The Square Le Unità Abitative

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The conceptual idea was to study architectural relations between different geometrical shapes that are being composed together to create like a new movable mass. The Project consists of 6 units each one is a 2 shipping containers fixed over each other forming a mass like L shape. these L shaped units are fixed in overlapping positions creating Voids and Solid to give the feeling of movement and to provide sufficient natural light and a well-ventilated environment.

Dimensions & Packaging

- Plot Area: 23 m x 21 m
- The Unit is made from two Shipping Containers the bigger one is 13.58 (L) x 3.35 m (W) x 2.69 m (H) and the smaller one is 6.90 m (L) x 2.35 m (W) x 2.25 m (H).
- Total Area per Unit: 48 sqm
- Total Area per Units (6 Units): 288 sqm
- Total Height of the Units: 10.5 m

Tags

Architecture, Design, Construction, Shelter, Nanotechnology, Modern, Residential, Egypt, Containers

Production Technology

- Main structure: shipping containers
- exterior light grey gypsum wall cladding panels
- Double glazed windows
- Matt Walnut Wood
- Nanotechnology coatings are used in the project in every part to improve efficiency and energy consumption and to be environment-friendly. Nanotechnology is applied in the units as follows :
- Glass is fitted with SiO2 coating that is called self-cleaning glass, this coating reduces maintenance cost and keeps the glass clean for years
- The walls and floors are fitted with a self-cleaning and anti-bacterial coating that keeps the indoor and outdoor environment clean.

Design Challenge

The challenge of the design was to create the most efficient residential units with limited areas for the homeless and the poor living in the streets in developing countries, as some of these countries have the problem of slums that deteriorate the cities' architectural context. The Units are designed to be fitted together to create geometrical shapes in shifting positions to benefit from small spaces of land and creating the largest number of units.

Research

The design concept was based on research for the most common problem in developing countries which was how to afford proper housing especially for the poor and needy people. the main objective was to design a small economic and eco-friendly residential unit with the lowest cost possible, this is designed with the flexibility to add and subtract according to what you need and what you wish to design. The idea will use simple tools and materials with the ability of recycling, all of these units can be installed and furnished in the site according to the design.

Inspiration

The Main formation of the units is derived from the Tetris game that depends on a specific unit shape which has the features to create different formations from this unit. each unit is like an L shape and they are all fitted together to create a shallow cube with central court-inspired from Islamic and Arab traditional houses architecture which provides privacy and airflow for the units to provide a natural ventilation system

Project Duration

The project started in July 2019 as a concept idea and supposed to be applied in developing countries.

Operation Flow

- Entrances: the Hexa-condos has several entrances to the court, almost from every side
- Vertical circulation: to reach upper units there are two staircases fitted in the project in opposite sides
- Unit interior circulation: main spaces in the unit are a living room next to it the kitchen, then the bathroom beside it the stairs to the upper level which is the bedroom and the shaded balcony
- Outdoor Events: The central court and backyard can be a multi-use for events and different activities.

Image Credits

Mohamed Yasser - Mohamed Yasser Designs, 2019