barry jackson reveals the compact and modular hivehaus

barry jackson reveals the compact and modular hivehaus
all images courtesy of barry jackson

suitable for a wide variety of environments, the modular ‘hivehaus’ designed by barry jackson is based on the hexagonal honeycomb structures built by bees. the compact living space is constructed from identically proportioned ‘cells’ that can be joined together by any of their six sides to create a connected cluster or ‘hive’. this system offers a high level of flexibility and enables a bespoke expansion of the house as it grows with the individual users requirements. each piece has an internal floor area of 9.3m2 and is designed to be used as a specific work/live space. i.e. office, lounge, kitchen, bedroom or bathroom cells all have uniform internal partition walls (with or without pocket doors) that can be added or removed as needed.

‘firewall’ open

the hivehaus is delivered to the site as flatpack components, which means that can be installed on difficult to access locations. each cell is able to be built by 2-3 people, and the adjustable legs and minimal foundations mean the can be set up on sloping or uneven terrain. a green roof system with large circular sky domes allow natural light to filter through to the compact spaces, making them feel bigger than they are. additionally, hexagonal decks create an external expansion of the ‘hive’ with an opening ‘fire wall’ providing an open flow between the indoor and outdoor living spaces.

hivehaus in landscape

compact doesn’t have to feel small

‘firewall’ closed

bathroom through the pocket door 

kitchenette and bedroom

night-time with a fire lit

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.