PROJECT BRIEF
In 2005 we entered the competition for the design of affordable houses in Norwalk, Connecticut. The program brief left the definition of the program, i.e. the number of units, their associated components and the landscape requirements, to the discretion of entrants.
We researched the Norwalk town code and prevalent housing standards to determine the appropriate number of units per acre. We determined that the optimal density for the area is equivalent to 12 homes per acre –with space for about 200 cars.
Our proposal shows a total of nine clusters housing 10 units, ranging from single to three bedroom apartments, most with outdoor porches. Each unit comes with its own private garden for small-scaled vegetable farming.
From the start, we were compelled to re-examine and redefine the configuration of suburban housing ‘subdivisions’. We intended to explore three conditions: 1) creating a model for a productive and interactive landscape both in regards to spaces of recreation and the natural yield of the land and 2) to encourage community involvement by providing pedestrian based spaces of public interaction and 3) to reduce the overall building footprint and therefore increase available open space.
The resulting scheme shows the possibility of creating a housing solution that is integrated with the landscape. The total building footprint is 11% of the site area. Including all paved surfaces, the total built environment covers 30% of the total land area.
Architecturally, the project explores and interprets variations in ‘farmhouse’ architecture using standard local construction technology. Certain more new-to-the-market elements were offered such as ‘Structurally Insulated Panels’ for the building frame and skin and a ‘Living Machine’ for waste water management.