Core Components
Core Components: Post and beam minimalism.
Academic studio proposal to produce single family residential structures utilizing prefabrication technologies. Core Components is designed to be the lightest, most extensible habitation system on the market. Fall 2007.
Core Components is a post-and-beam and infill panel solution, assembly being locked with the connecting of a split bracket as shown in step 2 below, and finally with the placement of the roof (or floor above) at the top of the cube.
Looking southeast. Although the Core Components system was designed independent of any particular site, the system was tested with medium-density residences. This view demonstrates the system flexibility that allows site-responsive deployment.
The aerogel-filled translucent panels are sanded and textured on the interior, to maximize light and connections between the relatively small volumes of the interlocked rooms.
The Core Components system was designed independent of any particular site. In order to test its deployment, a proposed site was chose in the Boise Neighborhood of Portland Oregon. The site enjoys sweeping views over the Willamette River and Downtown.
The site sits at the southern edge of the N Mississippi Ave corridor, which is enjoying a renaissance. However, because of the steep slope on the east side of the site, the site is suitable primarily for residential purposes.
The physical nature of the implementation must take into account, however, that the site serves as an important juncture: between residential and commercial, and quiet pedestrian zone and sprawling highway tangle.
In order to totally reinforce the already-existing definition of the east border of the site, units are stacked three dwellings high on that side. This preserves views and provides for modest economies of scale.
Site section looking west, again demonstrating the extinsibility of the system, even as it is deployed in primarily one implementation.
The plan of the typical living space is an exercise in space maximization.
Section of typical residence demonstrating living space proportions.
Elevation facing east. Every implementation of the Core Components system will need to be independently evaluated based on the user needs. This facade provides a strong face to the industrial operations to the east.
Elevation facing south. Unconditioned balcony spaces are provided at the southwest corner of the structures. This acts as a large integrated awning for the rest of the structure, and provides environmental layering.
Elevation facing west. This elevation opens to the courtyard for the project. The sanded plexiglass-aerogel sandwiches that are the panels will alleviate the need for further window treatments, but external shade trees are always desirable.
Plan detail at corner.
Section detail at roof.
Section detail at floor.
Original presentation technical panel.