CAN VACANT ROOFTOPS FACILITATE URBAN HOUSING?

Adaptive reuse of ordinary spaces can be a way of not only building sustainably, but also make the most of the existing resources, thereby making it an affordable strategy.

Rapid urbanism, limited availability of land and rising property prices, have led to a major housing deficit in our cities making them increasingly unaffordable specially for the young working professionals and students. As a young graduate myself, I faced the similar issue and started noticing that there was no specific real estate typology catering to this user group. Most people share and rent larger apartments, which are designed for families, and are unable to cater to their dynamic, specific user requirements.

Rooftops are a dimension which constitute a large piece of urban infrastructure, but remain largely, under utilized. By hosting lightweight additions, this project proposes an alternative for demolition and simultaneously creating affordable dwellings. The design aims at creating flexible, multi-purpose spaces facilitated with daylight, insulation and outdoor connections.

With a deep interest in designing small spaces, this project allowed me to explore the potential of tiny houses to become not only a luxury escape but a solution for healthy, comfortable and affordable urban living.

Circular in nature, Modular by design

Designed as lightweight additions, the units are made up of prefabricated components, allowing for easy assembly & disassembly

Plug & Play

Building upon ‘rented spaces’ & utilizing existing site services, to minimize costs

Toilet

Kitchen Living Sleeping Deck

Separate Zones

Distinct spaces created within the tight footprint creating different experiences

Flat Pack

Allows for installation & removal without heavy machinery, leaving the site in its original condition

Daylight & Flow

Enhancing indoor-outdoor usability & natural daylight in all spaces

Lightweight construction

Made up of CLT panels, reduces the added load on existing structures

Expandable design

Modular structure grid allows for multidirectional extensions

Same place, Multiple spaces

Adapting to the changing needs of the users throughout the day, the spaces serve multiple functions and transform their character

3000mm

Morning Sleeping | Cooking | Lounging

Daytime Work from Home | Reading | Yoga

Quiet Evenings

Cooking | Dining | Sleeping

Entertaining Nights

Food & Beverages | Talking & Lounging

6000mm

Scalable design

Still ensuring daylight & outdoor spaces for each unit

Connected spaces yet Separated zones

Allowing for change of space and varying user experiences

Restricted physical space, Expanded mental space

Professional Project