Architectural example: Dessau Torten estate – Designed by Gropius
Quote: “People’s needs instead of luxury needs”
Teaching: Good design is not exclusive it is for everyone, something that Morris would approve of.
Size: 80sqM (not including balconies)
Huf-Haus equivalent: ART2
Floors: 2
Interior layout: Flexible
Outdoor space: Balconies
Purpose: Affordable and adaptable housing
Unique feature: transferable outdoor indoor space
Method: Moveable light weight insulated wall, window panels and doors
Unique construction element: Barn hinges attached to posts allow attachment and detachment of wall sections; glazed sections slide in to ceiling cavity
The Dessau Torten estate was built to tackle the housing shortage in the Weimar district of Germany. Once the residents had moved in most of the house built by Gropius were modified beyond recognition. This need for flexibility and future proofing will be addressed in this option. When living in this house you would have the possibility of many internal layouts; walls, doors and glazed panels could be attached, moved, removed and store with minimal effort. It may require the employment of a builder to make the alterations if the residents are not physically strong, but in less than a day the house could be changed to fit current needs. The space under the stairs will be used to store the wall panels when not in use, the only parts of the house which cannot be alter are the stairs, kitchen and bathroom.
Balconies on each aspect will be adaptable, and can change from being out-door to indoor space with minimal effort, glazed sections hinged at the top can slide in and out of the ceiling cavity. This allows for the house to be changed from a summer to a winter house. Removing walls and glazing in summer and replacing it in winter. This flexibility also helps to tackle the issues of the changing nuclear family and the needs of growing children during their lives.
