PROJECT LOCATION: Manchester, Vermont
The property is an infill lot one block off the main intersection in Manchester. It is a mostly open parcel with a small stream crossing through the middle. Currently there are three existing houses on the lot.
LOT SIZE: Three acres
The site is mostly flat with some slight rises. Access is from two sides, both smaller road ways off the main thoroughfares. There is a small wetlands on the edge of the property.
HOUSING TYPE
There were no parameters placed on Single versus multifamily units. Of course multifamily predominates because of the multiple efficiencies achieved with shared structure and infrastructure.
NUMBER OF UNITS
The number of units was determined by the individual teams. The number of units varies from 20 to 50 depending on the team approach to open space, density, development costs, sense of community and other parameters.
UNIT SIZE
The unit size was limited to 2,000 square feet for a single family unit.
CONSTRUCTION
The Colloquium agreed that Modular construction was the best way to meet the goals of affordable and sustainable housing. The methods of fabrication range from boxes to panels with several hybrid solutions.
DESIGN
Each of the five teams ultimately selected the method of manufacture and manufacturer they worked with. Teams worked independently on specific design solutions but always with shared information and technology. Unlike most architectural “Competitions” there was a strong sense of community and collaboration among the teams. It is the hope of all the team members that this Colloquium can serve as a model for future research, collaboration and design on affordable green housing.
