STACK 00:
As the housing crisis intensifies, especially in college towns, and the number of students experiencing housing insecurity has drastically increased. Universities have resorted to squeezing multiple students in small dorms in order to account for the shortage of space, affecting their academic performance. Designed based on the principles of biophilia and privacy, Stack not only provides more housing, it also adds more ways academics can connect to nature and each other, increasing their quality of life as well as their academic performance.
Site Context
Connection to Nature
Stack is designed to inhabit people wherever they may be studying, even in places of extreme weather. The lot shown above is 110-116 North Meadow St, Ithaca, New York, where both heavy snow and humidity exist in the same year.
Modular Layout
Modular Dormitory
Team Project
May 2022
Located in the charming downtown Ithaca, less than a 10 minute drive from both Cornell University and Ithaca College, with access to a multitude of hiking trails and parks, this Stack makes it easy for occupants to explore the town and connect with their environment while also having a comfortable home to retreat to.
Courtyard garden encourages users to engage with nature and provides a private way to destress
Use of natural materials like wood and stone bring nature indoors
These large units (675 sqft) will comfortably house users whether they be students, faculty, staff or emerging adults. Access to a private kitchen increases their independance and agency.
Though there is some space in each unit to lounge and complete tasks, users are encouraged to use the more spacious common lounge located in each complex. This creates a balance of perso- nanal privacy and social interaction.
Outdoor seating areas provide users comfort and encourages sitting outdoors and community building in the courtyard.
Each module is 15’ x 15’ and three modules (kitchen, bedroom, hybird outdoor space) make up one dwelling unit. The common lounge module is 15’ x 30’, double the size of one base module.
Modular pre-fabricated units can be reconfigured, expanded upon, reduced or relocated with ease to fit various changing needs.
Each unit has access to a private hybrid outdoor space/entrance area.
Prefabricated homes are a more sustainable choice than tradi- tional homes because there is less material waste as everything is fabricated to precise dimensions. Additionally, prefab homes can be built faster on a lower budget, making it a great choice for universities to house students.
Features
Wood Slats allow more natural light into the space and exposes users to natural elements in their daily lives. Also provides privacy in hybrid outdoor area
Tree Plantings in transition space from outside to inside reduces stress and helps bring a sense of calm.
Large Windows encourage connection to nature and neighborhood.
