Architecture project // Precast Concrete Panels and Solar Framework in a Modular Community Housing Development

Precast Concrete Panels and Solar Framework in a Modular Community Housing Development

Authors:

Anna Brizzolari, Gaia Micotti, Cosimo Greco

Showcasing a modular framework of precast concrete panels and integrated solar technology, the development creates efficient housing solutions that encourage community interaction and sustainability.

5 key facts about this project

Utilizes an integrated system of modular precast concrete panels for efficient assembly and adaptability.

Features extensive green roofs that enhance insulation and promote biodiversity within the urban environment.

Incorporates photovoltaic cells in design to achieve energy self-sufficiency for communal areas.

Design includes communal balconies that foster social interaction among residents and provide outdoor access.

Integrates underground facilities for essential services, minimizing surface footprint and enhancing safety.

General keywords

modular community housing urban sustainability greenery flexibility concrete integration solar

Project specific keywords

precast modularity green roofs solar panels metal framework community spaces interconnected units insulation underground facilities shared balconies

### Project Overview

The Join Hands project is situated within a dynamic urban landscape, designed to address contemporary challenges in housing and community engagement through a modular architectural approach. The development integrates self-supporting structures to enhance both functionality and sustainability, creating a living environment that facilitates community interaction and urban integration.

### Spatial Strategy and Modularity

The design prioritizes modularity, enabling rapid assembly and adaptability as community needs evolve. Individual units are structured as modular components, each equipped with personal outdoor spaces, such as balconies, enhancing the living experience while ensuring privacy. The interconnected modules promote efficient circulation and flexibility in interior configurations, allowing spaces to be reconfigured as required.

Shared public areas, along with interconnected green spaces, are deliberately incorporated into the layout to foster social interaction and connection with nature. These green areas not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment but also contribute to ecological balance by encouraging outdoor activities within the urban context. Additionally, strategically placed underground facilities provide essential resources and enhance safety for residents.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural framework utilizes a metallic structure that supports open layouts and durability. Precast concrete panels (300 mm thickness) serve as facade materials, providing thermal insulation and resilience. The building design emphasizes energy efficiency, employing materials such as EPS insulation and glass railings to maximize natural light and views in communal areas.

Sustainability initiatives are central to the project’s design, including the recycling of concrete and the integration of photovoltaic cells within the canopies to harness solar energy. Careful selection of materials minimizes waste and reduces the overall carbon footprint, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship throughout the project's lifecycle.