The modular housing solution addresses the challenges of urbanization in crowded cities. By utilizing often neglected rooftops, it transforms these spaces into productive areas for sustainable living. The design is inspired by historical New York water towers, providing a blend of past and future. The housing pods feature a distinctive inclined hexagonal shape, maximizing usable space while keeping the overall footprint small.

Design Concept

Each pod features six elevations made from plug-and-play panels. These panels can be customized to meet the specific needs of residents, hosting functions such as food production, solar energy collection, or water management. This flexibility enables each inhabitant to create a space that feels personal. The design also fosters community by encouraging shared resources and collaborative use of the environment.

Interior Layout

Access to the pod is through a pull-up ladder that leads to a compact living area. Inside, the layout is organized for efficiency. Movable walls separate the kitchen from the bathroom, allowing for privacy or social interaction, depending on the needs of the moment. A mezzanine level creates additional vertical space for the bedroom. This space includes a ceiling net, providing a cozy area for relaxation and offering views of the night sky through a strategically placed roof light.

Sustainability and Materiality

Timber is the primary material used in construction, supporting sustainable practices. The choice of timber helps reduce the carbon footprint during the building phase and enables future reuse or recycling once the structure reaches the end of its life. Additionally, a live network application connects residents, allowing them to monitor their own and neighboring pods' sustainable performance. This technological aspect encourages community involvement and promotes environmentally friendly behaviors.

The angled roof light not only allows natural light into the pod but also helps control internal temperatures. This thoughtful design detail contributes to a comfortable living environment, highlighting attention to both function and well-being in urban spaces.