HM15.25 was designed as an entry for a competition focused on prefabricated houses that had less than a 400 square foot footprint. Our design focused on the modularity, climate adaptability and affordability.
HM15.25 is an individual 15’X25’ modular housing unit which can be customized through the use of modular structural skin, washroom/storage and roofing components. It is designed to exist as either a stand alone unit or as a part of a multi-unit arrangement: a tessellating arrangement, back to back duplexes or stacked units with additional circulation. As a stand alone unit, the HM15.25 can be adapted and integrated into most urban sites through the thoughtful placement of window openings and standard washroom/storage component and choice of suitable roof.
HM15.25 arrives at the building site as a series of panels, glazing elements, roofing/flooring elements, furniture components, and one pre-built washroom/storage component. The contractor assembles these pieces according to the provided instructions. Flooring and roofing elements utilize the same plank system. The floor will be laid on treated lumber upon a gravel bed. Roofing options will include a gable roof with a loft for colder climates, a modified shed roof with a clerestory for warmer climates and a flat roof with a high thermal mass for arid climates.
HM15.25 embraces the idea of small spaces performing multiple uses. The main living area functions as a kitchen/dining room at meal times, work space during the day, entertaining space in the evening and bedroom at night. This is accomplished through prefabricated cabinets that house both the food preparation and storage elements and contain transformable elements which provide a work table and folding chair storage. The washroom/storage component contains a compartment that houses a fold down queen size bed, the front of which can be customized to provide an integrated ladder to access the optional loft above.
HM15.25 is intended for use in multiple climates. In addition to the roof options, the glazing system can be tuned to climate specific needs. The 1’ thick panels can be oriented to provide either a brise-soleil or light shelves; operable clerestory and main level glazing can be used to provide natural ventilation and airflow.
The open plan nature of HM15.25 allows it to be utilized as more than just a residence; it can be retrofitted to provide a simple inexpensive solution to a community’s needs. It can be converted into a small workshop, clinic, community gathering space, or commercial venue. The fold down bed could be retrofitted to provide a stow-able work surface or storage space. Clusters of HM15.25 units can be used to quickly make sustainable disaster and refugee villages that encompass all aspects of a town: residential, commercial, spiritual and industrial.
The sample site was chosen because it is an empty infill lot within a developed neighborhood. In the sample unit the washroom/storage component has been placed in the rear to allow a strong visual connection to the street. Glazing units have been oriented as brise-soliels to provide shading for the south facing street facade. The roofing option shown was chosen to fit the scale of the neighborhood, bring in clerestory light and allow for natural air ventilation.
