Urban+Housing

Features and Problems
Team New York 2011 had attractive interior design, a creative target environment (the roofs of mid-rise buildings), and the neat ability to partition the building to fit into a storage elevator. Nevertheless, Team New York 2011 performed //very// poorly in technical contests. The house placed last in appliances, comfort zone, and second to last in hot water. It also had a negative net energy balance. The house was relatively expensive ($350,000- 400,000) and also placed poorly in Marketability. Cramped living conditions. As a result, they received 17th in 2011 competition.

What We Can Learn
• Design innovation must be tailored to the requirements of the competition in order to avoid losing points • Even urban homes must feel spacious and comfortable

Goals
• Modularity • Passive Design • Integrated “Greenscape”

Features
• Centralized utilities allows for flexibility and constructibility • Modular design fits a variety of spaces • Modular shelving allows for flexibility in storage and redesign • House is designed on an 18in grid, allowing for ease of construction and rearrangement • “Stack Effect” ventilation • Passive solar heating • Natural light reduces need for artificial lighting • Green roof insulation • Integrated garden • Rainwater collection system feeds greenscape • Native & non-invasive plants

Problems and Criticisms
• Fared poorly across the board, especially in //appliances//, //comfort zone//, //hot water//, and //getting around.// • Not aesthetic

What We Can Learn
• Centralize systems as much as possible • Ensure design flexibility • Encourage constructibility • Passive designs to reduce energy need • Integrate greenery directly into house design to create natural atmosphere and foster sustainability

Goals
• Social development • Simplicity, availability, and affordability

Features
• Contract with end-use family • Design reflects community values in the open front porch as a social hub and the transition from public to private spaces • Passive systems • Isolated mechanicals minimizes energy loss • Panelization increases portability

Problems and Criticisms
• Low points in Energy Balance category • Did not finish the “optional” top floor

What We Can Learn
• Isolated mechanicals • Encourage constructibility and portability • Passive designs reduce energy need • Open, inviting public spaces foster community