above the crowd

Imagine living in a house elevated above the city, suspended above the bustling streets or 100 feet above the water below, comfortably lifted to a height where the distant view unfolds and the breeze fills the air. What if you could place your home perched on a crane in the harbour, integrating it into the skyline? Picture waking up with the Harbour Bridge in view, taking a lift down to the ground floor, and discovering that you reside on a tiny lot in the heart of the city.
The proposal presents a modular construction system based on prefabrication and on-site assembly. The core concept is to build in spaces where traditional construction would be impossible, such as narrow lots or street corners, minimizing land consumption. These unconventional lots, typically buyable at lower costs due to their size and unsuitability for residential purposes, allows for a balance between building quality and affordability. Three actual sites have been selected to illustrate the adaptability of the proposal in real urban environments.

The use of steel enables the creation of elevated structures, reaching new heights while maximizing spatial efficiency in all directions, with timber slabs suspended at the top of the tower. The dwelling units benefit from their elevated position, offering expansive views of the surrounding area. The envelope's transparency and visual lightness are achieved through the extensive use of glass. To regulate light and temperature, a semi-transparent material is inserted between glass panels where necessary, ensuring a soft, diffused illumination and a balanced sense of privacy.

The building's core serves a dual purpose, acting as both the structural backbone and the vertical circulation system. The floor plates are arranged around a spiral circulation, saving space typically occupied by hallways. The rooftop is envisioned as a communal area, a 'cascade of terraces' offering residents access to leisure spaces, outdoor activities, or simply a chance to enjoy the horizon. At ground level, the micro-footprint of the building preserves pedestrian movement, views, and contributes to an open-air public space. ▼read more