Flexibility and adaptability

Flexibility is the potential for spaces to be used in a variety of ways without altering the building fabric. Adaptability is the potential for the fabric of a workhome to be modified with relative ease to accommodate change. The workhome patterns we have designed are inherently both flexible and adaptable.

Based on the shell and core principle, the spaces in these workhomes can be used flexibly in a variety of different ways according to need. A number of principles have been explored, including: a) the use of transformable furniture which encourages the multi-functional use of space by enabling one set of furniture to be folded away, as another is pulled out eg a fold-up bed goes away as a fold-down desk appears; b) Non-function-specific spaces are designed that can accommodate domestic or non-domestic use; these functions can change over time; c) Sliding doors are used to close off private areas when members of the public visit the workhome; when the building is in purely domestic use, these are opened, transforming the spaces; d) In addition, spaces can be transformed from domestic to non-dokestic by shutting away elements of a room, such as kitchen units, that make it specific to a particular function.

These workhome patterns have also been designed to maximise adaptability. They are structurally rigid over two stories [or 6 m in height] without any requirement fot internal bracing from floors or internal partitions.  This means that they can be built as shell and core, without internal partitions, or with internal walls and floors [or parts of floors] that can be removed with ease, as necessary. None one of the internal elements are structural. The workhomes can also be extended by adding a workbay, a workbox, a workwing or an attic.

The Flash animations in the Pattern Book illustrate how the spaces in these Patterns can change over time.

 



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