Tag Archives: Architecture

Flat-packed accordion-style house can be easily deployed in emergencies

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While a permanent mode of residence is always ideal for most people, there are times when that is a luxury that they can’t afford. This can happen in times of natural disasters like floods or earthquakes, military deployment in remote locations, or even shelter in a tourist or pilgrimage spot. Temporary housing, on the other hand, feels nothing like a house at all, especially since they’re often made with low-quality designs to make it cost-effective and easy to tear down when no longer needed. A better and longer-lasting solution would be a portable home that can be extended, set aside, and reused as needed, such as this housing concept design that takes inspiration from flat-packed furniture that can easily be set up even by just a handful of people.

Designer: Komal Panda, Suyash Chavan

There has always been a need for portable or easy-to-assemble housing, even outside emergencies and disasters. Being able to put up a roof over people’s heads in a quick and efficient manner never goes out of fashion, and there is an almost never-ending number of attempts to make that practical and cost-effective. Prefabricated housing is one such possible solution, but it still takes a lot of time and effort to put the house together. These types of houses can’t be easily moved once they’ve been built either, which makes them less ideal for less permanent abodes.

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Baadi is a concept that takes the popular flat-pack furniture design to houses, though you don’t exactly assemble one from disparate parts. Instead, you pull out one side of the house, and the rest of the walls expand and unfold like an accordion. This mechanism allows a house that’s big enough for two to four people to be collapsed down to a very flat structure and moved around as needed. The design also makes it possible to deploy multiple houses quickly with only a few people involved, which is a key element when the houses are indeed needed for emergencies.

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Just like flat-packed furniture, however, there is a connotation of such designs being soulless and dry, especially from lack of customization options. Baadi, however, is designed to be modular and flexible, such as in how many panels can be used to extend the size of the housing, as well as colors for the panels. The latter aspect is actually critical when the houses need to be very visible even from a distance, in case identification and location are needed during natural disasters.

Admittedly, the concept doesn’t leave much room for using different materials, though it’s not that hard to imagine how the design can be extended to support a wider variety, as long as they meet the requirements of durability and resilience. After all, such a housing system places greater emphasis on portability and flexibility, while still providing the necessary protection and comfort when regular houses are near impossible to have.

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Wooden Tiny Home On Wheels Features A Curving Roof & A Snug Little Terrace For Relaxation

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MadeiGuincho, the Portuguese woodworking experts strike again with the Terra m1_Tiny House on Wheels, one of their latest tiny homes! The home featured a clever space-saving interior amped with a visually appealing curving roof which contains a terrace area for relaxation. Nestled in a rural space in the Alentejo area of Portugal, the home was built for couples or solo travelers who prefer short cozy vacations. Measuring 16.4 ft in length, and featuring a cladding of cork and timber, the home is based on a double-axle trailer. A small yet comfy deck area is connected to the exterior of the home, while the roof has a unique barrel vault form.

Designer: MadeiGuincho

As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a space that is intended for a vacation. It features a finish of wood and is marked by a simple yet functional layout, with most of the space occupied by a massive combined seating/storage area. A compact kitchen and wood-burning stove are placed close to offer warmth.

Separate toilet and shower rooms are located near the entrance. The main sleeping section is on the ground floor, and it includes a double bed. Wooden steps offer access to an additional loft space above the entrance, and this can be utilized as a bedroom or a storage area, depending on the visitors’ needs and requirements.

The comfy little home is equipped with porthole-style windows, and the largest window is placed directly above the main sleeping section. This window is operable, and you can enter the roof terrace area through it. Some removable steps lead you up to the terrace. The terrace is quite snug and cozy-looking and seems like an ideal place to sit with your favorite book and unwind. A nearby tree offers shade, allowing you to lounge about without discomfort. MadeiGuincho is known for its homes that seem to have bespoke wooden style, one that sets its home apart, allowing them to have a unique identity of their own, and the Terra m1_Tiny House on Wheels is no exception!

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This Technological Center In China Is A Man-Made Mountain With Terraces & Hanging Gardens

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Stefano Boeri Architetti, the designer of the acclaimed Vertical Forests was commissioned to build a new technology museum in Xi’an, China. This anticipated structure will serve as a tree-covered man-made mountain, allowing visitors to explore on the top, and immerse themselves in nature in the midst of a chaotic metropolis. Dubbed the Culture CBD Modern Technology Experience Center, the building features a unique hilly form that is inspired by the area’s topography, including the mountains, rivers, and the rugged valley.

Designer: Stefano Boeri Architetti

The building will have a curving concrete form amped with expansive glazing on the front-facing facade. The facade will be marked with horizontal slats for shading. The rooftop will feature a stepped exterior and include terraces and walkways, including loads of plants and trees. They will also contain different kinds of shrubs, as well as perennial herbs. Visitors can ascend to the top, and they will be welcomed by beautiful hanging gardens, as well as a massive viewing platform that offers serene views of the city.

“On the roof, the project includes a hanging garden in continuity with the park and a system of terraces that allows visitors to climb up to the building and gain a new look at the surrounding urban panorama,” said Stefano Boeri Architetti. “The green terraces accessible to citizens will be an integral part of the museum’s cultural program of events (the different areas will host screenings, activities, shows, and performances) – as well as offering citizens a new public outdoor space, with unprecedented views of the park and the city. ”

As you enter the museum, you will be greeted by four main exhibition spaces, as well as a temporary exhibition area, and multiple commercial zones. The various sections will be linked by a big double-height central atrium. The decor of the interiors will feature a vibrant and bright blue hue, which was selected on account of its significance and heavy usage in digital design and art. This is a popular choice in the world of digital design, and once you start looking out for it, you’ll find that it is quite widespread.

Currently, nature-inspired architecture in on the rise in China, and the cultural center will be another invaluable and wonderful addition. Although currently, we don’t know when it will be completed, the project is being headed by Stefano Boeri Architetti’s China-based satellite branch, instead of the main Italian studio.

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This Novel & Refreshing Preschool Concept In Ethiopia Supports Indoor-Outdoor Learning

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Designed by the Brazilian architectural firm Studio MEMM, this preschool concept has been tucked away in the natural setting of Ethiopia. The school is designed to be visually appealing and attempts to strike a serene balance between architecture and nature, creating an educational setting that is conducive to learning, and keeps the students inspired and intrigued. Studio MEMM participated in a competition to design the preschool and the resultant structure is a dynamic building that serves as a natural space for a fun yet valuable education.

Designer: Studio MEMM

While designing the building, the architecture team wanted to create something that not only supports learning but also serves as a playful center where children can engage, interact, as well as imagine and discover new things. The buildings were designed to be stimulating, featuring open windows, that offer constant access to sunlight and fresh air. Expansive classrooms create a space that is free-flowing and open, so the kids don’t feel caged in. The space is intended to encourage coexistence and teaching, while due respect is paid to its natural surroundings. The overall structure was split into smaller volumes, adding fluidity to the entire site. Doors and walls have been designed as moving panels in an effort to add flexibility, while also ensuring easy access to the outdoors.

There were budget constraints, as well as limitations of materials. These issues posed challenges, and hence excavated earth was utilized to build the classroom walls, and the forms on the outside. This earth was excavated from the site itself, and it elevates the auditorium-like landscaping. Since Ethiopia doesn’t always have access to electricity, the studio focused on natural lighting and ventilation quite a bit. Moveable panels were installed to ensure this.

The entire school is made up of a number of classrooms – ranging from small to large. It has been equipped with bleachers with blackboards and open gardens, which also serve as spaces for local community gatherings. Since elements of indoor-outdoor design were incorporated, students can learn inside the school, as well as outside, promoting interactive and novel ways of learning.

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Baluchon’s Little Starter Home For A Couple’s Son Serves As A Clever Space-Saving First House

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Named the Midgard, this space-saving starter home was designed by Baluchon and was built for a couple who wanted their son to have his own living space in their garden. It is intended to be their son’s first independent home, while also maintaining a connection to the main home and the family. It features a clever design, that maximizes the functionality of the compact space. It has a length of 20 feet and serves as a comfortable guest sleeping area or a home office.

Designer: Baluchon 

Based on a double-axle trailer, the Midgard tiny home features an exterior made of red cedar and aluminum accenting. The tiny home’s length is nothing special, about average for French models, on account of the country’s strict towing laws. But it is much smaller in comparison to the North American tiny home models we see nowadays. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by the living room. The living room is amped with generous glazing and plenty of storage space. There is a sofa bed for guests, and a home office is positioned next to it, consisting of a desk and a chair.

The living room and the kitchen are connected, and the kitchen is pretty well-designed and stocked for a typical French tiny home. The kitchen contains a sink, fridge, oven, two-burner propane-powered stove, as well as a compact dining table intended for two. The dining table can be easily folded away when not in use. The bathroom is placed next to the kitchen, and you can access it via a sliding door. The bathroom features a sink, toilet, and shower.

The Midgard tiny home includes two lofts – one is placed above the living room, and serves as a small yet efficient storage area. The second loft functions as a bedroom, and you can reach it via wooden steps. This room is like most tiny house-style bedrooms, equipped with a double bed and a low ceiling. There is some storage space tucked away behind the headboard area.

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Japan’s New Tallest Skyscraper Can Withstand Even A 2011-Style Magnitude 9 Earthquake

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Designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners, the Mori JP Tower is Japan’s new tallest skyscraper! Featuring an astounding height of 1066 ft, and located in Tokyo, the skyscraper was created to reduce grid-based energy usage by incorporating it with sustainability features. The tower is also designed to be earthquake-resistant, offering sturdy support against the country’s seismicity. It is nestled in the Azabudai Hill development – a new district amped with plenty of green space and other high-rise buildings.

Designer: Pelli Clarke & Partners

The impressive skyscraper is equipped with a glazed facade and a unique form that brings to mind the image of a lotus flower. It features a beautiful crown of four curved glass “petals”, which gives it a lotus-inspired shape and symmetry. The exterior is highlighted with bands of integrated lighting. The lighting is designed by US lighting design company L’Observatoire International, and they seem to gleam magically in the night. The interior of the building houses sixty-four floors and includes a combination of residential and office spaces. The hospitality company Aman will be taking over the top eleven floors, and they will be coined Aman Residences.

Although the Mori JP Tower is Japan’s tallest skyscraper, it is not the tallest ‘structure’. The tallest structure is the Tokyo Skyree which stands tall at 2080 ft, in fact, even the Tokyo Tower is taller than the Mori JP Tower, as it measures 1092 ft in height. However, since the two structures are essentially broadcasting and observation towers, they cannot be included in the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s height rankings. But despite this consideration, the Mori JP is a noteworthy construction, as it can function and stand tall in an earthquake as severe as the Great East Japan Earthquake, which had a magnitude of 9.0. This is truly a commendable feat, that will save lives, and reduce destruction. The structural steel tubes of the tower were packed with high-strength concrete, and the building was incorporated with multiple dampers to achieve this feat.

“High-strength steel and concrete components are deployed to balance the structures, and vibration-control devices are placed in core areas where vibration during earthquakes can be efficiently reduced, resulting in high resistance to shaking,” said Mori. “In addition, large-scale vibration-control devices known as “active mass dampers” will help reduce the swaying that occurs at the tops of buildings during strong winds.”

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How Switching From A Grid To A Dome Model Helps City Planning For A Sustainable Future

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Biotech City is a groundbreaking concept in urban design that seeks to address today’s pressing environmental challenges through innovation and sustainability. This proposed domed city builds upon the legacy of bio-dome habitats, where systems are designed to be entirely self-sustaining. Biotech City offers an imaginative glimpse into the future of urban living, merging advanced technology with ecological harmony to create a resilient and green urban environment. This ambitious project represents more than just a city; it is a revolutionary plan for sustainable urban living in the 21st century.

Designer: ON-A

In contrast to traditional urban design, this city starts with a circular form, offering exceptional flexibility and freedom from conventional constraints. This unique approach allows the city to grow in multiple directions, creating a dynamic and adaptable urban landscape. The design evolution from a simple circle to a complex, protective dome reflects a careful and innovative planning process. The dome, inspired by nature’s protective forms, creates a unique atmosphere inside, blending architecture and engineering into a cohesive and functional whole.

The introduction of a hexagonal and pentagonal grid, based on Voronoi patterns, seamlessly connects infrastructure and green spaces. This design promotes a human-scale environment, enhancing the quality of life for residents. The dome’s structure goes beyond being a mere roof; it becomes a multifunctional building that blurs the lines between architecture and engineering, fostering a sustainable and harmonious urban ecosystem.

Biotech City is meticulously designed to adapt to extreme climates. Its form is tailored to the specific environmental data of each location, ensuring optimal resilience. In temperate zones, the city adopts open configurations to benefit from natural ventilation, while in arid regions, it uses opaque structures to shield against solar heat. This adaptability redefines urban resilience, demonstrating a perfect blend of sustainability and innovative design suitable for diverse environmental settings.

The self-sustaining dome design features hexagon-shaped roof panels that integrate solar technology, providing clean energy to the entire system. The dome at Biotech City rises majestically, merging architecture, engineering, and biotechnology into a single entity. This iconic structure is the heart of the city, symbolizing the successful collaboration between diverse disciplines.

The city seamlessly integrates nature with the urban environment. Lush vegetation, interactive landscapes, and living elements coexist in perfect symbiosis, creating an urban living experience that fosters a deep connection with the natural world. This innovative approach not only beautifies the city but also leverages biotechnology for a deeper coexistence with nature. Embedded biotechnology systems enhance air quality and overall well-being, creating an environment where residents thrive in harmony with their surroundings.

Biotech City’s ambitious vision for sustainability is made possible through collaboration with BIOO, a leading biotechnology company. Together, they redefine the boundaries of sustainability and energy efficiency in urban design. By harnessing plant photosynthesis and microbial fuel cells, it integrates with nature and generates energy sustainably. This partnership exemplifies a strong commitment to merging architecture and green technology to forge a brighter, greener future.

This city stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the potential for a sustainable future. This self-sufficient, climate-adaptable oasis harnesses the power of design, engineering, and biotechnology beneath its vast dome. As an inspirational model for urban living, Biotech City not only addresses current environmental challenges but also sets a new standard for urban development. Here, modern amenities and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, offering a visionary blueprint for how cities can thrive in the 21st century.

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Compact Tiny Home Maximizes Space With Four Equally-Proportioned Living Areas & Clever Layout

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Designed by architect Christian Tonko, the MM01 tiny home was designed for two people who intend to use it as a holiday home, and a comfy base for outdoor activities in rural Austria. The home is quite compact but is amped with a thoughtfully-designed layout that maximizes space, while also fitting in a home office. The home measures around 215 sq ft, and is planned on one floor. This living space is divided into four equally sized sections – the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and workspace.

Designer: Christian Tonko

 

The central space of the home is occupied by the workspace, and this section includes some seating as well as an office desk. The desk can be pulled out from the bed unit, as it is equipped with wheels. The space also contains storage units which also function as dividing walls, and a kitchenette. The kitchenette is amped with a dishwasher and washing machine, which can be closed up when not being utilized. Glass doors line the main space, and they can be opened to naturally cool the home, allowing the breeze to enter. Curtains have been installed to provide privacy when needed. The MM01 also features a well-sized terrace area, equipped with tables and seating.

The tiny home is called MM01 as a tribute to Malcolm McLean, who is said to be the inventor of the modern shipping container. The dwelling may look like a shipping container, but it is built from metal boxes, since they seem to handle the heat and cold much better, despite being equipped with glazing. Currently, we aren’t aware of the R-values, but the architect states that the home has good insulation, and is in accordance with local building codes.

“MM01 is named after Malcolm McLean the inventor of the shipping container on which the modules are based in terms of the standard dimensions and frames,” said Tonko. “They can be transported by standard trucks on the road. The whole structure including the screw foundations can be removed entirely and the site can easily be restored to its original state.”

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The Freedom Tiny House Is Designed For A Simple Stripped-Down Micro-Living Experience

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Called the Freedom Tiny Home, this simple little house features a compact footprint and an open interior layout – all placed on one level. This tiny home plays upon the simple lifestyle of micro-homes, to create a version that is even more subtle and stripped-down. Although, it must be noted that it isn’t a good pick for families, and is more suitable for those who travel regularly. The Freedom House can also be utilized as a guesthouse. It is designed by Australia’s Lusk Tiny Homes and is also called Freedom 6m.

Designer: Lusk Tiny Homes

It is founded on a double-axle trailer and features an understated steel or wooden exterior. The exterior is integrated with generous glazing, allowing natural light to generously stream inside. The walls and ceilings of the home have been finished in birch plywood or tongue, and groove paneling. The tiny home’s length is 6 m, which is the same length as Baluchon’s Mirasol tiny home. But while Mirasol is equipped with as many amenities possible in a small space, this tiny home is quite simple, amped with airy spaces and a high ceiling.

Much of Freedom’s floorspace is occupied by a large central kitchen unit, containing custom cabinetry finished in fingerprint-resistant laminate and a lot of counter space. The kitchen also includes a sink, small fridge, microwave, and storage. It features a ceiling fan as well which keeps the space cool. The bedroom area is located next to the kitchen, and it doesn’t have any separation from the living area. Heavy curtains can be installed to offer some privacy though. But the lack of separation also offers easier access than most of the typical loft-style bedrooms we see in tiny homes.

The other end of the house features a small bathroom that can be entered via a sliding door. The bathroom includes a shower, vanity sink, and a flushing or composting toilet – according to the owner’s preference. The Freedom tiny home is priced at around US$100,000.

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This Little Retreat In The Australian Wilderness Offers An Off-The-Grid Yet Luxurious Weekend Getaway

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Named the Gilay Estate, and nestled in the rural landscape of New South Wales, Australia, this tiny retreat does look like an old hut or an agricultural shed from afar. But, it is in fact a cozy home designed to offer a luxurious and comfortable off-grid living experience. Designed by Cameron Anderson Architects, the home is built outside the small town of Quirindi, which consists of a population of only 2000 people. The retreat features a visually appealing exterior which includes a sloping sheet metal roof with massive overhangs to protect from the harsh sun.

Designer: Cameron Anderson Architects

The Gilay Estate also includes charred timber cladding which encapsulates the traditional fire management techniques employed by the Indigenous Australians. The interior of the home measures 40 sq m, all within one floor. The interior is mainly occupied by an open living area which contains a wood-burning stove for warmth, seating, a king-sized bed, and a kitchen. It also includes a breakfast bar/desk area for having your meals, and also working from home. The retreat also features a bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet.

The comfy estate includes a couple of additional amenities as well, such as a deck area, a little wood-fired hot tub, and a fire pit. These extra features make the retreat even more appealing and luxurious, offering sophisticated options to pass the time. Besides these lovely touches, the home is equipped to support an off-the-grid lifestyle. It is powered by a roof-based 6.4-kW solar panel array and 11.4-kW battery storage, whereas the water is supplied by a 60,000-liter (roughly 15,800-gal) rainwater collection system. The Gilay Estate is quite independent in providing electricity and water, so visitors do not need to depend on external sources.

The Gilay Estate is available for short-term rent on Airbnb, you can check it out for a quaint off-grid vacation if you’re in the mood to reconnect with nature!

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