Smaller and Closer Communities
Year
2014
Stage
B Arch / NUS
Location
1°17’09.7″N 103°49’28.0″E (Singapore)
The design of this cohousing project seeks to create smaller clusters of residential units that is of suitable scale for cooperative living.
The initial stages of the design process include a morphology exercise to observe the relative changes in number of dwelling units per level and to determine the optimal size of the courtyard within each inward facing closed block. The closed blocks are linked to each other via the commercial-amenities linkway that is located at the ground floor. As the name suggests, the main circulation path sits in between the commercial units and communal amenities for residents and visitors to access both types of services easily.
In order to facilitate cooperative living within the residential blocks, mailbox directories are located near the lift cores to show the type of services offered by the residents living within each block. The service yard of a dwelling unit has a window and a counter top to allow for collaborative efforts such as meal and laundry services. Each floor has shared spaces for large gatherings and special occasions such as monthly potlucks and knowledge sharing sessions.




