Garage with house

Politecnico di Milano, Polytechnic University of Milan, School of Design

Project idea

Aim of the studio was retrofitting and the extension of an existing building from the 70s located on the outskirts of Milano city in mainly residential area. Firstly we were supposed to invent the program of the building that was meant to be sustainable. Second task was to add new volume with two housing units, using only dry connections.
In the end we were asked to provide also technical drawings with details.
Our personal aim was to provide a function and concept, that could be used in other suburban areas around the world.

Project description

Nowadays people own so many things which they do not need. Furthermore the broken tools are destined to end up in a bin, we lost the ability to fix them. Few decades ago people were used to borrow tools, axes, sews from neighbors or friends. They did not own everything.

We are proposing a Garage with house, place, where people can borrow tools as well as bicycles, (due to close proximity of cycle path) fix them or learn how to fix them, as well as use the space for their own project.
An entrance corridor divides the building into a "messy workspace" and "clean workspace" with a small library which provides "do it yourself" books.

Two housing units are added to a building by creating another common corridor, with laundry, gardening tools moreover it is connected to a building by a shared kitchen, used also by workers in workspaces during the day and lectures.

Technical information

The existing building is made of steel pillars, we do not change the bearing construction, only support it, insulate it and create openings where needed.
New volume is made of timber frame construction and extensive roof.
All construction layers and openings are designed in order to have a proper U values and to be as sustainable as possible in local conditions.

Co-authors

Rudolf Nikerle, Lisa Sabiucciu

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