Shell House

Affordable housing is a commodity that a lot of communities lack. Even more rare, is affordable housing that integrates passive strategies, sustainable materials, and net-zero energy consumption. On two vacant plots in downtown Muncie, the goal of my group and I was to provide housing with said amenities. To better incorporate cross ventilation, we chose a site that was East-West oriented, in a location near the White River, McCuloch Park, Minnetrista museum & gardens, multiple walking and bike trails, as well as Muncie Central High School. The intent behind our design was to gain complexity through the use of simple forms, and create a timeless design that could be assembled with a Kit-of-Parts design approach. To do this, we devised a simple volume, created an interior structural CLT shell, then wrapped that shell with insulation and a continuous envelope. The staggered site plan allows for views of the street while maintaining privacy, community interaction, and ample access to green space.