Mengting Jiang

Beyond the Grids

"Beyond the Grids" is an innovative shared living project located in Hawthorn, Melbourne. The grids symbolize the orderly, yet often restrictive, layout of urban environments. By stepping "beyond the grids," this project aims to blur the boundaries between the solid, structured urban fabric and the tranquil, soft

natural environment that lies just outside the compound. The design encourages a fluid connection between indoor living spaces and the lush, green sanctuary beyond, emphasizing outdoor living as an integral part of everyday life.

Central to the project’s vision is the facilitation of outdoor living through the provision of generous balconies in every dwelling. These expansive private balconies, which exceed the minimum requirements set by the Better Apartments Design Standards Victoria, serve as personal extensions of the indoor living space, allowing residents direct access to the green open space from the comfort of their homes. Each balcony is designed to be a private oasis, offering a place to relax, entertain, and connect with nature without leaving the residence.

The building compound is designed on a twisted 5mx5m grid configuration, which shields residents from direct views of neighbouring buildings, and also create opportunities for mass production for different housing modules and duplication for future needs. The project emphasizes the continuity between interior and exterior spaces, with a multi-layered approach to green integration. From a multifunctional central courtyard shared by all residents to open atrium within the building block, the design incorporates various levels of privacy and communal interaction.

Additionally, the building features sustainable solutions such as utilizing concrete floor finishing to harness thermal capacity and reduce energy consumption, integrated water reuse systems for efficient water management, ventilated facades with ample glazing for light access and ventilation, natural and artificial shading to regulate indoor temperatures, solar panels providing a sustainable energy source, and vertical farming enhancing the green environment and offering residents the flexibility to cultivate their own spaces.