Together: Co-Housing, Community, and the City
Project details
This project represents the culmination of the skills I have developed across my architectural studies thus far, integrating independent research, site analysis, and creative problem-solving. Set in Newcastle’s Byker district, the design reimagines a vacant building in an impoverished neighborhood as a vibrant co-housing community that fosters interaction, creativity, and self-sufficiency. The project combines renovation, adaptive re-use, and extensions to enrich the local framework.
Publicly accessible, community-driven spaces on the ground floor create a dynamic hub, benefiting both residents and the wider neighborhood. The project reflects a comprehensive approach, incorporating detailed architectural drawings, advanced software skills, material studies, and sustainable construction methods. This design process also allowed me to explore architectural technology, addressing the unique challenges of adaptive reuse while ensuring functionality and cohesion in the final design.
Date | 2024 |
Tools used | Photoshop, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Indesign, Hand Drafting |
My proposal
The building has a renovated brick façade that integrates with its urban context, complemented by modern extensions of charred timber and zinc roofing. Open to the public, the ground floor houses a pottery studio, café, and art shop, creating a direct interface with the street. Above, residential floors are organized around a central circulation core, with communal spaces on each level to encourage interaction. Balconies and terraces are integrated into the design, offering outdoor access for residents while contributing to the building’s layered composition. The rooftop features a shared seating area with skylights, creating a physical and visual connection between the public and private zones while maximizing natural light and fostering a sense of openness.
