CO-HOUSING IN AN OLD FACTORY

„Co-housing in an old factory” is a project which raises the problem of post-industrial cities and possibilities of turning wasted structures into livable co-housing areas. Old production hall is used as a thermal buffer for housing structure as well as a field for initianting a creative building process engaging local community.

The solution is more complex than architecture design. In this case we need to look closer to social part of design for cities and it`s economy. I came out with 3 statements to answer one question. BUILDING RE-USE Trying to re-use existing architecture and avoiding its demolition should be one of the main concerns while designing for the cities. Eliminating demolishing process reduces pollution, costs of the investment and often saves historical values. Project is showing how to activate postindustrial plots in a simple way. Wooden skeleton is designed among existing steel structure and reinforced concrete walls of an old production hall from 60s. As the design is divided into existing "outer shell" and inner "frame" structure, the building process is shared into 2 stages: adjustment of production building and neverending stage of formation the evolving living space. ACTIVE COMMUNITY Most of the multifamily housing buildings are designed and built without any involvement of future residents into building process. In this project inhabitants take action in designing their own living space. Each housing unit is made of wooden I-beams and insulation — the technology which allows to apply changes at any time in the future. Existing factory "shell" represents the community gathered under one roof, housing units reflect individual needs. Shared space creates a field for activity of inhabitants, as well as a meeting place for local groups. The strength of future societies lies in 'cooperation in diversity'. ECOLOGICAL CHANGE There are several levels of ecological approach in “Co-housing in an old factory”. First is an idea of using a non-ecological factory as a mean to create a green-futuristic way of living. Second is creating the "space in between" as a ventilated thermal buffer between interior and exterior. "Space in between" is filled with plants and wood which creates healthy environment. Each housing unit is also connected to flat-plate collectors for solar water heating and rainwater harvesting. FACTORY space allows for cultivation of plants, roof terraces can be equipped with greenhouses.