GEODE HALL

DATE: 2021 LOCATION: MANILA, PHILLIPINES WORK: COMPETITION

Situated within Kensington Market, the prompt this particular project was to design a “Tower House,” in the sense that we were tasked with designing a house within a relatively small plot of 5x11m, that must not only act as a domestic living space, but also a commercial one, forcing us to build upwards.

Situated within a unique zone of transition within Kensington where commercial blends into residential, my house has a direct split of domestic and commercial space, but with the unique characteristic of trying to assimilate the domestic to be a part of the commercial experience.

The commercial space being a house plant store, the logic was to assemble a series of glass boxes, all offset from one another which divides up the space into private-domestic or commercial while still having a continuity of volumes, and creating stricter divides through an act of “curtaining” over these volumes to create moments of pure transparency or pure privacy.

Base

Simple rectangular mass extruded based on context of site.

Mass

Form is articulated more to context of site to create 2 main masses.

Connect

Masses are connected through a singular pathway.

Carve

Masses are carved to create open space mezzanines for ample daylighting and spaces of congregation and program.

- in unit private washroom space with toilet and shower

- various storage units

- window side desk alongside coffee table\

- situated further from in building ammenities, further from west-side facade

- more privatized

- smaller unit with opposite facing beds

- 2 study desks for each occupant

- 1 large shared storage/hamper

- each occupant has smaller bedside storage space

- 1 shared mini-fridge

- situated closer to floor ammenities

- adjacent to west-side glass facade

- situated near washroom and shared shower facilities

- more affordable

GROUND FLOOR

- gymnasium/court

- dining hall

- washrooms

- assembly hall

- recreation rooms

RESIDENTIAL FLOORS

- student units

- study rooms

- open program floors

- shared washrooms

- open space mezzanines

Isometric displaying the function of the open space mezzanine. Mezzanines are carved in a way that allows for units to access one another and creates platforms for congregation and such through a bridging. Additionally, the mezzanines are carved distinctly from each floor, allowing for daylighting throughout the entirety of the building.