This project was my submission to the HOME International Open Design Competition for a $ 30,000 USD single occupancy home within an urban area of a developed country.
The competition was sponsored by Building Trust International in 2012.
My proposal was awarded one of nine Honourable Mentions.
Site and Context
The site is located in a district near the centre of the city, Bridgetown. It is off a major artery into the city called Roebuck Street.
The long but narrow site creates an opportunity to explore exterior spaces without encroaching on local planning setback regulations.
It also allows for the possibility of accommodating two homes on the site.
Design Approach
Traditional modest homes in that district and throughout similar neighbourhoods in Barbados tend to be closed off from the exterior.
Main living activities happen on the inside, and though the lots are small, not much of the perimeter land is used.
However, this HOME design has an intrinsic relationship with the exterior.
Interior bleeds seamlessly into the exterior, creating one space.
Its edges between the interior and exterior blurred to create the sense of larger, more open spaces.
In addition, this strategy better utilises small narrow sites often found in low-income districts in the city.
Keeping Construction Costs Low
The project encompasses two main ideas as its generators for reducing the cost of construction. These are incorporating more outdoor spaces and using more affordable materials.
Incorporating Outdoor Spaces
The first is incorporating the outdoors as part of the main liveable spaces of the home. The tropical climate of Barbados makes habitation on the exterior pleasant, though seldom explored.
Porches, patios and terraces are often incorporated into middle to upscale designs but are often ignored for the more dominant spaces to which these exterior spaces serve.
The design places part or the entire functional space of the public rooms on the exterior while maintaining the cosiness and shelter of a home.
Rather than have a house with a patio or porch, let the home become a patio or porch.
Using Affordable Materials
The second idea considers the most affordable materials and forms of construction.
The words “shedroof and paling” are Barbadian terms referring to a lean-to roof over a shed and a zinc fence and are usually associated with the cheapest forms of construction and can often be seen on storage sheds and animal enclosures.
The design uses these types of materials and construction practices in an application that makes them more socially and culturally responsive.
Though these materials are usually shunned by modern-day homeowners, the contemporary design and openness of the home make it acceptable.
Horizontal Pivot Doors
To create openness in the home and to extend it out to the boundaries, large door openings were needed.
Horizontal pivoting doors, with counterweights and louvre panels, open upwards. This action provides additional shelter to the exterior spaces just outside of the house.
They could also go beyond the typical building line required by the local planning authority. Hence, creating additional covered and useable areas of the site.
Response To Tropical Climate
The project uses lightweight material. These types of materials are not only less expensive but also store less heating making the home cooler at night.
A corrugated metal wall is along the west of the home. It is protected from the western sun by water storage drums. In addition, the kitchen, closet and storage cupboards are also along that wall. This design provides more insulation space from radiating heat from the sun.
Also, there is a vent space at the top of the wall cavity, ensuring habitable space remains cool.
Slatted Timber Screen
A slatted wall, made from salvaged wood from construction sites, provides a privacy screen while allowing light and air through.
In addition, it creates an attractive internal and external artistic feature wall. Hence, adding beauty to the home.
Accessibility
Since the design of the house incorporates ideas for catering to the elderly, special attention is given to accessibility.
An entrance ramp, wide door openings and clear linear circulation, along with adequate manoeuvring clearance in the bathroom, make this house accessible.
Safety and Security
Issues of safety and security in such districts dictated that though spaces open directly out to exterior spaces, the home is still able to completely secure its occupants behind doors and slatted screens.
The slatted screens as well as all high-level louvred openings, are fitted with wire mess to protect against rodents and other intruders while allowing ample ventilation.
Cost Estimation
According to BCQS International’s Construction Market Trend Report 2011, the indicative construction cost per square foot for modest quality residences in Barbados is $100 USD.
The actual enveloped floor area of the home is 298 sq. ft., plus, with an additional 90 sq. ft. of formal, habitable exterior rooms, the “Shedroof and Paling” home will provide comfortable spaces while coming in under budget.
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