THE IY+ RESIDENCE

3D printing technology has changed the way people think about building, not only does it offer outstanding advantages such as being stronger, more efficient, more resilient, more flexible, but it is also applicable across various locations and terrains.

In this proposal, we researched areas with current housing needs in Atlanta, USA where many people are struggling with housing costs, including single elderly people, formerly homeless, adults with temporary jobs, disabled individuals without families, college students, newly graduates, childless couples, veterans, people in recovery, etc.

These individuals are prone to choosing single room occupancy apartments for a number of reasons such as:

• Most available housing is designed for families, with high costs
• They tend to live alone or struggle to find roommates or find odd basement apartments
• Health considerations
• Possibility of being reluctant to relocate for work-related reasons

Nevertheless, thanks to 3D printing technology, we believe that micro house models can address the aforementioned scarcity in housing needs, as well as facilitating a type of housing capable of introducing an economic opportunity for renting or purchasing for up to 30 years. In addition, our proposal provides a safe, sustainable residential community that is accessible to everyone and all walks of life.

DETAILS OF TYPOLOGIES

The IY+ is a residential area comprising of 42 units, divided into three types: single, couple, and small family units, meeting the demands of a variety of residents.

The houses are arranged to highlight diversity and innovation, with each typology distinct from the others, revolutionizing social housing designs. Moreover, they can be adapted to various locations worldwide, accommodating various target groups.

With an average area of 353 square feet (sq. ft.) per unit, all typologies ensure full amenities for residents including:

• The “I” homes: single type (20 units) with an area of 323 sq. ft.
• The “Y” homes: couple type (12 units) with an area of 345 sq. ft.
• The “+” homes: small family type (10 units) with an area of 391 sq. ft.

All typologies are more naturally connective, ensuring light, and air circulation, even when houses are adjacent. Each unit has a private bedroom directly linked to a backyard green space. Family and couple units have front gardens serving multiple purposes, from outdoor gardens, front yard and parking areas. Privacy between homes is also maintained by soft green fences.

COMMUNITY AREA

The community area is of circular shape structured as a canopy, serving various purposes for residents, including a public park which provides outdoor event space.

The canopy structure stands at a height of 20 feet, printed partially and then assembled together, made primarily of concrete, steel, and wood. These canopies have a 10-foot radius, integrating solar panels on top for energy efficiency. We believe that the current printing technology can improve and perfect the design challenges of these canopies to serve multiple purposes effectively.

CORNER WINDOWS

We realize that in social housing units, inadequate natural light and airflow affect the quality of these spaces. The ability to expand windows will be somewhat limited by the majority of the construction’s structural limitations and materials used.

Therefore, proposing corner windows as a solution to solve the problems of natural light, air circulation, and especially emphasizing the wide openings of windows, helps to bring people closer to nature.

By utilizing steel as the primary material, these window modules bear the force of the upper roof, enabling expanded areas of the house. The interior space within these corner windows is designed for workstations, storage, optimizing space for residents. Additionally, this approach enhances the aesthetic element of the project and presents a novel approach to social housing designs.

PRINTABILITY ACROSS TYPOLOGIES

All typologies are of printability

The “+”,”Y”: print volume can accommodate up to 3 homes. These units are separately arranged, sharing fences, featuring front yard and backyard, and parking spaces.

The “I”: print volume can accommodate up to 5 homes, with these units sharing walls, paired together, and featuring front yard and backyard.

All designs prioritize efficient space usage while ensuring the minimum printing times for the maximum number of houses.

SUSTAINABILITY

The design aims to enable each house to be self-sufficient in energy. The roofs of the houses use materials that reduce emissions such as wood, plywood, and the entire roof areas are utilized for design of integrated systems of PV panels. The PVs are placed on the roof to maximize sun exposure, integrating all energy to distribute and share among the houses. Additionally, the roof can collect rainwater (for sanitation and irrigation) in tanks located beneath the houses. The height is optimized to enhance airflow within the house, allowing natural ventilation and reducing the need for air conditioning and electricity.