The project showcases a housing community that reintegrates farming into the urban fabric, seeking to strike a harmonious balance between the historical agricultural lifestyle and the complexities of modern urban existence. The envisioned greenhouse dwellings aim to serve low-income communities in Cincinnati, Ohio. The greenhouse acts a transformative space where individuals can reconnect with their agrarian roots while navigating the challenges of urban life.
Each co-housing cluster is seamlessly interconnected through a network of bridges, facilitating unrestricted pedestrian movement while maintaining vehicle free environment.
From inside the house, you're greeted with a captivating view of the greenhouse. The house's glass panels merge indoor living with the greenery outside, offering residents the sensation of living within the greenhouse while enjoying all the comforts of home. This setup also cleverly traps heat during winter, utilizing warmth generated by the greenhouse to keep the houses cozy and sustainable.
The central greenhouse serves as a communal hub, designed to adapt with the seasons. In winter, it becomes the heart of activity, offering a warm sanctuary when outdoor ventures are limited. Conversely, in summer, the focus shifts outdoors, encouraging community interaction amid the natural elements. This thoughtful layout fosters year-round engagement among residents. Additionally, water from streams is collected into channels, providing a cooling effect when opened during the summer months, enhancing the greenhouse experience.
Research and Analysis: The chosen site, nestled in a valley with slopes on both sides and a mill creek running alongside, underwent sun path analysis to optimize solar exposure. An uneven sloped greenhouse design was selected to maximize south-facing sunlight, while preserving the existing road to minimize tree removal.
Design Development: Various strategies were explored to integrate the greenhouse within the residential structure. The traditional suburban layout was reimagined, with central streets and parking areas converted into greenhouse spaces, optimizing land use and incorporating more features.
Cluster Design: Each cohousing cluster comprises 30 units, featuring a mix of 2-bedroom, 1-bedroom, and studio apartments (10 units each). The size of the greenhouse is tailored to accommodate all cluster residents. Every apartment offers both internal greenhouse access and external outdoor access, ensuring a dynamic seasonal experience. Roof valleys are designed for rainwater harvesting, with water collected and stored in cut and fill plinths within the sloped ground.
