Scandinavian Modern With a Surprise Twist

This home is decorated simply, has ultra clean lines and is a totally  built green home. It’s sustainable, it’s prefab, but I will save the biggest surprise about it for the very end. It is located in Wuxi, China, and was completed in 2012. It was designed by the architectural firm AY Arcgency, located in Copenhagen, Denmark. This home is what is referred to as RCA, or Resource Conscious Architecture with the goal of creating better design that lasts longer, creates less waste and does so without exploiting our natural resources. This agency is also a member of CONCITO, Denmark’s green think tank with the goal of creating networks that pushes for low-cost transition towards a climate neutral society in Denmark and the world. Loft and admirable goals.

Now this house isn’t about decor, although one could do some pretty amazing decorating with these spaces. I would like you to notice the clean lines, the solid construction, the bright, airy spaces, and how green built it is.  Stick with me here.

The exterior is clad in bamboo, and is attached such that the exterior siding can be changed.

Love how it can be opened to nature.

Solar cell power and green roof. The entire house is highly insulated.

So bright and cheery. Not real fancy, but real functional.

Bamboo on all the floors.

I really like the high and varying ceiling heights. Makes it quite interesting.

Clean lines, very modern.

Strong Scandinavian influences inside.

From the upstairs balcony one can see how open the plan is. More storage if needed can be had by putting an  armoire in the corner.

There is a total of four bedrooms. Although not large, it certainly is bright and a nice space to wake up in. All the bedrooms allow for flexible use.

The house is about 2,000 square feet.

Below are a few framing photos. Pretty sturdy, in fact, surpasses sturdy. Please, stay with me.

OK, looking pretty normal……

OK, the big reveal comes in the next couple of photos. This home is made of…….drum roll please!!!

YUP……..

Shipping containers. That’s right. Three containers to be exact. And if the owners ever want to move, it can be disassembled and taken with them.

It all began with recycling a shipping container, with the end result a wonderful living space. Clean and simple.

• This house also has an energy management system with online tracking of energy consumption and production.
• Old shipping containers used as the structural framework for the WFH- Huse. This is not just recycling; This is upcycling!
• In Short:

  • The WFH concept is a patented modular building system, based on a design principle, using 40 feet high standard modules as

  structural system.

  • The structure can be adapted to local challenges such as climatic or earthquake issues.

  • The first prefabricated housing system that meets the demands in the international environment-building-standard, Active House.

  • The structure can be configured to meet many different purposes, multi storey, townhouses, cluster houses or individual villas.

  • Top class indoor climate, low energy consumption and environmentally sound materials.

  • Very short construction-period.

  • Demountable for recycling or relocation.

  • Online customization-tools give clients the possibility to decide their own version of the house concerning layout, size, facade, interior etc. The configuration happens within a predefined framework that will ensure high architectural value and quality of materials.

  • Cost competitive in comparison with other green houses.

  • Building-components are prefabricated and on site construction can be limited. The design allows for high-quality industrial production in large numbers and distribution using standard container transport.

  Facts:

  • 180 square meters.

  •Energy class, which is 50% lower than the standard requirements for new housing constructions in Denmark.

  • Photovoltaic cells are integrated – area is flexible, but to fulfill the standards above min. 20 m2 solar cells for power production are needed.

  With an area of 30 m2 or above a normal household using energy efficient appliances will be self-sufficient with power on an annual basis.

  • Green roof solutions that are optimized for rainwater harvesting for use for toilet flushing, washing and cleaning.

  • Customized façade solutions.

  Design

  The design is based on Nordic values. Not only according to architecture, but also design objects. These values are defined as:

  • Flexibility.

  • Build for people, human values. – Good daylight conditions, different types of light.

  • Reliable (long term) solutions. – Healthy materials, recyclable materials, design for disassembly strategies.

  • Materials that age gracefully.

  • Access to nature, greenery.

  • Minimalistic look.

  • Playfulness.

  Sustainable global housing

  The WFH concept is a modular concept, based on a design principle, using 40 feet high cube standard modules as structural system. The structure can be adapted to local challenges such as climatic or earthquake issues. Online customization-tools give clients the possibility to decide their own version of the house concerning layout, size, facade, interior etc. The configuration happens within a predefined framework that will ensure high architectural value and quality of materials. Building-components are prefabricated and on site construction can be limited.

  FLEX space

  The FLEX space is the heart of the house. It contains the living room, kitchen and can be used for multiple purposes. Parts of the room are double height, creating perfect lighting conditions. The rest of the space is one story height, defined by the landing that creates access to the spaces on the second floor. In each end of the FLEX space there is access to the surroundings and daylight. The boundary between inside and outside disappears, when the doors open. This is a fundamental part of the design; to be able to open let nature in. It is a consequence of having varying requirements for inside temperature and definitions of what domestic functions takes place inside and outside.

  Geometry

  The geometry of the FLEX space is defined by the two rows of modules, and can easily be modified to specific wishes regarding size. The FLEX space has a number of possible solutions for subdivisions. Both on one plan or two plans. It can also be one big space, creating a lot of light and openness. The kitchen elements are built into the wall (into the technical module). It creates more floor space and also makes connection to water and plumbing easy. The kitchen can also be extended with at freestanding element, defining the work area of the kitchen. From the FLEX space there is access to all spaces. This eliminates square meters used for logistics. It is possible to make larger openings from the FLEX space into the rooms, again creating flexible solutions within the same system.

  The work area of the kitchen

  From the FLEX space there is access to all spaces. This eliminates square meters used for logistics. It is possible to make larger openings from the FLEX space into the rooms, again creating flexible solutions within the same system.

  Bedrooms

  The size of the bedrooms is defined by the half of a module (15m2). There are four bedrooms, and they can be used for multiple purposes: A parent’s bedroom, kid’s bedroom, workspace etc. Three of the rooms have windows on two facades, creating a mixed light. It is possible to remove the wall, or part of it, facing the FLEX space. This adds flexibility to the layout and shows the structural systems ability to adapt do different needs.

  Landing

  The landing creates access to the second floor, but can also be used as a space for play, relaxation or work. It gives the inhabitant the possibility to draw back, but still enjoy the company of people in the house. You are in the FLEX space, but because you are on the first floor you are drawn back from the action. It is an ideal place for a quiet retreat and still being able to observe what is going on in the house.                                                                                                           source

   

Well, not the usual decor I share, but I thought it interesting and also nice to come across designers and firms who really take the environmental impact seriously when designing. Hope you enjoyed.   Laters, charisse