AAC: The Hive

 

Client / Location IAAC Barcelona / Multiple

Year / Status 2022 / Conceptual

Typology Multi Family Micro Homes / Un-submitted Competition Entry

Site Area / Built-up Area Varies / 35 sq.m. (Single Unit)

 

This un-submitted completion entry is an experiment in biophilic urban living ideas, inspired by the structuralist movement of mid 20th century. Pre-fabricated, hexagonal living units made of recycled concrete & timber are stacked over a cluster of concrete columns in an easy to assemble and dismantle format. The ground level area creates an intimate community farm and recreation hub shared with the structure's urban milieu. The upper floors house urban dwellers in compact micro homes mimicking the structure of a bee hive. This configuration allows maximum sharing of  wall surfaces, thereby controlling thermal gain in hot climates and heat escape in cold climates while enabling ample natural lighting and cross-ventilation. 

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A single hexagonal unit is 3m wide on each side and 4.5m high. Each corner has open shafts to connect utility lines, enabling free rotation of units to achieve desired orientation. The units have a main living area with kitchen, dining and bathroom space and a mezzanine bedroom. single units can be connected by removing the pre-fabricated side panels to create larger units for bigger families.