Residence XL

residential, housing, affordable, prefab
40,000 sqm
bowin, chonburi, TH
2022–
two hours from bangkok to the east lies a group of industrial estates in chonburi & rayong. this new development targets at low-income factory workers in the area. however, low-cost buildings do not equal cheap design. the new housing will provide optimized living environs that allows for suitable ventilation, light, open green spaces, as well as future expansion.

the project anticipates new 190 houses, offered in two types: 2-storied row (A), and 1-storied twin (B). A-type has 112 lots: 8 row lots form a block of two back-to-back rows. B-type has 74 lots: 2 twin lots form an identical flipping pair.

the houses are oriented for natural ventilation, having the front-back lying along the north-south axis. to reach the target number and attain a good road-salable area ratio, the double-load system is used, leading to the three-road system running east-west throughout. A-type blocks lies in the middle and B-type pairs on the side.

the gaps in-between the blocks work as common green spaces that serve about 12-16 lots per spot. they are designed to be the areas for both water absorption (by means of low-cost permeable concrete paving), and recreation (eg. playgrounds and gardens). the larger open areas in the middle and the back of the site work similarly with more potential to hold public community events such as weekend markets or household gatherings.

modular coordination is applied to allow for the possibility of utilizing interchangeable modular components and prefab construction system, as a method of budget control. the long-span self-supporting roof is a solution to reduce cost as it minimizes sub-structure elements like steel rafters and purlins.

a crucial strategy is the design for harmonious growth or the principle of “incrementalism”, championed by Alejandro Aravena of ELEMENTAL. the estate will provide essential elements of standard-quality for each house (structure, enclosure, and service) to be used as an initial framework for future expansion that will occur within the scope of envisioned scenarios, instead of arbitrary extension without control that leads to the deterioration of the neighborhood. more than a cost-cutting strategy, this scheme embraces individualization and customization of dwelling instead of rigid standardization: a tyranny of life!

the houses grow. but they do within their limitations informed by the building codes and the initial core-service-shell components. A-type grows downward and B-type grows sideway. both can also easily be merged with the lots next to it, if any family can afford to acquire more than one lot in the future.

© buno