low-maintenance, financially viable, multi-unit housing complex. Exploring concepts of material permeability and community interactions.
Housing Development Prototype. Johannesburg. South Africa.
Project Type: Residential – Multi Unit – New Build
Client: Colab
Program: Residential – Multi Unit – New Build
Status: Design Development
Value: R 4.5 Million (US $250 000)
Area: 815m²
The project called for the formulation of a concept prototype design for affordable, low-maintenance financially sustainable housing units on a generic 1800m² site in Johannesburg. The collective vision was for a compact, innovative urban form with flexible usability in size, orientation and combination. A key element was the integration of multiple elements of sustainability to minimize operational costs / promote financial viability.
The consideration of flexibility was reflected on the development of a 3-scheme approach based on the same structural “shell”. 12,13 and 18 proposed units (mix of studio, 1,2 & 3 bedrooms) were envisaged for each respective scheme, all with the potential of internal re-configuration as required.
Permeability was a defining concept within the project. This perspective sought to develop / invite / enhance an engaged relationship between the collective community and the individual occupants without impinging on selected levels of privacy. Application of permeability is evident in the choices of materiality – breeze blocks and face brick configurations) allowing for visual connectivity at the stairways and passages (common areas) and articulating a lighting “language” for visual access. A “together” but “apart” narrative prevails comfortably.
#MBlock #SustainableBlock #DesignTime #Collaboration @UrbanSignature_ @Colab
M-Block
Housing Development Prototype. Johannesburg. South Africa.
Project Type: Residential – Multi Unit – New Build
Client: Colab
Program: Residential – Multi Unit – New Build
Status: Design Development
Value: R 4.5 Million (US $250 000)
Area: 815m²
The project called for the formulation of a concept prototype design for affordable, low-maintenance financially sustainable housing units on a generic 1800m² site in Johannesburg. The collective vision was for a compact, innovative urban form with flexible usability in size, orientation and combination. A key element was the integration of multiple elements of sustainability to minimize operational costs / promote financial viability.
The consideration of flexibility was reflected on the development of a 3-scheme approach based on the same structural “shell”. 12,13 and 18 proposed units (mix of studio, 1,2 & 3 bedrooms) were envisaged for each respective scheme, all with the potential of internal re-configuration as required.
Permeability was a defining concept within the project. This perspective sought to develop / invite / enhance an engaged relationship between the collective community and the individual occupants without impinging on selected levels of privacy. Application of permeability is evident in the choices of materiality – breeze blocks and face brick configurations) allowing for visual connectivity at the stairways and passages (common areas) and articulating a lighting “language” for visual access. A “together” but “apart” narrative prevails comfortably.
#MBlock #SustainableBlock #DesignTime #Collaboration @UrbanSignature_ @Colab
