M E D I U M D E NS I T Y HO US I NG ARCI:412 Newtown Flexible Apar tments
Llewelyn Griffiths 300280826
P R O J E C T A B S T R AC T
are currently confronted with. People are perhaps too concerned about claiming their own space and living isolated from the community. To be able to fully accommodate the population people must accept Medium Density Housing (MDH) as a housing solution. Key to this conflict is reducing any barriers that limits MDH as a housing option. Despite the demand for housing as per population quantities, MDH fails to adhere to social living, i.e. the presence of a community or establishing an identity. This project seeks a solution to this.
Crucial to this project are the design principles that enable communal living and identity. These were taken from successful, global, MDH projects. For MDH to be successful they must become more than housing units, they must become part of the occupants everyday life. In this project the design will be formulated based on a mixed use typology to incor-
ELEMENTS OF MDH
In today’s housing crisis there is limited accommodation for the population densities we
MDH
porate all the necessary elements of daily life.
Collaborative housing is a must for the future of cities. In order to achieve this, the residential housing market must allow opportunities for MDH living. Quality and affordabil-
Objective 1: Reduce barriers to the acceptance of MDH as a housing option.
ity are key to MDH success within this market. Communal living, in turn, enables these spaces to be beneficial to the many occupants it will have. Identity will also be formed by allowing customisable areas within the dwelling modules. This will allow the occupants to form their own environments based on their values and needs.
Objective 2: Upskill the residential housing market to deliver quality, affordable and attractive medium density housing.
COLL ABOR ATIVE DE VELOPMENTS The aim of this project is to develop and provide a functioning template for MDH. This will then be imple-
Surrounding housing developments:
mented by the government for future use. In this project I am focusing on applying mixed use typology with the public environment in order to create an appropriate template for the project site. The government should
Hanson Court Apartments 1. aim to encourage MDH projects alongside other building developments in order to provide a feasible solution Hanson Court Apartments 2. to this housing crisis.
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88 Hanson Street Apartments 3. Possible development site 4.
By utilising this template, MDH
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will provide acceptable living conditions with the generation of a
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hub. A community of people, living, working and interacting in a public and private space will provide the missing link, which MDH lacks today. The current developments, surrounding the project site, will benefit from this template, for they too have no communal areas in which to interact. This in turn will provide more acceptance for MDH.
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DESIGN PRINCIPLES • Provide a mix of clearly defined private and public outdoor spaces.
Principles These principles have been created and informed from observations of past MDH projects by architects and city council members.
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By utilising these principles, government MDH projects can be made more successful in their application. They can take into account the needs of the public, thus social factors, rather than being constructed based solely on regulations and building codes.
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FLIP/CITY - PINKCLOUD
Cloud, P. (2012). Flip/City. Retrieved August 02, 2016, from http://www.archdaily. com/241247/flipcity-pinkcloud-dk
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• The most memorable neighbourhoods are made up of streets and spaces that are clearly defined.
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MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL - CONTEXT ARCHITECTS
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EPICICLO - CIRCOLO-A + LINEARAMA
Circolo-A Linearama. (2016). EPICICLO. ContextArchitects. (2015). Medium Den- Retrieved August 02, 2016, from http:// sity Residential. Retrieved August 02, 2016, www.archdaily.com/792188/circolo-a-pluslinearama-win-italian-competition-withfrom http://www.contextarchitects.com/ white-papers/ContextArchitectsmedium- ring-shaped-complex?ad_medium=widget medium=widget&ad_name=navigationdensityresidential.pdf prev
• Take into account the availability and location of public transport and walking and cycling options when siting a development.
• Build in diversity and provide options for the range of stages, ages and incomes that you see in communities that can communicate individuality. • Possibility to customize private spaces to allow for personalisation of dwellings. A connection to be established in the internal spaces.
• Sustainability should be part of the overall architectural output not just a consideration.
• Shared spaces must be made inviting and interesting. Shared spaces work best when the occupants feel a shared identity within.
References
• Equal share in the community. Each demographic has a space proportional to their presence.
4. URBAN ECOSYSTEM - CITYMETRIC The Urban Ecosystem. How Should We Design Cities to Make the Most of Green Space? CityMetric. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Aug. 2016.
5. THE ALTAIR - MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Ferreira, R. Medium-density Housing Case Study. Wellington: Ministry for the Environment, Jan. 2012. PDF.
DESIGN APPROACH 2016
2036
Revising Medium Density
IPhones are publically successful because of their simple and easy to use design. IPhones are able to establish a strong identity with its user. They best illustrate the ability to customise various parts of a module without actually changing the module itself. Like an IPhone with is 8Gb, 16Gb and 64Gb this MDH project offers a range of sizes in which the occupant can then choose how to fill or use the space. Currently the downfall of MDH is its inability to develop or change with the occupant. This form of inflexible architecture causes designs which lack identity. To create an acceptance for MDH as a viable housing solution the design must not only allow flexibility of spaces but form a relationship and identify with the occupant. This has been broken into the 2 scales of flexibility Scale 1. In this project I propose that by allowing the occupant to make simple design solutions, such as kitchen layout and bedroom layout, the design reflects the occupant’s values and needs within the design.
<65 % 13.8
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8%
25.5%
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21.9%
Predicted Population Diversity
%
32.6
Current Population Diversity
>5
<65
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This has also been reflected in the modular system which allows the occupants to choose their living environment by space and not bedrooms. This allows flexibility in space and ability to install your own wants and needs within these internal spaces. In many cases, a family will begin with the need of only one bedroom. However, as the family begins to grow more space is needed and different spaces are needed. Thus changing the value of space according to its inhabitants. Scale 2. Another issue in MDH is that the population diversity is constantly changing. Buildings after a few decades can become obsolete and cannot cater the needs of the community. This building has allowed flexibility through the modular system so that there is no set size, program or density. By doing so the building can change and develop over the decades to best meet the requirements of that time. For this project the building has been assembled to best represent present needs. By using this method to inform the design the architectural spaces become informed by the values and needs of the occupants and the community rather than the architects perception of these things. These values and needs are varying and changing so MDH architecture must allow a module which can reflect and accommodate these changes.
SITE ENVIRONMENT
1. Pathways leading to the hospital and Newtown shops from site.
2. Residential housing area south of site. Opportunity for a community space.
3. Elevated landscape to the west. Apartment block looms above.
4. Bad examples of MDH in the area. Apartment block not maintained.
5. lack of community shown by damaged properties and graffiti.
SITE ENVIRONMENT
4. 3. 2. 5. 1.
SITE ENVIRONMENT One of the issues of apartment blocks are access to direct sun light. The way the building is positioned will greatly determine the success of the structure.
Access
Shadin g and s un
The design principles has informed the design to
pe o l eS Sit
densely populate one portion of the site. This is so the spaces can be clearly defined and allow for more open and inviting public spaces. This approach will allow a community environment as per the design goals. There is an opportunity for cycle ways and storage
Maxim ise Mo vemen t
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at the north and south ends of the site. This will encourage healthy living over the ownership of cars. Due to the proximity to the city this would be an acceptable transport system alongside the public transport system. There are 20 dwellings on site with two types. There are varying sizes of each type. 90 Square Meters,
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MOVEMENT
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NEIGHBOURS VIE W View A Angle from top floor of Hanson Court Apartments
Hanson Street
MASTER PL AN
100 Meters
KEY Residential Buildings Commercial Buildings Government House Apartment Blocks Secondary Roads Main Roads Hospital Site
BUILD SEQUENCE 3
Foundations, Initial plumbing, and access Retaining walls Walkways
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Carpark Block Structure Outdoor park structure
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Site Excavation
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Residential Block Structure
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Commercial Block Structure Public footpath
FINAL BUILD Site
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It was really important to establish a connection between the zones of commercial, residential and public in this project. As per the design principles the possibility to achieve your daily routine on site was a driver for this project. In my current flat, I have experienced living directly next to a park. I have found that this communal area is crucial when establishing a community. It allows room for people to socialise, and witness the exterior environment.
The commercial structure sits directly opposite the main circulation to the residential dwellings. This allows the occupants to directly see the life on the street and public areas on site. This incorporates all aspects of social living, which is beneficial for the mental health of its occupants.
Park/Carpark
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Car parks have been hidden from site from the dwellings. This was important to break up the concrete, diverting attention to allow for more natural views. The park area deliberately invites the wider community onto the site. This is in response to the design principles, which illustrates the success of this MDH, a communal surroundings.
BUILDING PLAN Key:
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1. Laundry 3. Public walkthrough
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As seen from the ground floor plan there are two main circulation lanes on either side of the building. Each lane allows for separate movement between the programs on site. These movements are connected with a main public walkthrough which cuts through the building.
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2. Resident storage lockers
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4. Residential stair access 5. Residential elevator
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18. Rubbish storage and recycling 19. Foundation 20. Shop fronts 21. Ramp
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Hans on St reet
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Locker spaces One of the downfalls of MDH is the inability to store objects which are not readily needed. Lockers on the first floor allow an easy storage solution making the transition into MDH more comfortable for the occupants.
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The modular layout allows the dwellings to reflect and change their programs. Currently the majority of the dwellings share a courtyard space as per the design goals. However this program can change after reflecting the success of the layout and to the needs of the occupants.
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This also applies to the other programs of the buildings such as the master bedroom 30square meter options. If this space becomes obsolete then it program should change according to the needs within the building.
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FLOORPLAN T YPES
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Key Bedroom Kitchen Living room Bathroom Closets Courtyard access
7. Study/ office 8. Hot water cupboard 9. Dinning room 10. Entrance 11. Service shaft
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Two dwelling types allows a good variety of living. Dwelling type A offers more flexibly in bedrooms in three sizes. Type B has less flexibly with only two sizes but has an additional bathroom. The 150m2 dwellings have to opportunity to add a small bathroom within the extension as this module backs onto the neighbouring service shaft.
FLOORPL AN MOVEMENT
Pin joint bracket sunken into a steel cast to allow for flush connection of the wall from ceiling to floor.
Steel mould which supports the pin joint and connects to the ceiling grid system
Steel bracket which supports the panel from vertical movement.
These grid systems are connected to the base of the concrete floor pad which support the brackets holding the interior walls. The panels clip to a rotating point bracket which allows flexible movement of the panels to fit the occupant’s desired arrangement. This system has been designed to be user friendly with light weight walls and simple bracket mechanics.
50mm thick panels made of gib and insulation board for noise protection.
PUBLIC SPACES
View B
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PUBLIC WALKWAYS View C This green structure, cups the public entrance though the building. This space merges the circulation of private and public movement. This area incorporates both public and private spheres of life, which is just one point of interaction. Section A-A
Form 3D
Pockets within the net form, hold nutrient soil packs, which support and sustain the plants on this structure. As seen in the section above the form is supported by the column and beam structure which extends from the building.
STAIR LANDING View D The top floor landing offers a unique architectural experience compared to the rest of the building. This space reinforces the scope of interactions. This becomes an area for the top story community. This area will hopefully begin to spill out into the hallway and become a shared second living room by the top floor inhabitants.
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CROSS -SEC TIONS
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S EC TIONS B -B
S E C T I O N S A-A S EC TIONS C - C
DWELLING ACCESS View E The offsets from the hallway and the dwellings allow ownership of the occupants to begin to spill out. This will inform a communal attitude as it establishes trust and comfort within these shared spaces. This has been informed by the design principles which states that a shared identity must be established within shared areas.
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CIRCUL ATION View F The commercial structure is separated from the residential buildings by a long walkway. This walkway directs the public through the site and provides an integration of everyday life for the residents. This was informed by the design principles which aimed to allow every part of the day to be assessable from the site.
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LOUNGE - INTERIOR View G The north facing window aims to allow the most light into the dwelling. The seat located along the interior sill of the window overlooks the park area. By facing this area to the north the occupants are naturally drawn to this area and can witness the movement of the public. This aids in forming an understanding or identity for the occupants for the site.
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Panel Design
KEY 1. 10mm GIB Fyreline Connected to Rondo Furring Track. 2. Zinc Flashing 3. Thermally Broken Aluminium Window Frame
Low E Glass 5mm grey / 12mm air gap /4mm clear low e. 6. Precast Pumice Concrete Panel Smooth Finish. 7. HardePanel Timber Cladding panels fixed to packers. Glossy finish.
4. Wood trim with silicone topping
13. Water Drip Pre-Cast in Concrete panel.
10. Vanished wood bookshelf
14. Polished Concrete Glossy Floor finish
11. Cavill Fluorescent Strip Light T5 8 Watt White
15. 160mm Concrete With 50mm Metal Deck
12. 310UB40 Steel Beam 8. 305x305x97UC Steel column
5. Double Glazing, Tinted Grey &
9. Precast 100mm Pumice Concrete Panel Smooth Finish
16. Vanished wood seat Glossy finish.
The concrete panels are crucial to flexibility of the building. The panels have been designed to allow for removal and replacement so the building can stay up to date. The key architectural elements of the panels are the recessed steel window frame and the precast angled sills. Both of these elements aim to create maximum sunlight penetration and framing of views.
KITCHEN - INTERIOR View H There are two panel types for the kitchen floor system. Bench bases and floor finishes. These two types allow coherent interaction with the system so that anyone can assemble their desired kitchen type. The system uses a ‘flexi’ duct system which allows the kitchen piping to fall to the service shaft from any panel. This provides complete customisation of the kitchen layout meaning that one size really can fit all.
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FLOOR ARR ANGEMENTS
The advantage of every possible layout is that one kitchen size can accommodate a variety of needs. Values in each group or family change, some need large kitchen areas some do not. This design allows the needs of the occupants to mould the design and change alongside the occupants.
Galley
One-Wall
Island
Horseshoe
L Shape
Peninsula
COUR T YARD - EX TERIOR View I This panel detail allows the courtyard spaces to be both a private/semi-private according to ones preference. The panels allow a garden element directly outside the dwelling. Typically in buildings like this garden areas are not possible. However, with these vertical gardens nutrient packs, which can grow vegetables, can be installed.
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PA N E L D E TA I L
The panels have been designed to open at a 45 -degree angle to allow sunlight into the space. When the panels are closed their transparency still allows light to enter the courtyard. The panels have been fitted with user-friendly brackets and hoses so they can be fixed, replaced and calibrated by the occupants.
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1. Hollow galvanized steel pipe with 2mm drip Bolt joint to system 2. Galvanized Steel Disk 3. Steel pole welded top and bottom connection
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4. Steel lip Slider connection 5. Steel pole 10mm recess welded connection with 2mm drips
LONGITUDINAL SEC TION
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Section D-D Shared Courtyards The modules are arranged within a grid system to allow for interaction between them. This gridding structure is organised in such a way that they can be fitted according to preference, changed, rearranged or swapped.
A type A and a type B dwelling sits on either side of the shared courtyard spaces. The occupants can then interact and establish themselves how they would like
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The modules allow flexibility in program for each module and inform the courtyards spaces, which will either be a 30m2 individual section or a 60m2 shared section.
FUTURE PROOFING The module structural grid of this design will allow the building to be replaced and developed over the buildings lifetime. Futureproofing buildings, especially MDH, is crucial to its success. One of the failures of current MDH projects are their inability to change with the needs of the occupants or develop with communities values. This building uses this module template approach so these things can change without needing to replace the entire building.
possibly need a small crane to replace the panels
Living room panel: • maximum opening light entry and view • full span of 5 meter grid to form space • Angled frame for light entry.
Bedroom panel: • light entry and view • Allow for full span or half span • Louvres for added privacy
Courtyard panel: • light entry and view • Allow for full span or half span • Louvres for added privacy
I would like to explore further the possibility of replacing, swapping and improving the exterior panel system. This would be the final scale of customisation allowing the building to transform and develop alongside the community. The current panel template can evolve with the needs of the occupants.
FINAL VIE W View J For this project the residential building was the focus of the design. To further this design the commercial building and areas can be developed as well as the park and landscaped areas. Another area that I would like to develop further is the south facade and dwellings. These areas have not been fully resolved but there is an opportunity for an elegant transition from the residential zone to the city zone expressed through this structure.
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