OCTA-TOWER: A Vision for Evolving Modular Architecture
A modular housing system that adapts, grows, and transforms—redefining sustainable living in today’s evolving urban landscape
Project by Ellen Donnelly, Josh Weinand, Charlotte Wortmann, Emma Young, Weston Hanisch — Shortlisted entry of the Plugin Housing Challenge 2020
In a time when architecture is under pressure to keep up with urban growth, population shifts, and climate realities, modular architecture emerges as a compelling solution. The OCTA-TOWER project explores how prefabricated, updatable, and replaceable modules can extend the life of architecture while staying responsive to its environment.
At its core, the proposal centers around the idea of preventing architectural expiration. Too often, buildings are constructed as static objects—outdated within decades due to changing uses, user needs, or materials. OCTA-TOWER introduces a new kind of urban housing—one designed for perpetual transformation.
Design Principles
The system is guided by eight architectural principles:
- Evolution: Embracing growth and transformation through stackable hexagonal units.
- Transition: Facilitating development via transitional wedges and pieces.
- Assembly: Enabling prefabrication and plug-in construction for efficient on-site building.
- Originality: Utilizing three distinct module sizes (small, medium, large) for spatial diversity.
- People: Designing based on human scale, with a focus on modular fathom units.
- Function: Programming adaptable spaces for dining, activity, and social gathering.
- Materials: Employing sustainable cladding panels, durable metals, and thermal glazing.
- Color: Subtly incorporating color-coded interior modules for visual identity.
Each module is conceived as a self-contained unit, designed to interlock and evolve. Modules can be rearranged, replaced, or expanded over time, promoting longevity and flexibility.
Case Studies & Contextual Research
The team studied several American cities—Seattle, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh—to examine urban land use, housing conditions, and affordability challenges. Seattle became the focal point due to its high percentage of single-family zoning, a condition ripe for modular densification.
The proposal identifies an opportunity in converting outdated residential zones into compact, multi-family modular housing. The team looked at projects like the Frank Gehry Residence for its experimental layering of additions and the "Foreclosed: Housing the American Dream" exhibition, which challenged conventional suburban models.
Site Strategy in Seattle
Four potential sites in Seattle were analyzed, with Site 4 selected for implementation. Located in a low-rise residential neighborhood, the lot's south-facing orientation and 10,000 sq. ft. area offered the ideal testing ground for modular housing innovation.
The proposal integrates new housing without disrupting the existing urban fabric. Instead, it builds upon it by allowing for vertical expansion through incremental additions.
Design Development & Modular Thinking
The design process explored multiple modular configurations, interior layouts, and structural joinery. Hand sketches and CAD drawings illustrate a thoughtful evolution from concept to execution. The dwelling units feature:
- Optional modular interior layouts
- Compact bathrooms and kitchenettes
- Rotating module options for privacy or exposure
- Steel-to-steel wedge connections for structural integrity
The final unit is a product of careful layering—stacked vertically with potential for future attachments. Each component is pre-engineered and delivered on-site, minimizing construction time and environmental disruption.
Construction & 3D Visuals
Rendered visuals show how these units manifest as real structures. From single-floor units to high-rise towers, the OCTA-TOWER system allows for growth in both height and complexity. Aesthetically minimal and structurally robust, the tower adapts to both spatial and social needs.
Exterior panels provide thermal and acoustic performance, while interiors offer flexibility through fold-out beds, convertible surfaces, and storage-integrated walls.
A Future-Proof Housing Model
OCTA-TOWER doesn't just build housing—it builds a framework for resilient, flexible, and adaptive living. It’s a timely architectural response to outdated zoning, urban housing shortages, and climate-conscious design. As cities evolve, so must our structures—and modular architecture like OCTA-TOWER leads the way.
