'the pitstop' modular housing concept suggests stackable units where customization is king

‘the pitstop’ is the winner of the 2016 innovative youth housing design competition and construction, organized by the hong kong institute of architects. the initiative is organized around exploring youth housing possibilities through community engagement and active consultation, and this year’s winner is an ambitious building-block design focused on dynamic living spaces, flexible programs and rooms conceived to suit an individuals personal tastes and preferences. the design brief stipulated one 3m x 5m unit (about 15 m2 with 3.7m floor to floor height) for youths aged 18-34, and 500 m2 communal spaces. 

designed by andrew chan, yannis chan, jonathan chan, duncan fok and derek lau, the pitstop’s high-rise building form is divided into five different levels based the ascending typologies of the rooms. the layout out of each level was organized around conversations with students and youths, and about what, for them, comprised the perfect living space. those in accomodation on the ‘low-rise’ level can enjoy more engagement with the street, access to shops and connection to green space. dwellers in the ‘mid-rise’ zone are more far removed from the ground level, and more intimately clustered. these mid-zone dwellings have ease of access to communal activity spaces for pursuits like rock climbing, ball games etc, as well a roof area for a sunshine deck and communal farm space. 

‘the pitstop’ is the winner of the 2016 innovative youth housing design competition and construction

the high-rise zone of the building is itself divided into three different levels, offering three different modes of living. the low zone is described by the architects as the most vibrant part of the community, with large numbers of units sharing common space, increasing casual encounters and communal events. the level also plays host to a town hall unit, where residents can gather and discuss the future of the home. the mid zone spaces are located at least 10 storeys from the ground, and are designed for those wish to escape the noise below but still desire a reasonable social life. wide corridors and pocket space guarantees the possibility for future expansion. lastly, residents of the high zone are privy to the finest views of the tower, but social space is minimized. here, tranquility and urban solitude are the traits of choice. 

the design brief stipulated one 3m x 5m unit for youths aged 18-34, and 500 m2 communal spaces

through this concept of co-living, three distinct housing programs have been designed. acting as building blocks, these modulated rooms can be stacked and transformed to suit the needs of their occupants. unit A is a duplex space which can interlock and ‘borrow’ headroom from unit B. equipped with a balcony, this unit is capable of being used as a retail space as well as for shared activities. unit B has a larger floor area and contains storage underneath, with special consideration given to disabled access. this area also contains an enlarged skylight, imagined by the architects to be used during meditation. like unit A, the broad front section of this unit can also be used for retail if wished, or for an openable community area. 

acting as building blocks, these modulated rooms can be stacked and transformed to suit the needs of its occupant

unit C is a landscape oriented unit with increased façade, ventilation and yard space. the interior design of the dwellings are characterized by a simple palette of white and wood. caster equipped furniture, movable walls and lofted living spaces combine to generate a housing complex almost entirely designed by its residents. with all units, customization can be taken to the extreme, with rooms capable of facilitating a range of different programs. once the layout of the unit is decided, the lodging is slotted into one of the five zones. ‘everyone has unique needs and fulfilling every need is always challenging’, say the architects. ‘in the design process, we used a ‘bottom-up’ approach, which echoes one of the main themes of this competition. we participated in charrettes, organized workshops and role plays to understand the needs of the potential dwellers. the design is truly up to the preference of the youths, rather than purely developer’s dream or architect’s fantasy.’

the unit C mock up is on display until march 26th 2017 at the hong kong science and technology park.

equipped with a balcony, this unit is capable of being used as a retail space as well as for shared activities 

unit B has a larger floor area and contains storage underneath, with special consideration given to disabled access

unit C mock up kitchen

unit C mock up interior 

the high-rise zone of the building is itself divided into three different levels, offering three different modes of living 

diagram translating the needs of the youths to building form 

diagrams of units, functions and facilities distribution; plans for low rise, mid rise and high rise
 

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edited by: peter corboy | designboom