With area being at a premium in most massive cities today, architects are having to suppose exterior the field with the intention to maximize sq. footage inside restricted footprints. Prime instance is Mini Tower One, a 3,500-square-foot rear addition and renovation of a multi-family residential constructing in Brooklyn that reimagines the idea of indoor/out of doors dwelling. Designed by the award-winning interdisciplinary design studio MODU, this challenge not solely expands dwelling area by 30%, but additionally units a brand new normal for versatile residential design.
Mini Tower One’s design philosophy facilities round making a seamless transition between indoor and out of doors areas. Every flooring of the constructing is prolonged to incorporate versatile areas that cater to quite a lot of actions, from dwelling and entertaining to enjoyable and having fun with the altering seasons. Key options such because the indoor terrace and all-season room will be enclosed or opened up, permitting residents to immerse themselves all year long, regardless of the climate, all from the consolation of their residence.
A singular instance of incorporating biophilic components indoors that goes past including potted crops to the area is planting a tree proper into the house, as seen above, the place a tree is planted within the concrete flooring. Because it grows, the tree with proceed sprouting up via the void created by the spiral staircase.
The challenge, which follows passive home rules, boasts a high-performance constructing envelope designed to attenuate vitality consumption, creating an hermetic surroundings throughout peak heating and cooling seasons. When the climate is delicate, massive openings invite the outside in, fostering a connection to nature with out sacrificing vitality effectivity.
The constructing’s modern threshold areas, such because the indoor terrace and all-weather room, passively cool incoming air, decreasing the necessity for air-con throughout hotter occasions. This sensible design not solely enhances indoor consolation but additionally considerably cuts down on vitality use. Options just like the edible backyard on the roof terrace and the towering 50-foot birch tree within the yard additional emphasize the challenge’s dedication to nature within the metropolis.
Past its architectural ingenuity, Mini Tower One serves as a catalyst for city planning analysis led by MODU. This analysis goals to determine extra websites in New York Metropolis the place related multi-family additions will be carried out with out necessitating full demolition. The main target is on maximizing accessible Ground Space Ratio (FAR) in properties with zoning top limitations, inadequate present buildings, or unstable soil situations. This technique helps elevated density in ‘center housing’ areas, making such developments accessible to long-time property homeowners and addressing the challenges of gentrification.
Not too long ago acknowledged with the 2024 AIANY Design Award, the challenge seamlessly integrates passive home options – like super-insulated facades and vitality restoration air flow – with cutting-edge options comparable to radiant out of doors heating, an air curtain that opens to the outside, and a planted indoor tree for pure air filtration. Remarkably, regardless of these enhancements, Mini Tower One requires simply 12% extra vitality, which is greater than compensated for by rooftop photo voltaic panels. This mix of effectivity and innovation positions Mini Tower One as a mannequin for maximizing small city footprints and creating sustainable, satisfying dwelling environments.
Rachely Rotem and Phu Hoang of MODU
Pictures by Michael Moran.
