Project concept

In the past, people spent their entire lives in their hometowns. As technology and society advanced, people left their hometowns and migrated to cities. The more people gathered in cities, the more congested they became, and the land available for individual use became increasingly limited. In these overcrowded spaces, people desire their lives to be respected and protected. The question of "where to live" goes beyond mere preference and is constrained by social status and environment. The location and surroundings of a residence reflect a person's wealth and impose limitations on their actions. In the future, as cities become even more crowded and complex, the answer to "where to live" must evolve in a new way. A modular off-grid house occupies urban space freely. Instead of being fixed in one place, the small 25-square-meter home of a working couple becomes a variable that continuously changes according to their workplace and preferences. They can fit their house into an alley between buildings or place it in the middle of a park. If they wish, their home could even be set on top of a building. The densely packed population in small urban spaces makes the conventional approach of selecting "the most suitable place among available options" impossible. Instead, we propose a new way of living that makes the most suitable place "possible."

Internal Variable Space (with floor plan)

This project aims to maximize the efficient use of a limited 25㎡ space. In particular, for the nano-home attached to a building, stairs are essential. However, to optimize space utilization, they can be folded and stored beneath the hallway floor when not in use. This design ensures smooth movement between the house and the street without obstructing pedestrian traffic. Inside, a ladder allows access to the rooftop space, offering a special and unique experience of relaxation in an urban rooftop setting. The interior space is composed of various subspaces, such as a bathroom, kitchen, storage, and relaxation area, along with a main space that serves as both a bedroom and a study. The walls surrounding the main space are designed with a sliding mechanism, allowing users to freely adjust the relationship between the main and subspaces as needed. Additionally, the furniture in the main space is designed for flexible use. The bed can be folded and stored away when not in use, freeing up space that the couple can repurpose as an additional living area.

Formation of internal and external relationships and structures

The modular off-grid house is constructed in the following order: installing CLT wood, attaching interior wall materials, and then setting up the exterior walls and grid façade. This house is designed with panels, screws, and joint structures to allow for easy disassembly and reassembly. Once dismantled, the house can be placed between buildings or positioned in the middle of a park. The external panels are structured to be easily changeable according to personal preferences, allowing users to effortlessly alter the appearance of their home. By installing planters according to the floor panel arrangement, a richer and more vibrant atmosphere can be created.

Building Structure and Connection Details (with Section)

The structure of the house is designed for easy disassembly and reassembly. Most materials are either attached as panels using dry construction methods or connected through wooden and steel joints. Various components are firmly supported by different joint techniques. Even in a small 25-square-meter space, the use of flexible interior spaces allows for more efficient utilization. To enhance mobility, ease of reinstallation, and spatial versatility, various joint methods and material compositions were carefully considered and implemented.