Introduction
Thesis Statement
Research
Site Analysis
Concept
Development
Final Design:
1/F 2/F
3/F Apt
Epilogue
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Research
Site Analysis
Concept
Development
Final Design:
1/F 2/F
3/F Apt
Epilogue
Research
This part of the project aims to conduct case studies, precedent studies as well as research to establish useful information for the project.
“Tiny homes” are a newly popular type of housing model adopted around the world where the main focus is to reduce a person’s living footprint as much as possible. From shipping containers to single cabins, these houses are typically under 300ft2, and are fully equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, a bedroom, along with other amenities that the owners may like.
A parallel nature between the deliberate design of tiny homes, and the small living spaces of Hong Kong must be first drawn to justify the coming studies:
The small apartments and cage houses in Hong Kong, are of an involuntary nature, as a result of economic crisis and inability to afford a bigger living space (it should be mentioned that there are very little land in Hong Kong, living spaces are limited to a certain degree regardless of social status)
Tiny homes, on the other hand, are of a voluntary nature, owners actively seek out to create and live in a small/micro environment, in an attempt to live with little possession, lower living expenses, etc, and by doing so, still achieving a high quality of living.
Such nature make tiny homes an ideal study topic, by examining how tiny homes are designed, their various elements and their economic characteristics; this study aims to have a better understand of how to achieve an efficient space, with multi-functional furniture, and a high QoL from a small living space.
The following research, into pre-existing projects, aims to identify components, characteristics, and practices that can be beneficial to the public housing project.
Certain key points will be the center scope of focus:
Plans and elevations
Pre-fabrication & millwork items
Spacial programming
Storage and casework design
Materials
Research Focus: Tiny homes
“Tiny homes” are a newly popular type of housing model adopted around the world where the main focus is to reduce a person’s living footprint as much as possible.
From shipping containers to single cabins, these houses are typically under 300 ft2, and are fully equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, a bedroom, along with other amenities that the owners may like. The small apartments and cage houses in Hong Kong, are of an involuntary nature, as a result of economic crisis and inability to afford a bigger living space (it should be mentioned that there are very little land in Hong Kong, living spaces are limited to a certain degree regardless of social status)
Tiny homes, on the other hand, are of a voluntary nature, owners actively seek out to live in a small environment, and by doing so, still achieving a high quality of living. The small apartments and cage houses in Hong Kong, are of an involuntary nature, as a result of economic crisis and inability to afford a bigger living space (it should be mentioned that there are very little land in Hong Kong, living spaces are limited to a certain degree regardless of social status)
Tiny homes, on the other hand, are of a voluntary nature, owners actively seek out to live in a small environment, and by doing so, still achieving a high quality of living.
Through examining the field of tiny homes, many characteristics of the said housing type matches the goals and demands of this project––– a careful consideration of living spaces with storage, multi-functional components, and budgetary characteristics proves that a small living space can provide a great quality of living.
Hence with all stated above, it is suggested that tiny home is a feasible option to tackle the housing affordability issue in Hong Kong, and the QoL could be achieved through the utilization of the focuses discussed in the micro sector. However, as the customization of furniture, as seen in tiny homes, could be costly, careful measurements and planning will be practiced in future studies and design to maximize the quality while ensuring the affordability of the space.
More space = more storages, less storage = smaller space. Tiny homes exercise this balance extremely well, providing sufficient space with storage.
A commonly found characteristic of subdivided flats are the abundance of clutter and objects, often due to the lack of organization and storage. By studying the relationship between a living space and the amount of storage it provides, we aim to find the perfect balance to strike said balance and ways to achieve it to be used in the project.
Tiny homes: economic aspects
Tiny homes are infamous for their cheap prices and low operating costs. The average cost of a tiny home in America is $52,000, 87% percent cheaper than buying a property. However, tiny-home owners are paying more per square foot, about 62% more.
By breaking down expenses, long term maintenance cost, price per square feet et cetera, this micro study aims to study the pros and cons, & financial qualities of a small space.
Multi-functional components and hidden components are often main pieces of tiny homes, allowing the space to transform according to their needs.
Moving walls with built in cabinets, tables that fold away when not in use, bed frames that also doubles as storage et cetera. It is important to study these when planning to design a space with high efficiency, low clutter, and clean space.
Domestic Transformer
EDGE Design Institute, Gary Chang,
Hong Kong, 2007.
Residential project
Project size:
32 m2 344 ft2
Minimod
MAPA
Maquine, Brazil, 2013
Modular pre-fab homes
Project size:
27m2 290 ft2
Carmel Place
nARCHITECTS
Manhattan, New York, 2016
Pre-fab micro apartment building
Case Study Takeaways
1. The three space studied all the characteristics of a studio apartment - spaces with no walls. And take shape of a linear format.
2. The use of specifically designed and pre-fabricated systems help create a form of living spaces that is ultimately modular in nature, which expands a space’s functionality and fluidity.
3. The inherent small nature of a tiny living space pushes inhabitants to seek outside activities, by providing amenities we also provide option and variety.
4. The use of specific materials that are more affordable and more common – like plywood, helps create a sense of familiarity and comfort. White finishes are great but requires more attention to detail and overall construction work to achieve the desire level of finish.
Survey
In order to better inform design decisions, programming decisions, and understand the user base and their preferences, a survey is conducted to gather information from a moderate sample size (60 people)
Done through google survey, the following questions are asked to people ranging from 20 to 70 years old, across multiple ethnicity and culture, both local Hong Kongers and foreigners, as public housings cater to a variety of ethnicity and origins.
People on average spend 65-75% of their days at home. (on a day without work)
90% of the responses prefer their living spaces to be a moderately bright environment.
When it comes to appliances that people do not need, a majority of people voted that they do not need a gas stove, and an electric stove works fine. Second being an oven and a large sized fridge.
49% of the response indicate that 500-800 ft2 is the most comfortable for them. 19% prefers a smaller footprint of 300-500ft2. And 32% prefers a living space larger than 800 ft2.
42% of the people prefer a quiet living space, whilst the majority prefers inner city living despite being subjected to moderate noises.
When asked how often they interact with their neighbors, 35% of the respondents expressed that they do not or prefer not to interact with their neighbors. The majority (65%) interact with their neighbors occasionally.
The most important amenity, according to the responses, is the gym with 38% of responses agreeing. Second being a lounge area (34%) and a playground (16%).
500 - 800 ft2 30 (50%)
larger than 800 ft2 21 (35%)
300 - 500 ft2 09 (15%)
How much of your average day is spent in your apartment?
0-2 hours 01 (1.7%)
3-4 hours 10 (16.6%)
5-6 hours 16 (26.6%)
7-8 hours 20 (23.4%)
9-10 hours 13 (21.6%)
Do you prefer a quiet living space or inner city living with moderate noise?
Quiet living space 43 (71.7%)
Inner city with noise 17 (28.3%)
What are certain appliances you believe you don’t need?
Microwave 23 (38.2%)
Oven 21 (35%)
A large fridge 13(21.7%)
Laundry machine / dryer 05(8.3%)
Gas stove 27 (45%)
How much daylight do you prefer in your living space?
Very dim 0 (0%)
Dim 1 (1.7%)
Moderate 12 (20%)
Bright 23 (38.3%)
Very bright 24 (40%)
Don’t prefer interacting 14 (23.3%)
Occasionally interacting 43 (71.7%)
Constantly interacting 02 (3.3%)
We are friends 01 (1.7%)
What are some amenities you find important to be accessible to you?
Playground/park 35 (58.3%)
Gym 33 (55%)
Library 15 (25%)
Game room 03 (5%)
Lounge area 39 (65%)
How much of your average day is spent in your apartment?
0-2 hours 01 (1.7%)
3-4 hours 10 (16.6%)
5-6 hours 16 (26.6%)
7-8 hours 20 (23.4%)
9-10 hours 13 (21.6%)
What size bed to you prefer to sleep on alone?
Single 02 (3.3%)
Twin 10 (16.7%)
Full 22 (36.7%)
Queen 22 (36.7%)
King 04 (6.7%)
What are some amenities you find important to be accessible?
Playground/park 35 (58.3%)
Gym 33 (55%)
Library 15 (25%)
Game room 03 (5%)
Lounge area 39 (65%)