AUAR uses robotics and automation to complete customizable prefab dwelling unit in bristol

AUAR’s first permanent unit houses a group of musicians

after several experimentations with temporary structures, design and technology company AUAR has now completed its first permanent dwelling unit which will be used as an office and rehearsal studio for a couple of bristol-based musicians. the 10 sqm (107 sqft) cabin is built using the firm’s modular timber system, which integrates robotics and automation to provide high-quality, beautifully designed, and sustainable affordable housing. in particular, the project demonstrates the potential of AUAR’s system to support customization and community participation in the construction process.

AUAR uses robotics and automation to complete customizable prefab dwelling unit in bristol

all images by naaro

a SYSTEM that CREATES adaptable and customizable ENVIRONMENTS

the modular system by AUAR (find more here) consists of building blocks made from timber which are robotically prefabricated and assembled into dwelling units. the production chain begins when a robot assembles timber sheets into individual building blocks, then stacks the blocks into easily transportable units. these units are delivered locally to a given site and assembled by local craftspeople and builders into homes.

this first permanent dwelling unit will be mainly used as a rehearsal studio by a cellist and double bassist. the clients selected this specific construction system because the resulting structures can be easily customized to site and function, offering a unique environment. they also feature thermal and acoustic insulation, which can be achieved while still retaining a light-filled space, as well as renewable properties and a low-carbon footprint.

AUAR uses robotics and automation to complete customizable prefab dwelling unit in bristol

responding to each occupant’s personal needs

using the company’s automation process, the units can be easily customized based on site characteristics, as well as on the occupant’s lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. this provides an absolute alternative to existing modular housing approaches which are repetitive and difficult to adapt to local contexts. what’s more, the timber building blocks can be dismantled and reassembled for other uses, therefore creating less material waste and aligning with principles of circular design.

in the case of this permanent unit, AUAR generated multiple designs in response to the south-east facing building site and an understanding of the clients’ needs. with the same number of blocks, the design team discussed different, customized options. ‘some of the designs were more introverted, other block combinations were more open to the garden, whilst others explored the design possibilities of an alcove space, with or without rooflight, and so on,’ explains AUAR CEO mollie claypool. from there, the clients selected the features they preferred, and a final version was generated. importantly, the exact cost was known at all times, as it relates directly to the number of blocks used.

AUAR uses robotics and automation to complete customizable prefab dwelling unit in bristol

fitting seamlessly into the surroundings

fabrication of the timber components took place locally, in bristol, at the citizen-led manufacturing hub KWMC the factory. block prefabrication took two weeks and the dwelling unit itself was constructed in seven days by a combination of local contractors and community residents experienced in working with auar’s modular building system and employed to work alongside the AUAR team.

the resulting unit fits seamlessly into the client’s backyard. despite a small footprint of 10 sqm (107 sqft), a large floor-to- eiling window/door offers a visual and physical connection to the client’s garden, giving an impression of spaciousness. a skylight positioned over the desk enhances the natural light flooding the unit. along with the timber blocks and timber cladding, all additional construction materials were selected for their low-carbon, sustainable properties. these include a non-toxic, recyclable epdm roof, rubber floor, and paper cellulose insulation.

AUAR uses robotics and automation to complete customizable prefab dwelling unit in bristol