Again another project re-using old shipping containers. What I like about the project is that that create an interesting house type with an open space living area in the centre of the building. I really like the shape of the house which was designed by Arcgency, a danish architectural practice.

The most interesting part for me is that the founders created an architectural product, which they could market all over the world. I could not figure out how much the prototype house would cost but I will update the article as soon as I find out. I am curious if the start-up worldFLEXhome will really make it to mass production . But hopefully they will work on doing that. I like the idea and the concept they created. Read everything about the design below.

Design concept of the WFH House

(Describtion by worldFLEXhome)

The design is based on Nordic values. Not only according to architecture, but also design objects. These values are defined as:

• Flexibility.
• Build for people, human values. – Good daylight conditions, different types of light.
• Reliable (long term) solutions. – Healthy materials, recyclable materials, design for disassembly strategies.
• Materials that age gracefully.
• Access to nature, greenery.
• Minimalistic look.
• Playfulness.
• Sustainable global housing

Facts

• Size: 180 sqm
• Location of Prototype: Wuxi, China
• Architects: Arcgency
• Client: worldFLEXhome
• Photos: Jens Markus Lindhe

The WFH concept is a modular concept, based on a design principle, using 40 feet high cube standard modules as structural system. The structure can be adapted to local challenges such as climatic or earthquake issues. Online customization-tools give clients the possibility to decide their own version of the house concerning layout, size, facade, interior etc. The configuration happens within a predefined framework that will ensure high architectural value and quality of materials. Building-components are prefabricated and on site construction can be limited.

FLEX space

The FLEX space is the heart of the house. It contains the living room, kitchen and can be used for multiple purposes. Parts of the room are double height, creating perfect lighting conditions. The rest of the space is one story height, defined by the landing that creates access to the spaces on the second floor. In each end of the FLEX space there is access to the surroundings and daylight. The boundary between inside and outside disappears, when the doors open. This is a fundamental part of the design; to be able to open let nature in. It is a consequence of having varying requirements for inside temperature and definitions of what domestic functions takes place inside and outside.

Geometry

The geometry of the FLEX space is defined by the two rows of modules, and can easily be modified to specific wishes regarding size. The FLEX space has a number of possible solutions for subdivisions. Both on one plan or two plans. It can also be one big space, creating a lot of light and openness. The kitchen elements are built into the wall (into the technical module). It creates more floor space and also makes connection to water and plumbing easy. The kitchen can also be extended with at freestanding element, defining the work area of the kitchen. From the FLEX space there is access to all spaces. This eliminates square meters used for logistics. It is possible to make larger openings from the FLEX space into the rooms, again creating flexible solutions within the same system.

The work area of the kitchen

From the FLEX space there is access to all spaces. This eliminates square meters used for logistics. It is possible to make larger openings from the FLEX space into the rooms, again creating flexible solutions within the same system.

Bedrooms

The size of the bedrooms is defined by the half of a module (15m2). There are four bedrooms, and they can be used for multiple purposes: A parent’s bedroom, kid’s bedroom, workspace etc. Three of the rooms have windows on two facades, creating a mixed light. It is possible to remove the wall, or part of it, facing the FLEX space. This adds flexibility to the layout and shows the structural systems ability to adapt do different needs.

Landing

The landing creates access to the second floor, but can also be used as a space for play, relaxation or work. It gives the inhabitant the possibility to draw back, but still enjoy the company of people in the house. You are in the FLEX space, but because you are on the first floor you are drawn back from the action. It is an ideal place for a quiet retreat and still being able to observe what is going on in the house.

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The big idea: Affordable Student housing in shipping containers

When developer Joerg Duske saw a documentary on tv about a container village for students in Amsterdam the idea was born. He wanted to build a similar project in Berlin. Taking a look at the market it was a good decision:

The rents in Berlin are going up and small, affordable apartments are rare. In 2013 there where 150.000 students enrolled to national universities in Berlin. The capacity of available student accommodations only counts around 9.500 places. A good chance for private investors to move into this market.

Urban lifestyle in a globalized world

The new multi-storey accommodation blocks are named “Frankie, Johnny & Nelly”. The names represent the community of students from all over the world living together on disused government land in Planterwald, an area south east of Berlin.

The plot of land is 11.000 m² large. The developer will build 235 single-apartments with a size of 26 m², 65 double-room apartments and 11 triple-room apartment.

Interesting is that Duske financed part of the project via crowdfunding. He offered private investors a profit participation loan with a 5.5% fixed interest rate and a 1.5 % profit participation

Compared to state owned students accommodations in Berlin the rents are quite expensive though. Students have to pay 389 € for a single apartment. But this price is an all inclusive offer includes furnitures, high speed internet and all additional costs.

Playful Architecture and a vibrant new form of living

The story of “Frankie & Johnny” started with an architectural idea competition. More than 100 offices took part and the winner was Holzer Kobler Architects from Zurich. The architects are explaining their design concept as follows:

“Around 400 modules are stacked onto each other into two long volumes to make up the student dormitory Frankie & Johnny in Berlin Treptow. The differently colored groups of shipping containers shifted slightly towards the outside and inside or turned 90 degrees create a playful architecture that at the same time is metaphoric for the lively and vibrant new form of cooperative living they create.

The High Cube Container 40‘, measuring 12.19 m x 2.90 m, is prefabricated as a modular system. The units can be connected into primarily single, double or triple units.

Students can spend time on the seating platforms in the central area between the two parts of the building on the ground floor or chat on the access galleries. The latter communicative in-between zone is a place of meeting and exchange that serves as a common balcony at the same time.

The compact building divides the site into two open spaces of different character. In addition to activity and sports areas there is a green oasis of spacious lawn and trees. The café on the ground floor forms the heart and central meeting point of the complex.

The name Frankie & Johnny stands for the residents – students from all parts of the globe – who will live together in this one-of-a-kind location in Berlin.”

For further project information take a look at the following links:

http://www.eba51.de

http://holzerkobler.com

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