Written by: Saram Maqbool
Posted on: July 05, 2024 | 
| 中文
FLEXSE is a tiny Scandanavian-Style Micro-Home in Russia
By far one of the most basic human necessities is housing. We all need spaces that we can not only live in but also call our own. Unfortunately, it's becoming more and more difficult for people to buy, let alone build, their homes. Unprecedented inflation is a massive reason for this, but we're simply just running out of space too. What can be done about this? How can we move away from the traditional idea of what a house is, to meet the challenges of our current times? Luckily, there exist new innovations and ideas that are aiming to disrupt our understanding of residence design.
Among the most novel solutions to building costs that can also battle the shortage of space is modular housing. Modular homes represent a significant departure from conventional construction methods as they're built in sections, or modules, within factory settings, and then transported to their final locations and assembled on-site. This approach is highly efficient and quick, and the fact that modules are built in factories ensures there are no delays or damages that come with changing weather or natural disasters. The overall labor costs are also reduced with this construction method, as multiple units can be made in parallel. A lot of the benefits we see with container architecture also make their way into modular construction, with the added benefit of increasing or decreasing the space you need in the future by simply adding or reducing some modules. A notable example of modular housing's potential is the B2 Tower in Brooklyn, New York. As the tallest modular building in the world, it demonstrates that modular construction can be successfully applied to high-rise buildings, offering a viable solution to the challenges of urban density.
B2 Tower at Pacific Park, Brooklyn
As Pakistanis, and generally those belonging to the sub-continent, we've been spoiled by huge single-family houses. For a country that's fighting with a crumbling economy and lack of space in urban centers, we really should start looking at how to maximize our space instead of counting the number of attached washrooms we get when buying a house. Obviously, I'm not suggesting that we completely transform our lifestyle but focusing on what's necessary and less on what may be considered a luxury is a good way to move forward. This is where the concept of micro-homes comes into play. Typically ranging from 100 to 400 square feet, these small houses embody a minimalist approach to living that appeals particularly to urban residents and those seeking simplicity. These compact living spaces are designed to maximize every inch, offering a practical and efficient use of space. They're affordable and more sustainable since they use much fewer resources than larger buildings. Many are also mobile and can be hauled away from one place to another. Projects like the micro-apartments in Tokyo’s Koto Ward illustrate how thoughtful design can create livable spaces within limited areas, effectively addressing housing shortages in densely populated cities.
Co-living spaces offer an innovative response to both the housing crisis and the growing desire for community-oriented living. These shared living environments typically feature private bedrooms with common areas such as kitchens, living rooms, and sometimes workspaces. By sharing amenities and utilities, residents can significantly reduce their individual living expenses. Moreover, co-living fosters a sense of community, combating the isolation often associated with urban living. Shared spaces encourage social interaction and collaboration, creating a supportive and dynamic environment. Flexible lease terms cater to the needs of digital nomads, students, and young professionals, adding to the appeal of co-living spaces.
Co-Living Spaces are often designed like dorms, offering a blend of private and public spaces
Now this is something that may not work right away in Pakistan - a country where even living in an apartment is often looked down upon. But it's still something that the world is seeing more of because it strikes a good balance between homeownership and cost-effectiveness. WeLive, a subsidiary of WeWork, has successfully implemented this model in cities like New York and Washington, D.C., providing modern communal living spaces with a strong emphasis on community and lifestyle.
At Yacht Villa designed by Waterstudio.NL that can also be raised out of the water
Looking ahead, several other innovative housing models are poised to make a significant impact. 3D-printed homes, for example, promise to revolutionize homebuilding with rapid construction times and reduced costs. ICON’s 3D-printed homes in Austin, Texas, demonstrate the feasibility and potential of this technology. Floating homes are another novel solution, particularly relevant in the context of rising sea levels and the growing demand for urban waterfront living. Architect Koen Olthuis’s Waterstudio in the Netherlands is pioneering designs that integrate living spaces with water environments, offering a futuristic approach to housing. Additionally, self-sufficient homes, powered by advances in renewable energy and water recycling, are paving the way for homes that operate independently of traditional utility grids. Tesla’s solar roofs and Powerwall battery systems are leading examples of how technology can enable such self-sufficiency.
Tesla's Solar Roof Tiles are an excellent step toward making houses more sustainable
The future of sustainable and affordable housing that's not exclusive only to the rich, relies on the adaptation of such innovative ideas. No matter where you are in the world, modular, micro, and communal living spaces can lead the way into the times ahead because, let's face it, people are running out of money for building mansions and the Earth is running out of space to accommodate them anyway.
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