NET ZERO ENERGY CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER URBAN HOUSING PROTOTYPE

This design prototype is situated on a quarter of a typical Atlanta city block. Its structure is fabricated using C.L.T, cross laminated timber, prefabricated, low impact, lightweight and very strong material that generates almost no onsite waste. C.L.T has proven to be a great alternative to traditional construction materials, such as precast concrete, that have been prevalent for years. 

Collaborative consumption living models, such as one presented in this project, allow occupants to share key lifestyle needs like kitchens, workspace, internet, and maintenance, resulting in a deliberate approach to affordability. The building’s massing is conceived of a free plan that allows multiple configurations according to users’ needs and can be subdivided into housing “shares” ranging from 400 to 4000 sf.  C.L.T. is also used as a medium to span an adjacent parking deck while optimizing circulation and space and helping to reduce energy needs and material costs. 

Design concepts such as The Share have resulted in ambitious explorations that try to foresee and analyze the design changes required based on needs and behaviors of building occupants.