Described as an "exportable dwelling", the WFH house is a carbon-neutral prefabricated abode made up of 3 stacked shipping containers, guided by a policy of 'resource conscious architecture'. Arcgency (an architectural practice based in Denmark) took up the challenge of adhering to this self imposed policy as well as the european energy policy, to deliver architecture that is designed to produce more energy than it consumes. How? Well, for starters, the upcycled shipping containers, provide a solid steel frame upon which rests a sustainable bamboo facade. A green roof clad with solar panels also provides energy for the home, with storm run off and water management being catered to via permeable pavings and a rainwater collection system respectively. The flexible structure along with features such as the prominent skylight and optimal orientation make the house truly exportable as it can adapt to sites in various regions of the world. This Modular nature of the design makes it possible to create varying typologies as are required, from townhouses, to semidetached duplexes or terrace houses.
 |
| the basic structural concept |
 |
| samples of endless typology possibilities |
This 'pilot-project' has a basic structural form comprising two rows of 40 foot high standard modules, subdivided into bedrooms and a landing on the mezzanine floor. It boasts of a double volume space as the main living area containing the kitchen, living and dining rooms with glazed doors situated at both ends of the generously lit space (thanks to the skylight above) which invite the outdoors in.
A very short construction period makes this 'sustainable product' which happens to be a house, very attractive. The possibility of demounting and deconstructing the house for recycling or relocation also adds to the value that can be derived for the 'product' with possible online customisation tools that will afford clients or 'buyers' the opportunity to choose layout, size and facade styles making it quite the housing system.
A minimalist interior crowns off the building, with pristine white walls and light colours complimented by pops of colour accents seen in wall decor, plants and floor pieces. The guess would be that whosoever desires, could apply anykind of interior treatment to the spaces and create the style they would be most comfortable with, thus this would predominantly serve as a blank canvas of sorts.
At 180 sqm with all the sustainable bells and whistles, the WFH house, is an efficient piece of well planned and supremely resource conscious architecture. Materials may be substituted here and there to meet with local demands, but, in all, its stands as a triumph of well thought out design.
hmmm, just a thought, in a tropical climate like ours, heat from the metal containers is going to make the interior spaces very hot,, anyway insulation materials could be used though///nice interior
ReplyDeleteexactly! Vitafoam have insulation panels called Vitapur (i think) and also offer spray foam insulation.
Delete