Grimshaw Architects and Concrete Valley collaborated to design the Modular Water Dwellings, in response to climate change and increased urbanization. They realized that with a growing population, it was important that they find a solution that offers affordable housing, as well as housing that can face rising sea-levels. 

The Dwellings are created with the environment in mind. They are made with durable, non-corrosive materials, and the architects try to limit the Dwellings’ carbon footprint as much as possible. They are also built on an industrial waterway in the Netherlands, so the whole structure is able to be transported to where they need to be without having to assemble or construct on-site. This minimizes waste and allows materials to be more easily recycled. Additionally, the Dwellings are well-insulted, have solar panels that supply energy and heat exchangers that are actually built below the water. 

While the main goal of the Water Dwellings is to be as environmentally friendly as possible, the architects also kept their users in mind. Each Dwelling is able to be oriented in ways that are more specific to the individual. Furthermore, being so close the nature and water boosts each user’s well-being. They allow for an active lifestyle and incorporate shared floating gardens as a way to build a sense of community. 

The Eco Hotel, a 61,000 square meter building, focuses on being environmentally sustainable and stylish. There are gardens incorporated into the building and the podium as a way to filter air, water, and the sun. This benefits the guests that stay there, as well as the surrounding environment. The hotel is also made of natural materials that are locally sourced and have filtered rainwater pools to limit irrigation waste. 

What I like about this concept is how each suite has greenery hanging from it. Not only is it good for the environment but it also looks appealing on the white structure. It goes well together, and it is nice to know that there are architects that consider the environment in their design. 

The Peak, in Melbourne, Australia, was designed for Nestd, a social enterprise that is a part of Kids Under Cover, which is passionate about preventing youth homelessness. It is a modern-looking tiny home that is only 32.5 square meters or 107 square feet. All of the profit from The Peak goes back to Kids Under Cover. 

The kitchen, bathroom, laundry, bedroom, and couch spaces are all formatted into a cube shape and placed along a wall. On the opposite wall, is the living and dining area. There are large glass panels near the entrance to allow lots of natural light to enter, making the area look larger. The Peak is made of natural, sustainably sourced timber, and its metal exterior and angle of the roof allows for the best photovoltaic performance

Grimshaw’s goal for The Peak was to design an affordable, sustainable, high-quality tiny home that had the ability to combat youth homelessness or was able to contribute to the fight. They also wanted it to be modern-looking and heavily considered those who were going to potentially live in them. 

Via Verde in New York, New York is a 290,000 square foot residential development that is mixed-use and mixed-income, meaning that it allows for people with different incomes to occupy and use the space. More specifically, the 20 story building has 222 residential units, with 71 units for sale to those in the middle-income class and a couple of other units for those with low- or moderate-income. Furthermore, Via Verde also consists of duplex apartments and townhouses. 

Each apartment has two sides that allow for light to enter, helping with ventilation. Additionally, each has water and energy conservation fixtures. As a way to promote healthy and sustainable living, Grimsraw incorporated garden rooftops, which can be seen in the photo above. The architects believed that by having these gardens, residents can live happily and have a healthy, active lifestyle while sharing a common space with other residents.