Amber Zou

Patchwork Co-Housing

With the construction industry guilty of more than 40% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, how can future homes be environmentally friendly while still allowing residents to be socially, culturally, and economically conscious? Furthermore, how can all individuals hold responsibility for their role in this battle against climate change?

Co-housing is the perfect opportunity to address these issues, involving a gathering of highly diverse people who share a shared appreciation for community and sensitivity towards their environmental footprint. Based on a prefabricated frame system that allows for complete flexibility and anonymity of space, this co-housing project welcomes anyone. The project separates occupants into buildings based on their preferred demographics, yet still affords moments of community through shared atriums and open decks which may be appropriated by the mixed group of residents for various activities and purposes. The project finds beauty in diversity, with the modular unit spaces designed to be occupiable and welcoming for everyone; it is where all can find a home while working collectively towards sustainable living.

An emphasis is placed on urban mining to utilise waste materials and demountable construction is implemented for quick assembly and disassembly; the project holds a sensibility in considering future building and the potential repurposing of its materials.

Overall, this project illuminates issues associated with architecture and construction to present a ‘better’ and less destructive way for people to live comfortably and healthily. It upholds that everyone can find a home in co-housing and work together to live while being aware of their societal, economic, and environmental impact.