Stacked Student Housing / Thirdspace Architecture Studio/Belagavi, Karnataka, India

Stacked Student Housing by Thirdspace Architecture Studio is realised in a catalyst of limitations and challenges from its site, social implications and program. With a limited overall height of 15m and the limited site, measuring just 100Sq/m, the stacked floor plan and circulation works hard to enclose the 29 students within a total floor area of approximately 225Sq/m. Best explored in the section; the use of double and triple split-level units creates void spaces that add to ‘viewable’ size of the ‘actual’ size of each floor plate, instinctively increasing the size of the small spaces. The repetition and stacking of the module creates an identity in the overall form which is distinct from its context; unapologetic and vibrant, akin to its program, residents and innovative functions of communal living.

The stacked modules contain a bed for each occupant on its own level. Each level within the module are arranged down a short flight of stairs off the entryway that has a small benchtop where a plug-in electric hotplate supersedes a built-in unit, cupboards, sink and a separate bathroom. Fortunately the project enjoys a corner site, which means the internal circulation extremely efficient and increased the opportunities in plan for split levels whilst keeping the claustrophobic nature of a small dark room out of the project.

You can notice the manifestation of compromise in the internal images and drawings depicting the exposed floors and ceilings already at minimum heights (2.4m). Common internal linings and finishes have been omitted to alleviate stress on living space relative to height restrictions and finances. An additional lifetime benefit to the strong aesthetic of the exposed surfaces is with the common climatic effects on traditional internal finishes in humid environments which can lead to ongoing costs and damage. The local climate ranges from 14°C in January to 36°C in April and with these removed an accessible form of thermal mass is created whilst minimising ongoing maintenance simultaneously.

More info:  https://www.archdaily.com/883227/stacked-student-housing-thirdspace-architecture-studio