YAC Rural housing
2022competition
In collaboration with
Gunter Dehouwer
One of the most complex tasks to come for future architects is how we can repurpose these old Cascina typologies of Lozano and create interesting spaces and living areas. By creating different habitational typologies, we try to attract an interesting mix of people and households. Handling each building differently results in four unique habitation hubs.
The Farmers house functions as two individual residences for a small family. Four cohousing units with a communal kitchen and living on the ground floor are situated in the manor house. By extrapolating the circulation to the outside of the building the inner space is greatly enlarged to accommodate two units with own kitchen and bathroom on each floor. The stairwell functions a generous serving space with views to the surrounding landscape.
The stable takes an important role in the concept. Besides housing two large families, it’s also the main collective space with a double-height multifunctional space with kitchen at ground level and a common laundry room upstairs. It’s strategic position next to the Aia with an integrated swimming pond enhances its function. In addition, there are voids in the authentic volume of the stable that ensure that the dwellings become less dense and receives more natural light to its core. In the porch, a small starter home will be provided in each bay. The void between the living spaces on the ground floor provides more light and a continuous relationship with the upper floor which features a bedroom area with office and bathroom.