MIKADO
WS/SS 23/24 / HANNE EICKELMAN
TASK
Designing a building based on the principles of the circular economy.
PERSONAL GOAL
Exploring new approaches for constructing affordable, temporary, and sustainable solutions for social housing projects.
RESULT
A versatile building, assembled from reclaimed materials and modular systems, adaptable to diverse needs.
MIKADO represents a groundbreaking approach to reimagining modular systems, focusing on the imperative for temporary, flexible, and cost-effective building methods. This innovative structure, composed of reused scaffolding and modular living units, embodies a truly sustainable ethos, offering a solution for accommodating transient needs and seamlessly transitioning between locations.
Situated in Molenbeek, Belgium, a district of Brussels grappling with an acute social housing crisis, the demand for affordable housing has never been more pressing. While social housing plays a vital role in urban development and social mobility, it need not be permanent. As communities evolve, residents may aspire to more prestigious architectural landmarks within their neighborhoods.
MIKADO facilitates this transition without the resource-intensive and environmentally damaging cycle of construction and demolition associated with traditional social housing projects. By providing a flexible, adaptable, and environmentally conscious alternative, MIKADO meets the immediate needs of communities while fostering sustainable urban development.
CONSTRUCTION CONCEPT
Introducing a modular system for all constructions that prioritizes reusability, facilitating the repurposing of materials already in use or designated for reuse.
HOUSING CONCEPT
Minimizing individual/private space while maximizing shared/common areas to foster dialogue among diverse groups and enhance community cohesion.
IMPLEMENTATION
Employing reused scaffolding as the primary structural element of the building and integrating a modular box system for private living units. Extensive open spaces facilitate the development of shared community areas.
CONSTRUCTION
One of the fundamental concepts underpinning the building project is the modularity of the systems, which allows for the entire structure to be rapidly assembled, disassembled, and relocated elsewhere.
This innovative approach relies on two key elements: the use of recycled scaffolding and the integration of crates as modular building components. These elements not only ensure the structural integrity of our construction but also play a pivotal role in advancing the principles of circular economy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
The entire framework of the building is constructed using repurposedscaffolding materials, and within this category, we place significant emphasis on the use of Ringlock systems. These Ringlock systems are instrumental in enabling the swift assembly and disassembly of the building.
What makes the Ringlock system particularly advantageous is its
widespread availability and frequent disposal in landfill sites. In our project, we give these systems a second life by repurposing them.
On the left, you can see two detailed connections. The upper illustration demonstrates how the system is connected for horizontal bracing, while the lower one showcases its use in diagonal bracing.
These connections are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the building, ensuring its stability and safety while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. This innovative use of Ringlock systems not only contributes to the circular economy but also enhances the sustainability and efficiency of our construction approach.
The residential modules are constructed using individual crates measuring 50x100 cm or 50x50 cm. These crates are positioned in an offset pattern and securely fastened together, creating a simplified form of timber framing.
The addition of other elements, such as windows and doors, is easily accomplished by removing individual boxes and replacing them with corresponding framed window or door modules, which are then fastened into the surrounding boxes.
For insulation purposes, if desired, the boxes can be filled with insulation material and sealed from the front. This sealing can be achieved with various materials, including a simple wooden panel, plaster, clay, and more.
The entire system is designed to be easily disassembled and reassembled elsewhere. Additionally, this crate-based system has the potential for constructing furniture and other objects, further enhancing its versatility and sustainability.
RESULT
The layout of the building primarily focuses on distinguishing between shared spaces and the smaller, private apartments. On the ground floor, you can find various smaller spaces for shops and cafes, as well as a bike storage unit and the main entrance to the living areas. The ground floor also serves as an entrance to the inner block.
Each floor consists of living units, a shared sanitary unit, and a common open space that can be used by the inhabitants for social events, work, and leisure, which is why the living units themselves can be quite compact.
The roof terrace is an open space, partly roofed and partly outdoors, for residents to use for larger gatherings and other social events.
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