Interior

Eden: An Adaptable Apartment

trophy Awarded

The following project is to act as a multiplex co housing solution for all ages. The project aims to create a new social way of living that is inclusive regardless of age, and that has the ability to grow and adapt with the different phases of a users life. This results in a multi-residential development that encompasses the sustainability spheres, with an emphasis on the social aspect by integrating co-housing ideologies with liveable and adaptable design principles. This project strives to re-imagine the multi-residential mould and push the idea of connectedness, inclusivity and adaptability, resulting in increased user wellbeing.

Bronwyn Horn

concept

wabi sabi

diagram describing the concept which outlines that the design utilises the japanese philosophy of wabi sabi. Which accepts that nothing stays the same and that change is the very essence of life. The design embraces impermanency, accepts that aging is part of life and grows and evolves with you. The design utilises moveable walls and joinery inspired by shoji screens and japanese puzzle boxes.

japanese puzzle box

diagram illustrating an analogy of how the puzzle box works in relation to the apartment. ie. you slide and pull pieces out in order to open/unlock the box and you slide and pull out walls and joinery in order to unlock the full potential of the apartment.
diagram illustrating the 3 different types of moveable walls. There is a linen acoustic wall, a paper wall and a timber slatted wall. This allows for varying levels of privacy and allows for the creation of multiple rooms.

Movable Walls

Movable partitions allow for the creation of multiple rooms with varying levels of privacy. They utilise a top hung ceiling track system and are either housed within timber cabinetry that can be opened and closed or concealed within a pocket door system.
Diagram illustrating the moveable joinery utilised in the apartments. Each apartment level comes equipped with various plywood joinery items such as a dresser, floating shelves, planterbox, desk, and tall cupboard with drawers, which can be placed wherever the user requires (plywood pegboard walls indicate where items can potentialy be placed).

Movable Joinery: Apartment Kit of Parts

Each apartment level comes equipped with the following plywood joinery items which can be placed wherever the user requires (plywood pegboard walls indicate where items can potentialy be placed).
Diagram illustrating the moveable joinery utilised in the communal areas. The communal zone comes equipped with moveable joinery such as planter boxes, tables, bench seat and a modular couch, which can be moved in accordance to the residents needs.

Movable Joinery: Communal Area Kit of Parts

The communal zone comes equipped with movable joinery which can be moved in accordance to the residents needs.

overview of space

The ground level is to act as the communal hub for all residents with a central void running through the center of the building which helps to promote connection.

Longitudinal section of the building, showing the different screens within each apartment, the central void and the communal areas on the ground level. The ground level is to act as the communal hub for all residents with a central void running through the center of the building which helps to promote connection.

the apartments

how it works

Below is an example of one of the potential floor plan arrangements as a result of the movable walls and joinery. The apartments work by utilising one module that can be adapted to suit the different phase’s of a users life. Each apartment floor is designed in order to allow a large family apartment to be converted into two smaller units by providing shared spaces such as a shared kitchen and entrance.

The following image is an example of one of the potential floor plan arrangements as a result of the moveable walls and joinery. The apartments work by utilising one module that can be adapted to suit the different phase’s of a users life. Each apartment floor is designed in order to allow a large family apartment to be converted into two smaller units by providing shared spaces such as a shared kitchen and entrance.
The following diagram illustrates the 5 typical phases of a users life. Phase 1: single and partner moves in; Phase 2: start a family and have young children; phase 3: children grow older (become teenagers/young adults); phase 4: children move out and elderly parent or adult child moves in; phase 5: retire with partner, become grandparents and rent out part of the apartment. The apartments can be easily adapted to fit the different phases of a users life. The following 5 phases have been used as a guideline when planning how to accomodate users entering different life stages.

Typical Phases

The apartments can be easily adapted to fit the different phases of a users life. The following 5 phases have been used as a guideline when planning how to accomodate users entering different life stages.

flexible spaces

The following images identify possible rooms that can be made by utilising the movable walls and joinery. Rooms include: a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, a nursery, a childs room, a study, a hobby room, a small home business space and a studio retreat.

communal area

The communal zones act as an extension to the apartments and facilitate social interactions between residents. The communal area includes a communal dining/kitchen, a communal living space, a commmunal garden, an outdoor seating area, bbq facilities, and a communal laundry.

Bronwyn Horn

Majoring in Interior Design with a second major in Architecture, Bronwyn is passionate about creating immersive experiences for people. Growing up as a third culture kid has shaped and influenced how Bronwyn see’s the world in terms of cultural, societal and environmental needs. She feels interior designers, have the responsibility to produce designs that reflect a positive impact on the user, society and the planet and is fascinated with the link between the interior and exterior.