SQUARE SHELL hybrid floating structure in a site-less future setting.
This concept is set in a version of the future where earth’s climate has been decimated by human activity. Land is scarce. The ice caps have melted causing flood plains to rise worldwide.
Flash floods are commonplace. Building resources are scarce. New construction is built with only what is readily available, resulting in heavy reliance on reclaimed and recycled materials, and new building typology. An adaptable architectural response emerges that is outwardly strong enough to endure the environment, and inwardly flexible enough to be useful.
This site-less building is one example of that typology. It also displays a new geometric focus aesthetic, this building is formally expressed as a cube; proportionally ubiquitous and unbiased.
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The building is a floating structure set on a permanent base structure, the float construction can lift off the base in the event of a flood. The floating structure is horizontally stabilized by a platform that acts as dock in flood conditions. The structural frame construction integrates vertical chases, & building systems.
The panelized exterior cladding is capable of being freely replaced with available material in flat square pieces fastened to the regular framing. The strict modular arrangement allows for insulation and weather barriers to be uniformly incorporated in the envelope.
The design incorporates performance strategies for clean air, daylighting, energy production, water management, waste management, and thermal comfort.
The structural grid frames 10’ x 10’ x 10’ cubic modules. Each contains a dedicated function. The design has for 4 stories of 9 modules each, for a total of 36. The basement level sits below grade (or below water level) and the expressed overall ‘cube’ form consists of the upper 27 modules.
The program in this case is designed to fit into the building’s modular cube form. The first concern is to outwardly express the cube concept in a strong way.
The space planning modifies the facade, openings, circulation, etc. but is not allowed to violate the core aesthetic, and is inherently defined by it.
The interior is designed for a potentially mobile building that can be oriented to fit any setting.
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rooftop
hot tub, planting areas, lounge
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living
kitchen counter, storage cage, seating area
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living
dining area, protected patio
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master suite
writing desk, bedroom
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entry hall
circulation to basement
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basement
office, lounge
