In conceptual renderings, it looks like a set for a sci-fi movie about a better future. It's been called "the eco-friendly apartment we should all live in," by Fast Company magazine. It requires no heat- that's right, none. MGB spoke with designer Tony Kettle about the "eco-friendly concept apartment" he unveiled at Cannes on March 10.
What exactly is new about a mi-loft, and what led you to this concept?
We really wanted to take affordable housing to the next level with a new stylish housing model that is also sustainable and quick to build. The double height rooms and loft-style layout is usually associated with much more expensive apartments and the most exciting sustainable feature is that the homes require no heating –body heat will be sufficient to keep occupants warm. By using innovative ‘Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery’ (MVHR) technology, designed by Max Fordham Consulting Engineers, combined with an exceptionally high level of air tightness, heat generated within the home – such as body heat and heat from household appliances - is reused to maintain indoor air temperature at a constant level. Individual homes have used the MVHR technology before but this will be the first time it will be used for a multi-family building.
What will the cost be?
The MiLoft housing model has a low construction cost, starting at $80,000 per unit, and the modular design, with shallow foundations requiring little groundwork, means that the buildings can take only five months to build. Made from responsibly sourced timber with steel stiffeners, the units are designed to fit on the back of a truck for easy transportation from the factory direct to the site.
The mi-loft renderings have a very sleek, ultra-modern look that’s miles away from what most people envision when talking about “affordable housing.” To what extent can the interiors be customized without compromising the efficiency? And do you anticipate any sales resistance because they look so new and different?
We really designed this as something people would aspire to buy. The concept is targeted at people who wish to experience loft style living, without the ability to buy a penthouse. We think the stylish and eco-friendly design should appeal to everyone as it is a blank canvas which allows the occupants to personalize their own space as they want. It will be a great place to live with the main staircase designed to improve social interaction , and the rooftop gardens another area for neighbors to get to know each other. And MiLoft is attractive on cost: in addition to protecting the environment by using zero carbon technology and sustainable materials, the MiLoft design will mean significant savings for homeowners and occupants with minimal energy usage and running costs.
Are there lessons or strategies in the design of these units that can be applied to modular housing in more rural settings?
The MiLoft concept is already attracting interest from politicians and housing executives in the UK and RMJM is now preparing to make the model available in other urban centers which face affordable housing supply issues including Russia, India and the US. But the MiLoft concept, with simple construction, reduced time on site and energy efficient features could be applied to any housing anywhere.
Comments, Pingbacks:
No Comments/Pingbacks for this post yet...
This post has 2 feedbacks awaiting moderation...
