The Hive

What was the concept behind the project?

The main design concept was to find a way to connect inhabitants to the community. We achieved this by creating spaces where meeting your neighbor is emphasized, the shared family balcony helps bridge that gap. The connection between indoor and outdoor spaces was important to us, to instill a sense of community. The balconies and decks are all equipped with personal planter boxes to cultivate your own herbs, vegetables and fruits. These planter boxes connect humans to nature and was one of the biggest symbol seen throughout our design. We fell in love with the idea of nurturing your own plants, as it is the best connection to learn about nature. We purposely used large sliding and folding windows on the cantilevers and balcony to connect the modules to the exterior

We also wanted to minimize the amount of green cover we were removing from the site. This is why we were promoting green roofs and planter boxes on our balconies and roofs. It not only helps cool the building but brings in important insects and animals that have an impact to the ecosystem.

What was the intent behind the organization of elements across various levels (Architectural, Site, Urban)?

Our proposal initiated by exploring the idea of “social housing”. The project aims to have a seamless connection between community and housing. We achieved this by forcing human interaction. Community farms, farming balconies, tennis court, amphitheaters, terrace gardens, outdoor grills and shared balconies are some of the amenities that encourage human interaction. The proposal exhibits autonomy, with its commercial, retail and mercantile spaces.  This allows the inhabitants to experience and explore a profoundly new way of living. The proposal seeks to nestle into its context in order to avoid the stigma of being “unrecognizable”. This is why we planned the west façade to be oriented to the road and courtyard. The timber siding and varying building heights gives identity to the proposal, inviting a passer-by to come and enjoy. The residential blocks are further divided into their modules (Family module & single modules). 

With the building focused around a central open space, we want to instill protection while encouraging the residents to engage with one another. Clean volumes, exposed subframe, paired with a knotted timber siding gives the project its contemporary expression. Each façade will have a commercial, mercantile or retail space to create diversity along the length of the site.

How many iterations were tried to arrive at the final outcome?

The design had multiple iterations during the concept and schematic planning stage. Communicating our ideas from the beginning made sure that our design responded well to our users and the site. As a whole, we had only one iterations, however, it developed into multiple solutions.

What/How were the materials chosen?

The materials were chosen in accordance with the design brief. We chose to use dimensional construction lumber for our modular construction. The key feature of the proposal is the construction. It is done entirely of framed timber construction and steel structural members. We developed a system where future expansion can be possible by attaching new frames to the existing structure. 2x4s are used for wall frames and 4x4s used along corners and either sides of wall openings. Using dimensional lumber makes construction, fabrication and future expansion easy and affordable.

What is the expansion plan of the project?

Since the project was done with the idea of modularity, expansion will be cost-effective and efficient, especially with timber. The project can expand vertically, and have vertical circulation achieved by staircases or elevators. The expansion can be possible by demolishing the roof and accessing the frame. This is where a new floor could be attached. 

How will the project transform with the passing time? etc.

We envision the project to age with its users. Tying it to our concept, the idea of community and community spaces were what we foresee in this proposal. It gives us joy to have worked with timber, especially since it develops a beautiful patina over the years.