CONCEPT: Aura is a modular housing system crafted for individuals seeking adaptable, customizable, and sustainable living solutions. It aims to address the housing challenges faced in the younger generation by offering a flexible pathway towards property ownership, rather than perpetuating the cycle of renting overpriced properties. Aura encourages investment in undervalued land, presenting an affordable, scalable alternative to traditional housing.
CIRCULARITY: It emphasizes sustainability with modular components that are easy to assemble and disassemble. Homes can adapt to temporary needs and be returned to the manufacturer for reconfiguration or recycling. This approach guarantees that all components have a circular life, reducing waste and promoting the reuse of materials in new models.
AURA XS (On the Go): is a mobile, fully off-grid version the AURA modular system, offering freedom for a nomadic lifestyle.
AURA.
ADAPTABLE UNITS WITH RESIZABLE ARCHITECTURE.
MOVEMENT: The design of all Aura modules focuses on using movement to improve overall space quality, particularly in tiny spaces. Internally, versatile moving furniture allows users to functionalize a single space in multiple ways. Externally, dynamic openings with perforated panels enable the attachment of various fixtures. This ranges from using the panels to hang clothes for drying, attaching supports for bikes, boards, and plants, to creating an exterior workspace or dining table, encouraging users to bring activities outside and make the most of their surroundings. The panels are designed to fold and unfold in a way that creates two distinct environments. One configuration offers a private, box-like space that frames the view and provides shelter from neighbors, ideal for campsites. The other configuration allows for complete openness, fostering a sense of community. This design enables users to effortlessly choose between privacy and social interaction.
DYNAMIC
AURA grow.
THE GROW HOUSE CONCEPT: The Aura modular housing system also offers permanent living solutions with high levels of adaptability. The modules can be easily transported by truck and are designed to grow with the user, adjusting to new needs and life changes. The structural system allows for seamless reconfiguration of facade elements, enabling new modules to be connected over time. As your family grows, your location changes, or new opportunities arise, this homes are designed to adapt. One of Aura’s focal points was ensuring that, despite being a prefabricated home—often perceived more as a product— these modules could still offer the right balance of accessibility and personalization. It was essential that they provides a sense of home, catering specifically to individual needs, and it is this high level of adaptability and modularity that allows the system to cater to various scenarios, from hospitality and customized homes to emergency shelters.
Explore Lab - Delft University of Technology - P4
Architecture on the move
HOW
TO DESIGN FOR NOMADS & AURA homes
A FASCINATION WITH
MOBILE ARCHITECTURE
WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS APPLIED IN THE DESIGN OF MOBILE HOMES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE CREATION OF USER CENTERED SPACES ? WITH A SPECIFIC FOCUS ON INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF MOVEMENT ON SPACE QUALITY
RESEARCH QUESTION RESEARCH GOAL
HOW TO DESIGN FOR NOMADS
THE WHEELLY
Case Studies
MOVING+ LIVING +
TRYCICLE HOUSE FLIP KIOSK
TINY WALDEN MARKIES
MDU LOT-EK
ECOBITAT
PORT-Á-BACH
SPIRIT SHELTER
CASA OJALÁ
CASE STUDIES CHOSEN SHOWCASE DIFFERENT
TYPES OF MOVEMENT
HOW THEIR STRUCTURE AND DESIGN DYNAMICALLY MOVE
MOVEMENT WITHIN THE BUILDING IT SELF
CENTRAL CORE EXTENTION
DYNAMIC OPENINGS FOLDING STRUCTURE
MOBILE FURNITURE
CASE STUDY ANALYSIS CRITERIA
ANALYSIS EXAMINS THE INFLUENCE OF MOVEMENT
REGARDING THE IMPROVEMENT OF DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS
CENTERED AROUND USER LIVING
COMFORT. CONTROL.
THE RESEARCH BOOKLET
RESULTS
The results are a deep visual analaysis of how this case studies have responded to the criteria presented before. And this Visuals are what create the “How to design for nomads” Booklet.
RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS OVERVIEW
IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY
COLLABORATION OF DIFFERENT MOVEMENTS
EMBRACING SIMPLICITY
CURIOUS LIGHT
FROM ISOLATION TO INCLUSION
IMPORTANCE OF COMPACT MODE
THE DYNAMICS OF NATURE -BREAKING THE BOUNDRIES
UNITY BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGY AND CONTROL
CONTAINER MESURMENTS AND THE LAYOUTS
UNFORSEEN MATERIALITY
AURA.
A DAPTABLE U NITS WITH R ESIZABLE A RCHITECTURE.
CONCEPT WHAT IS AURA ?
Aura is a modular housing system emphasizing movement-driven design, future adaptability, and customization. Its innovative structure allows for easy assembly and personalized spaces, making it ideal for those seeking flexible living solutions.
MOVEMENT FOCUSED
COSTUMIZABLE
SPACE EFFECTIVE ADAPTABLE
CONCEPT CREATING A FORMULA
AURA home = U x + M + F y + SE + l
CONCEPT CREATING A FORMULA
CONSTANTS
AURA home = U x + M + F y + SE + l
(User Costumization) x Movement Space Effective (Freedom) y Location (s)
VARIABLES
Movable extention working on the outside of the structure, being exposed to the elements could create durability problems that could be solved if it was working on the inside of the building
CONCEPT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Created a viable system but there was a lack of cohesion with the exterior of the building making the extention to look out of place, also lack of lighting on the inside.
During the last stage of the design development it was all about developing the rest of the ope- nings and moving parts of the building so that the could create a whole exterior that looked symetric and cohesive.
A new Strucutral approach is introduced. Exploration of new ideas to make the space more accessible and adaptable are explored, and there is a focus on details regarding technical matters
STATUS
Single Male
LOCATION
Traveling trough Europe
WORK
Digital Nomad
HOBIES
Surfing, Cycling, Photography
AURA M THE USER
AURA’S PROPOSAL
MODEL
AURA XS Mobile
AREA
18 m2
UTILITIES
Fully Off-Grid
STYLE
Spring Style
AURA xs.
ON THE MOVE - FULLY OFF GRID MODULE
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS GROUND FLOOR PLAN
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS FIRST FLOOR PLAN
TOTAL SURFACE AREA
24 m2
BUILT SURFACE AREA
6 m2
AREA PER SPACE
Sleeping area : 6 m2
INTERIOR DESIGN SPACE DESTRIBUTION
INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR WALLS
Basin
Toilet
Water Shower
INTERIOR
DESIGN AMENITIES & COOKING
KICTHEN:
Induction plate Microwavehoven Sink Storage
STAIRS RETRACTED
FOLDABLE TABLE
INTERIOR DESIGN AMENITIES & COOKING
STAIRS OPEN
SLEEPING AREA
King Size Bed
Reading Lights
Low level storage
INTERIOR DESIGN AMENITIES & COOKING
STORAGE
Seating solutions
House instruments
Linnens
ACCESS
MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACE
4 Seat Dinning Table
2 Person Sofa
2 Closets
Storing Shelves
INTERIOR DESIGN MATERIALITY
INTERIOR WALLS
Primed MDF panels
BATHROOM FLOOR
Waterproof Vinyl Sheets
FURNITURE
Larch timber
FLOORS
Pine or Oak Thin Bords
INTERIOR DESIGN MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACE CONFIGURATIONS
WORKING / LOUNGING MODE
DINING MODE
INTERIOR DESIGN MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACE
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS SECTIONS A-A’
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS SECTION B-B’
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS FRONT ELEVATION
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS BACK ELEVATION
AURA xs.
DYNAMIC OPENINGS
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY DYNAMIC OPENINGS
1. FULLY CLOSED
BALCONY OPEN
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY DYNAMIC OPENINGS
BALCONY MODE
To ensure the bed platform allows for proper air exchange, a window next to the bed creates drafts in conjunction with a window on the opposite side of the house.
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY DYNAMIC OPENINGS
PRIVATE BOX MODE
To ensure the bed platform allows for proper air exchange, a window next to the bed creates drafts in conjunction with a window on the opposite side of the house.
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY DYNAMIC OPENINGS
PRIVATE DESK BOX MODE
To ensure the bed platform allows for proper air exchange, a window next to the bed creates drafts in conjunction with a window on the opposite side of the house.
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY DYNAMIC OPENINGS
DINNING OUTSIDE MODE
To ensure the bed platform allows for proper air exchange, a window next to the bed creates drafts in conjunction with a window on the opposite side of the house.
AURA xs.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN .
AURA xs.
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
Interior Beams
STRUCTURAL PANELS
Total 13 Panels 5 Types of panel ROOF STRUCTURE
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY DETAIL SECTION Y-Y’
12
15
3
4. PARAPET WARM ROOF CONSTRUCTION
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY DETAIL
SECTION & FACADE FRAGMENT
1:20 DETAIL SECTION X-X’
1:20 DETAIL BACK ELEVATION
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
A SUM OF PARTS
ThermalInsulation
InternalFinsh,PaintedMDF
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY WALL PANELS
Gluelaminatedwallframe100x100mm
AcousticInsulation
GalvanizedSteedFrame
ReflectiveAluminumsheet
MarinePlywood
VerticalandHorizontalBattens
DouglasFirtimbercladding
Larchboardedtimbercladding
DouglasFirtimbercladding
GalvanizedSteedFrame
Perforatedfoldablepanels
PerforatedMarinePlywood
DoubleGlazingSlidingDoor
HEATING
Infrared Heating Wall Panel
UNDER HOUSE STORAGE
Clean Water Tank
Grey / Brown Water Tank
Harnested Water Tank
Water Pump
ROOF
Photovoltaic Solar Panels
Harvesting water Drainage
MACHINE ROOM
Batteries
Battery Inverter
Electric Boiler
Gas Tank
RECIEVER LINES
DESTRIBUTION LINES
EXPULSION LINES
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY NATURAL VENTILATION STRATEGY
GROUNDFLOORNATURAL VENTILATION
FIRSTFLOORNATURAL VENTILATION
Windows on the ground floor were positioned to make sure that there is direct cross Ventilation trough the main space.
To ensure the bed platform allows for proper air exchange, a window next to the bed creates drafts in conjunction with a window on the opposite side of the house.
AURA M THE USER
STATUS
Young Adult Couple
LOCATION
Agricultural Land in Ingen, Netherlands
WORK
Graphic Designer + Engineer
HOBIES
Gardening, Fishing, Hosting dinners
ERIK & AGNES
AURA’S PROPOSAL
MODEL
AURA M ( 2 modules 6x3m )
AREA
36 m2
UTILITIES
Partially Off-Grid
STYLE Autumn Style
PLANNING SITE PLAN
MODULE 1
3 m x 6 m
Empty (For User to organize to his liking)
2 Points of ligt
INTERIOR DESIGN SPACE DESTRIBUTION
AURA MODULE 1
3 m x 6 m
Equiped with bathroom
Machine Room Storage
Equiped with a kicthen
AURA
AURA m.
FIXED MODEL PARTIALLY OFF GRID.
1. KITCHEN & DINING
Storage Cupboards Mircrowavehoven
Induction Plate Sink
3 person Table
3 Person Couch Built in Storage underneath Book Shelf
King Size Bed Built in Storage underneath Multifunctional Perforated timber wall to reporpuse as storage and much more
The ceiling of the Roof needs to be planed depending on the module combination to ensure proper water drainage
Total 25 panles 4 different types of panels AURA
M ROOF
3. BEDROOM
2. LIVING ROOM
AURA GROW THE USER
STATUS
Couple with kids on the way
LOCATION
Agricultural Land in Ingen, Netherlands
- Country Site Comporta, Portugal
WORK
Graphic Designer + Engineer
HOBIES
Gardening, Fishing, Hosting dinners, playing with kids
ERIK & AGNES +
AURA’S PROPOSAL
MODEL
AURA Grow
( Total 5 Aura modules added over time )
AREA
From 36 m2 to 66.8 m2
UTILITIES
Connected to Grid
STYLE
Autumn Style
ADAPTING TO FUTURE NEEDS A GROWING MODULE
INGEN, NETHERLANDS
COMPORTA, PORTUGAL
SITE PLANNING PREPERATION & PLACEMENT
WHY SCREW ON PILES AS FOUNDATIONS
Screw pile foundations are an excellent option for houses categorized with lower loads. They offer swift and straightforward installation without the need for excavation, thereby preserving the site integrity. Despite their ease of installation, they provide robust performance as foundations, ensuring proper leveling and stabilization of the house. However, the choice of foundation type also hinges on the soil conditions present.
HOW IT WORKS
SITE PLANNING SITE PLANS
NEW SITE LOCATION
7580 Comporta, Portugal
PLACEMENT
Middle part of the site
PRICE
75000 €
ADAPTING
TO FUTURE NEEDS A GROWING MODULE
AURA M(edium)
2 Modules toguether
Usable surface : 30.1 m2
1 Aura Single 3x6 (empty)
1 Aura Single 3x6 (bathroom included)
ADAPTING TO FUTURE NEEDS A GROWING MODULE
AURA SINGLE 3x4
Usable surface : 9.9 m2
Made to mesure multifunctional furniture module
ADAPTING TO FUTURE NEEDS A GROWING MODULE
AURA SINGLE 3x6
Usable surface : 15.8 m2
Bathroom Included Machine room
ADAPTING TO FUTURE NEEDS A GROWING MODULE
AURA SINGLE 3x4
Usable surface : 9.9 m2 Made to mesure multifunctional furniture module
ADAPTING TO FUTURE NEEDS A GROWING MODULE
DRAINAGE
Two oposite points of water drainage
ADAPTING TO FUTURE NEEDS A GROWING MODULE
COMPLETE AURA GROW
Usable surface : 66.8 m2
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Deck & Pool Exterior Space
TECNICAL DRAWINGS GROWING PLANS
Erik + Agnes Move their AURA M from the Netherlands to Portugal
The family personalizes their Aura Home’s exterior with decks, patios, and a pool.
THE RESEARCH
RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS OVERVIEW
IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY
COLLABORATION OF DIFFERENT MOVEMENTS
EMBRACING SIMPLICITY
CURIOUS LIGHT
FROM ISOLATION TO INCLUSION
IMPORTANCE OF COMPACT MODE
THE DYNAMICS OF NATURE -BREAKING THE BOUNDRIES
UNITY BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGY AND CONTROL
CONTAINER MESURMENTS AND THE LAYOUTS
UNFORSEEN MATERIALITY
EMBRACING SIMPLICITY
UNFORSEEN MATERIALITY
RESEARCH IMPACT CONCLUSIONS OVERVIEW
CURIOUS LIGHT
FROM ISOLATION TO INCLUSION
UNITY BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGY AND CONTROL
IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY
COLLABORATION OF DIFFERENT MOVEMENTS
IMPORTANCE OF COMPACT MODE
THE DYNAMICS OF NATURE
CONTAINER MESURMENTS AND THE LAYOUTS
EMBRACING SIMPLICITY
UNFORSEEN MATERIALITY
RESEARCH IMPACT CONCLUSIONS OVERVIEW
CURIOUS LIGHT
FROM ISOLATION TO INCLUSION
UNITY BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGY AND CONTROL
IMPROVING EXTERIOR SAPCE
IMPROVING INTERNAL SAPCE
THE DYNAMICS OF NATURE
IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY
DYNAMIC OPENINGS
MOBILE FURNITURE
USER CENTERED DESIGN
COLLABORATION OF DIFFERENT MOVEMENTS
IMPORTANCE OF COMPACT MODE
CONTAINER MESURMENTS AND THE LAYOUTS
EMBRACING SIMPLICITY
UNFORSEEN MATERIALITY
RESEARCH IMPACT CONCLUSIONS OVERVIEW
CURIOUS LIGHT
FROM ISOLATION TO INCLUSION
UNITY BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGY AND CONTROL
IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY
COLLABORATION OF DIFFERENT MOVEMENTS
IMPORTANCE OF COMPACT MODE
THE DYNAMICS OF NATURE
CONTAINER MESURMENTS AND THE LAYOUTS
EMBRACING SIMPLICITY
UNFORSEEN MATERIALITY
RESEARCH IMPACT CONCLUSIONS OVERVIEW
CURIOUS LIGHT
FROM ISOLATION TO INCLUSION
UNITY BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGY AND CONTROL
IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY
COLLABORATION OF DIFFERENT MOVEMENTS
IMPORTANCE OF COMPACT MODE
THE DYNAMICS OF NATURE
CONTAINER MESURMENTS AND THE LAYOUTS
AURA HOMES.
MOVEMENT TYPOLOGY
In 2024 Student Marta Carvalho introduced as her final master project The Aura Homes a micro-home fashioned from a single container, like common cargo units. Crafted in Hangzhou, China, this prototype, now a permanent exhibit at the Puke Ariki Museum in New Plymouth, New Zealand, exemplifies a home catering to two adults and two children within a confined yet comfortable space. Notably, the dwelling showcases dynamic opening systems, enabling a large sidewall to extend for an immersive outdoor experience and efficiently fold back for transport. Complementing this, the integration of mobile furniture modules transforms and adapts, facilitating diverse interior
Dynamic openings system
Furniture
[Figure 44] AURA xs, at Scotland Camp Site
WALDEN TINY HOUSE.
MOVEMENT TYPOLOGY
Crafted by Buro Walden and assembled by Tiny-House.nl this small mobile dwelling, tailored to the specific needs of Netherlands Tiny House Ambassador Marjolein Jonker, marks a pioneering venture of tiny houses in sustainable living. Completed in May 2016 this 17-square-meter dwelling seamlessly blends sustainability with a contemporary aesthetic. Rested on a trailer for mobility, its compact dimensions urged a multi-functional design. Unlike traditional dwellings, the interior of this Tiny House is an integral part of the overall design, featuring mobile furniture units that enhance flexibility and comfort. Remarkably, it achieved status as the first legally placed tiny house by a Dutch municipality, embodying a potential shift towards more sustainable living. Beyond its legal standing, the house operates entirely off-grid, equipped with systems that autonomously provide essential amenities.
Mobile furniture modules
2.3m
[Figure 27] Tiny House by Walden
In 2003, LOT-EK unveiled an project showcased at the UCSB Art Museum —an exploration of adaptive architecture through the transformation of a shipping container into a Mobile Dwelling Unit (MDU) This revolutionary design incorporates extruded sub-volumes within the container’s metal walls, serving as functional spaces for living, working, and storage. During travel, these sub-volumes retract, seamlessly interlocking to comply with global shipping standards. When in use, the MDU unfolds, revealing an unobstructed interior fabricated from plywood and plastic-coated plywood. Beyond its nomadic origins, the MDU transcends its portable essence, offering adaptability for permanent residency.
