A Scandinavian Way of Life

I am 13 years old, living in London U.K., and about to join Brighton College. I have a passion for all things creative; designing, 3D printing, and art.

I have developed a concept for affordable housing that prioritizes high energy efficiency, communal thinking and family life. I am half-Swedish and my concept has been inspired by the Scandinavian way of life.

Revit

In this concept, housing is made affordable through:

1. 1 floor low-rise means lower construction costs per square foot
2. Each unit has two interconnecting spaces, each with its own separate entrance. The setup mimics that of interconnecting hotel rooms - the main difference in this concept is that one of the spaces is much larger than the other. The resident can utilise the extra space as a separate rental unit, a nanny apartment, a grandparent apartment, a guest apartment, or simply as part of the overall living space
3. Importantly, this allows for multi-functional use and could also provide a rental income that subsidizes the overall cost of living, whilst providing extra rental units to the area.
4. It may also allow for multi-generational living with less friction and a degree of privacy

1. Each unit is placed along two others in a block, with a total of 12 units. The block can be multiplied several times in the envisaged location
2. Corners of each block can be designated as commercial units
3. A key feature of the plan is that each block benefits from a centrally placed Green Communal Area. This is a garden area that can only be accessed from the backyards of each unit, as such it provides an entirely safe and secluded place for children of the block to play in. It also serves a place for celebrations, sports and relaxation for all residents of the block

Energy efficiency and sustainability features:

1. Heating and cooling through a Ground Source Heat Pump system (geothermal) that serves the entire block of 12 properties
2. The centralized heating setup means a reduction in the necessary utility space in each unit. It also reduces upfront and maintenance costs
3. Solar panels to be placed on the flat roofs of each unit, connected to a centralized battery system (centralized for the same reasons as mentioned above)
4. Electric charging points for electric vehicles, served by the centralized battery
5. Rainwater recovery system for use in the irrigation of the Communal Green Area

A location in New York state within an hour's drive of Manhattan