Architecture project // Rooftop Garden and Perforated Façade in a Micro Urban Living Space

Rooftop Garden and Perforated Façade in a Micro Urban Living Space

Author:

Andrew Spaulding

The integration of a rooftop garden with a perforated façade enhances natural ventilation in a micro home designed for urban living, effectively merging outdoor and indoor functions in a compact space.

5 key facts about this project

The home features a dedicated detached module for kitchen and bathing functions.

A perforated façade provides both shading and a unique visual character.

The design integrates a rooftop garden to enhance air quality and increase biodiversity.

Cross ventilation is a key strategy for natural cooling throughout the residence.

Outdoor spaces are purposefully designed for cooking, leisure, and laundry activities.

General keywords

new orleans micro home double gallery subtropical outdoor space sustainability cross ventilation rooftop garden cooking module urban living

Project specific keywords

perforated faade detached module formal living shade screen garden breezes

The Double Gallery Micro Home, located at 8217-15 Apricot Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a contemporary response to the city's architectural heritage. Drawing on local typologies such as the double gallery and shotgun double, the design aims to create a functional living space that meets the demands of modern life while honoring the region's cultural roots. The emphasis is on maximizing space and encouraging a lifestyle that merges indoor and outdoor experiences.

Sustainable Design Characteristics

A strong focus on sustainability is evident in the home’s design features. The incorporation of cross ventilation helps to naturally cool the living areas, while passive solar shading is achieved through a façade that acts as a shade screen. These elements improve comfort for residents and lower energy use, which shows a sensitivity to environmental concerns.

Spatial Organization

The layout is centered around a main living space that encourages social interaction, with essential service functions like cooking and bathing located in a detached module. This configuration enhances efficiency and allows for distinct uses of space. Outdoor areas are thoughtfully arranged to accommodate cooking, laundry, dining, and leisure activities, emphasizing the relationship between the home and its external environment.

Innovative Use of Vertical Space

A noteworthy element of the design is the roof garden, which is strategically placed above grade to take advantage of the breezes that are typically blocked by nearby buildings. This vertical garden increases the outdoor living area and contributes to the home's microclimate. It also enhances biodiversity and provides residents with a green retreat in the urban landscape.

The design blends traditional and modern elements effectively, culminating in a residence that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. The façade's perforated design creates changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, adding visual interest and a dynamic quality to the home’s exterior.