I recently participated in 10 Square, a competition asking “How much do we really need?” The theoretical structures are to be built in Nelson, BC and are sized to avoid the required process of building permits, as well as rethink the complexity, and footprint of the spaces we inhabit. Here are all the entries.

Phased diagram showing operable hinge-wall

From the project presentation:

The tiny ‘hinge’ house concept aims to minimize both its physical and ecological footprint while maximizing the living potential of a small space. Using locally harvested Western Red Cedar siding, the exterior of the building is both low maintenance and minimizes the use of toxic finishes. Interior finishes include zero VOC paint, with locally sourced cabinetry and recycled countertops.

With the rotating hinge-wall open, exterior cladding becomes flooring, seamlessly integrating upper level interior space with the great outdoors. Meanwhile, the entire main volume of the house becomes an open air pavilion, with the hinge-wall acting as a cantilevered shading device over both the main living area, and outdoor living space in front of the structure.

Exterior Perspective with hinge-wall open

You can click here to see my full presentation board. And for those who are SketchUp inclined, you can download the 3-d model to manipulate yourself. We’re looking forward to seeing how things shake out on this one, in addition to being a smaller building than our last competition, it also appears that it’s a smaller candidate pool.