the design not only answers to the solution but also performs it sustainably and proactively for the future. Designed with steadiness, sustainability and social reintegration at its core, Almazita is the exact solution needed for the thousands of lives on the streets. Interior - Rendered from VRay
A Família Deslocada
The accessibility features were considered within this transitional house, which can be seen from the Potential tenants with young bathroom’s roll-in shower, grab-bar near the toilet, and old dependants and accessible sink and non-slip flooring. All spaces are potential accessability considered with accessibility in mind. The displaced family
Glued-Laminated Timber Sourced Locally from the Southern Yellow Pine species prevalent in Brazil, timber will not only be sustainable, but also cost-efficient. It is treated to be resistant to decay and termites. Being timber as well, Glulam provides the structural rigidity for linear use, perfect for the sturdy columns needed for the pile foundation method of Almazita.
Cross-Laminated Timber Similar to Glulam, CLT is sourced locally, and is a sustainable and renewable material. CLT provides the structural rigidity for both directions, perfect for the flooring and interior walls of Almazita.
Guadua Angustifolia Bamboo
This particular scenario calls for a solution that is not only prompt, but also environmentally conscientious. Often labeled as the ‘most renewable material’, bamboo comes in large quantities in the vast tropical rainforests of Brazil. Of the 17 genera of bamboo native in Brazil, Guadua Angustifolia is especially used for construction in South America, deemed the strongest in the world.
needs.
The multipurpose area gives tenants the choice to customize. It can be used as a shop, a working area for business, or an extension to the living area. This space in the front of the house allows for economic opportunities crucial in avoiding isolation from nearby communities and aids with the transition back into society. There is a loft accessible by a ladder on the wall of the bedroom, fit for two beds.
Construction Process Diagram
Section
Section
Longitudinal Elevation
Sunlight Diagram
Ventilation Diagram
Total Area 44 m
2
Living Room 20.9 m2 Bedroom 4.61 m2 Multi-purpose space 11 m2 Toilet 4.84 m2
The transitional shelters are organized in a way to that forms a courtyard. This creates an environment outside their homes that fosters belonging and encourages interaction, which allows smoother integration back to society. Activities may include games for children, social getherings, or economic opportunities such as farmers markets. Empowering individuals’ transition through hardships, Almazita fosters hope for Brazil. Exterior - Rendered from VRay
Communal Space - Hybrid AI, Hand-drawn