The project ‘Open Space’ is a concept for shifting programs and temporary housing modules in regional Victoria. The concept explores the intersection of the timber construction industry and modular housing, addressing the needs for better construction practices and seasonal workers accommodation. Learning from Japanese metabolism, the puncturing outwards of service rooms creates an open and free internal space for occupants to modify and create on their own accord. The prefabricated services pods and the water filtration core explores the expression of services and insulation to interact with the processes of building a home.
Open Space
The project explores better practice for timber construction through utilising timber waste and salvaged timbers to create the system. The urban system engages with local plantations to create a manufacturing and distribution center which for the demonstration project is sited in and surrounding Bendigo
Open Space
The services pods form the prefabricated component of the project. Each pod contains its own water, electrical and waste pipes that are ready to be plugged into the permanent shell when in use.
Open Space
Once the service pods have been plugged into the system they become fixed and act as a structural core for occupants to build around using the DIY timber framing system.
Open Space
At the core of the shell is a water filtration and propagation system that sits between the two circulation cores. The structure of the shell consists of Glulam columns and inverse trusses that angle the water towards the central catchment core. Clad in clear polycarbonate sheets that are operable from each level, the Shell heroes the use of salvaged and engineered timber construction
Open Space
The water filtration and propagation core brings the circularity of the timber industry into the building. Designed to filter and proved water to each pod, the core filtration collects, filters and pumps water to and from each pod when plugged in. The filtration occurs through the bowls that tree saplings are grown in, once matured the saplings are returned to nature for forest restoration or into plantations to provide for the growth of the system.
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
