Project Brief:
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Project Abstract:
The design of a tiny house introduces many obstacles common with residential construction of any scale. A net zero energy building further adds to these challenges. Our tiny house project is derived from a series of motivations that led to particular decisions regarding the sustainability features and technological implementations. Considerations for how the form and structure can become an active and continual participant within a sustainable context have also been addressed.
Our initial motivation for this project was conceiving a unique design implementing as many sustainable features as possible to minimize the environmental impact of our house. The use of custom narrow windows, wood panels, and integrated channels that span most of the roof and wall assemblies not only allow for a degree of tectonic legibility and structural honesty within the tiny house, but they open opportunities for a skin that can be adjusted for exterior conditions. The L-shape footprint of the home allows for an implied pocket of exterior space that can be utilized as semi-private outdoor space without encroaching on the restrictions of allowable livable interior space (i.e. 400 sq.ft).
We have also incorporated three modes of sustainability: 1) active and integrated features through, for example, the design of an envelope that acts as a water collection system, 2) non-structural and non-envelope related features such as appliances and building systems, and 3) encouragement of habitual development that contributes to smaller carbon footprint. The latter mode includes integrating digital tracking features for appliance use, and the inclusion of interior green spaces or fixtures. These elements lend themselves to air purification from off-gassing from construction materials, and allows the inhabitants to grow any small-scale plants for consumption, reducing reliance on travelling to obtain these goods. This sustainability outlooks has been formed with consideration of the United Nations 2015 Sustainable Development Goals.
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Process Work
Final Drawings
