CTST
—
Compression Test
Modular Housing Kit

Compression Test

The challenge of creating a pair of compressed studio apartments that can fill a lifted 16'x16' void necessitates the creation of a quick, mobile, and opportunistic building system that can react to the found conditions of the site. Access to the site is limited and the ground must be free.

The construction method is imagined as a series of prefabricated rigid frames and solids. The frames are tilted up and the force of the solids locks them in designed positions. Within the limited space, a flexible system of planes, flip-down systems, stairs, and rigid connections is developed.

Two studio units within this confined space must find ways to bypass each other and share common amenities. The units generally spiral around each other in a manner that provides them each with a central space, rest space, and terrace. Flat packed storage systems wrap the exteriors of the two units. The shelving is another method of stabilizing the tilt-up frames.

Modular Housing Kit

PROGRAM: Two Unit Infill Housing

SITE: 16' x 16' void; entered from below; undisclosed location

CRITIC: Joel Sanders

YEAR:
2012
AWARDS:
NEWS:
No items found.

Housing

Studies

Infill

Urbanism

Axonometric animation showing the various layers of the CTST project from columns to circulation and unit spacesAxonometric animation showing the various layers of the CTST project from columns to circulation and unit spacesAxonometric animation showing the various layers of the CTST project from columns to circulation and unit spacesAxonometric animation showing the various layers of the CTST project from columns to circulation and unit spaces

(0) Forest of columns; (1) Shared circulation path; (2) Each unit is aware of the other through geometry and shared surfaces; (3) Shared bathroom; separate roof terraces

Axonometric animation showing the various layers of the CTST project from columns to circulation and unit spaces
Axonometric animation showing the various layers of the CTST project from columns to circulation and unit spaces

PROJECT IMAGES

Series of axonometric drawings of the various components of the CTST infill unit constructionsSeries of axonometric drawings of the various components of the CTST infill unit constructionsSeries of axonometric drawings of the various components of the CTST infill unit constructionsSeries of axonometric drawings of the various components of the CTST infill unit constructions
Sequence of construction strategies for building two units of CTST compressed housing from a void belowSequence of construction strategies for building two units of CTST compressed housing from a void belowSequence of construction strategies for building two units of CTST compressed housing from a void belowSequence of construction strategies for building two units of CTST compressed housing from a void below
Series of concept sketches for informal structural systems that can be tilted up for the CTST housing infillSeries of concept sketches for informal structural systems that can be tilted up for the CTST housing infillSeries of concept sketches for informal structural systems that can be tilted up for the CTST housing infillSeries of concept sketches for informal structural systems that can be tilted up for the CTST housing infill
Section showing the compressed nature of the CTST infill housing units within a void as entered from belowSection showing the compressed nature of the CTST infill housing units within a void as entered from belowSection showing the compressed nature of the CTST infill housing units within a void as entered from belowSection showing the compressed nature of the CTST infill housing units within a void as entered from below
Models of the CTST infill housing prototype showing the structural grid skin that doubles as storage and enclosureModels of the CTST infill housing prototype showing the structural grid skin that doubles as storage and enclosureModels of the CTST infill housing prototype showing the structural grid skin that doubles as storage and enclosureModels of the CTST infill housing prototype showing the structural grid skin that doubles as storage and enclosure
Functions made possible by the all-in-one module with bed, bench, and kitchen for the CTST micro unitsFunctions made possible by the all-in-one module with bed, bench, and kitchen for the CTST micro unitsFunctions made possible by the all-in-one module with bed, bench, and kitchen for the CTST micro unitsFunctions made possible by the all-in-one module with bed, bench, and kitchen for the CTST micro units
Axonometric animation showing the various layers of the CTST project from columns to circulation and unit spacesAxonometric animation showing the various layers of the CTST project from columns to circulation and unit spacesAxonometric animation showing the various layers of the CTST project from columns to circulation and unit spacesAxonometric animation showing the various layers of the CTST project from columns to circulation and unit spaces
Set of study models looking at using tilt-up structure and pathways to hold two units in the CTST studySet of study models looking at using tilt-up structure and pathways to hold two units in the CTST studySet of study models looking at using tilt-up structure and pathways to hold two units in the CTST studySet of study models looking at using tilt-up structure and pathways to hold two units in the CTST study
Sequence showing the modular components for the CTST construction with frames, bed modules, storage and servicesSequence showing the modular components for the CTST construction with frames, bed modules, storage and servicesSequence showing the modular components for the CTST construction with frames, bed modules, storage and servicesSequence showing the modular components for the CTST construction with frames, bed modules, storage and services
CTST Construction diagram based on shelving systems stabilized by combining frames with solid volumes CTST Construction diagram based on shelving systems stabilized by combining frames with solid volumes CTST Construction diagram based on shelving systems stabilized by combining frames with solid volumes CTST Construction diagram based on shelving systems stabilized by combining frames with solid volumes
Series of function diagrams of the CTST housing units showing the rooms, shelving, and circulationSeries of function diagrams of the CTST housing units showing the rooms, shelving, and circulationSeries of function diagrams of the CTST housing units showing the rooms, shelving, and circulationSeries of function diagrams of the CTST housing units showing the rooms, shelving, and circulation
Pair of model studies looking at the structural system and shelving systems stabilizing the CTST infill constructionPair of model studies looking at the structural system and shelving systems stabilizing the CTST infill constructionPair of model studies looking at the structural system and shelving systems stabilizing the CTST infill constructionPair of model studies looking at the structural system and shelving systems stabilizing the CTST infill construction
Diagram showing the various multi-function capabilities within the shared party wall of the CTST infill designDiagram showing the various multi-function capabilities within the shared party wall of the CTST infill designDiagram showing the various multi-function capabilities within the shared party wall of the CTST infill designDiagram showing the various multi-function capabilities within the shared party wall of the CTST infill design

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