Extreme Climate Housing,

Cherepovets, Russia

 

Winner of the 2008 International ‘Living Steel’ competition sponsored by the International Iron and Steel Institute.  These buildings seek to manage available resources responsibly and are designed to be significantly prefabricated optimising the potential of steel for affordable housing in extreme climatic conditions. Systems have been kept simple - direct and largely passive.

 

The dwelling type is designed to be repeated as a connected development of ten houses with the ability to deal with cold yet flexible enough to deal with days of warmth. Steel has been assimilated into the construct of the building only where strictly appropriate. Wall/roof panels are steel skins for tensile strength. Internal thermal wall is steel for radiant and conductive qualities. Steel floor provides most effective distribution of radiant heat. Steel piles allow for walls to be of earth - insulated and water-tight.

 

The house is designed to be recyclable. Panels can be disassembled and internal structure is primarily prefabricated to be used in different configurations throughout the development.

 

A simple elegance has evolved that does not compete with the future but remains composed in common sense and sustainability and serene in its architecture.