Kasha Yamu Shelter

Using Revit, I digitally designed and physically built a detailed 3D model of the Kasha Yamu Shelter. This shelter is intentionally crafted to be welcoming, open, and adaptable, with a strong emphasis on environmental harmony and integration with the surrounding landscape. The structure features two distinct floors: the ground level includes five thoughtfully arranged rooms and a central lobby that promotes flow and accessibility, while the upper floor—enclosed by a striking transparent dome—houses a kitchen and cafeteria, creating a bright, communal space for gathering and dining.

Foam Sheets - for the main structure of the building [Hobby Lobby]

Textured Paper - for the color of the walls [Hobby Lobby]

Balsa & Bass Wood - for the small furniture such as the bed, wardrobe, tables, and benches [Hobby Lobby]

Tape - to create the transparent shape of the dome [Home]

Wire - for the structure of the dome [Hobby Lobby]

Lights - for the light [Amazon]

Trees - to incorporate nature and plants as shown in my design [Amazon]

Street lights - to make it more realistic [Hobby Lobby]

My design process began with a series of rough sketches, where I explored different shapes and sizes for the structure to get a sense of its overall form. I initially started with a simple triangle as the base, but as the concept developed, I transitioned it into a more complex and balanced hexagonal shape, as seen in the images. To enhance its visual appeal and architectural character, I added a dome on top, which also helped define the structure’s identity. Once the overall form felt right, I moved on to finalizing the floor plans.

Next, I focused on planning the interior layout to ensure the space felt as welcoming and open as possible. In each room, I placed essential furnishings—a bed, wardrobe, and a work desk with a chair—to create a comfortable and functional living space. Each room also includes a private bathroom equipped with a toilet, bathtub, and a sink with a built-in cabinet for storage. In the central lobby area, I added a staircase leading to the second floor, along with a small convenience store and a reception desk to greet visitors. At the heart of the building, I incorporated a circular area featuring an elevator, making the upper floor easily accessible for individuals who may have difficulty using the stairs.

At first, I didn’t have a clear plan for the second level of the building, but I eventually decided to include a kitchen and cafeteria to provide meals for the occupants and create a shared space for gathering. As I explored placement options within the dome, I realized the space behind the elevator would be ideal for the kitchen—it made efficient use of the layout without blocking the open feel of the design. Once the kitchen was in place, I added plenty of seating throughout the area, making sure to maintain an open and welcoming atmosphere. To enhance comfort and make the space feel more inviting, I included a cozy sofa set with three sofas and added some interior plants to bring life and warmth to the environment.

I soon realized that this project had real potential, and I was excited to take it further by building a scaled 3D model. After gathering my materials, I began by carefully cutting out the walls and floors from foam sheets, making sure each piece matched the dimensions of my design. Once all the structural components were ready, I glued them together to assemble the base of the model, with only the dome left to construct. To create the dome, I used transparent plastic supported by wire and tape, designing it to sit neatly on top of the second floor. Wanting to bring the model to life, I added interior furniture pieces and enhanced the exterior with trees, plants, benches, and small lights to reflect the welcoming environment I envisioned.

Above are all the pictures of the renderings and the 3D model during the day and the night. These are the same pictures as in the PDF, but the PDF has explanations for each picture which this doesn't.