Residential SketchUp

While redesigning an entire condo for improved usability was an engaging case study, I ultimately focused on optimizing my personal quarters-a space I interact most with. The goal was to maximize functionality within a small footprint while considering limited wardrobe space, the need to store creative tools, and budget constraints. 

Concepts Time Line Pt_1:

Ikea Nordli line (1), Ikea Pax system (2), custom plywood version of Pax system (3)

Problems noticed from each design:

(1) discontinued products and concerns on strength of bicycle mount

(2) cost and limited hanger spacing

(3) plywood panel to large to assemble and ergonomic concerns with bicycle storage

Concepts Time Line Pt_2:

2"x4" version of Elf system (4), custom 80/20 work surface (5), metal wardrobe and shelf (6)

Problems noticed from each design:

(4) free-standing rule was implemented after this idea

(5) cost + underutilized vertical space in the room

(6) footprint

Yetch Studio's "The Coat Hinger" was also considered to minimize the footprint of hanging clothing, if only I weren't hanging up suits and large winter coats.

Presently this project is waiting to be implemented but the 6th major iteration is what will be used unless my living situation changes in the near future.

This design begins with the methodology of limiting MEP material usage to highly spacious and naturally lit spaces. Something I learned during my coop at WSP was the importance of efficient equipment placements. MEP runs of ducting, pipes, electrical conduit, and other utilities are expensive parts of a project and represent the small costs that sum up to a significant percentage of the budget. As such I wanted to create a project that emphasized efficiency in multiple definitions: energy usage, materials, and implementation. Minimizing the wall space for utilities there is more space for insulation to increase the efficiency of the overall structure. Shortening the MEP runs reduces waiting times for hot water or treated air into rooms, making the whole system less wasteful. 

A key aspect of the design is the outdoor space including a full multisport court for exercise use, community building, and showing some of my hobbies in the design. I love playing sports and wish I had my own space to play with family, friends, or even neighbors and it wouldn't matter what sport as this court covers any hard court usage. From the perspective of a family home, the court has so many options to allow kids to explore different sports and find what they might be interested in. There is no limitation to this court, it isn't only a basketball court, only a baseball field, the flexibility allows for more creative opportunities. 

My passion for cars is shown off by the 3 car garage with one wall of glass parallel to the three bay doors. One bay is equipped with a car lift for simple maintenance or aftermarket part installs, just about anything but bodywork or paint. The glass wall can be slid open to allow for ventilation in the workspace or to use the space as a gallery for the cars inside, allowing visitors to view up close and not just outside the windows. 

After consulting some industrial designers to fix up any areas of the project that were neglected in considerations. The home felt finally polished enough to be considered done. While searching through some architectural websites I noticed a specific project that looked familiar:

Hawaiian house harvests more energy and water than it consumes 

this project reflected a very similar plan, flow, and emphasis on sustainable design. when looking into the project I felt that the similarity was a sort of validity that my design was on the right track. While still not complete, to my ability it was what a perfect home would feel like.  

Once the accurate model of the condo was completed to the last 1/8", the potential of the space became more apparent. In this digital twin, I wasn't tired down by deadlines, budgets, or creative limitations allowing me to shape points of interest for better flow and feeling in the dwelling. 

the changes made:

• cut counter to eliminate the choke point the island makes

• demolish the front door closet to allow for a larger entrance to the side room

• add a slatted door system to the side room

  • allows for light and ventilation to pass through while adding separation from the more general spaces

Before moving, this model was 2D, only showing the condo's layout, and used to see how much space beds, desks, and a couch would take away. Over the years more detail has been added to more accurately represent the space in a digital twin. This project was a great tool for visualizing room changes before moving heavy furniture pieces around.

Still learning the program at this point, having only been introduced to the software in senior year of high school through the ACE Mentorship after school program. In this program student learn the many disciplines of MEP, architectural basics, and structural engineering fundamentals. During my senior year I took time to develop my more creative side, being a part of the architectural team and learning the basics to SketchUp. Implementing those lessons and resources provided by northeastern university housing, I was able to create a 1:1 scale model of my future dorm. This model helped visual the amount of space, locate bed positions, and how to best position the provided furniture. 

Once moved into the dorm for my second year at university, my first full semester without pandemic restrictions, the space felt almost familiar. Since I had spent some time visualizing my time in the rooms. Now when I look at this project I am reminded of the memories I made in this dorm, similar to a photograph but interactable.  

where the floor plan is take from: https://housing.northeastern.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/west_village_f.pdf