Inspired by the OVOID forms the design aims to connect the future to the past while using familiar forms that are 3D printable and can perform well environmentally. While derived from indigenous architecture, the limited openings are a means of achieving a high rate of energy efficiency.
West Coast Indigenous 3D Printed Housing with Biomass
- British Columbia
- 2021
- Status: In-progress
- Scale: Housing
- Client: Supported by the Government of British Columbia
Inspired by the OVOID forms the design aims to connect the future to the past while using familiar forms that are 3D printable and can perform well environmentally. While derived from indigenous architecture, the limited openings are a means of achieving a high rate of energy efficiency.
Project Description:
Supported by the Government of British Columbia, the project is looking to build affordable 3D printed housing for Indigenous communities in British Columbia. The design language is being developed ins consultation with First Nations Communities and is meant to connect the future to the past. Taking cues from the culture, the past building methods, building forms and incorporating the latest technology and utilities, Alterativ aims to provide an innovative design and set an example for future use of construction 3D printing technology in creating economic opportunities for the community. The sustainable bio-based material (in development by FPInnovations) is aiming at making the houses 60% biomass.
To create, one must first question everythingEileen Gray
Wigwam inspired option in a Village setting
The Ovoid forms of West Coast indigenous are compatible with 3D printing technology due to the simplicity along with the curve types used.
Long House inspired option with a morphed form intended for continuous printing
Four options inspired by the traditional "Long House" and "Wigwam" typologies were developed
Long House inspired option in a "Village" setting
Wigwam inspired option creating a morphed form for continuous printing
System design is key for the success of affordable housing. The intend is to create maximum flexibility so the design system can be applied to different situations ranging in land size, lot dimensions, and user needs.
The intention of designing a system rather than a building is actualized through a modular building system design that can provide floor plans from a tiny house to a large 3 bedroom in multiple combinations and configurations. We aim to create a parametric system that generates floor plans with input data coming from the community, needs, the cost implications, and buildability limitations.
Inspired by the "Village" concept, multiple combinations of different sizes of houses can be created to form a modern village.
