The Courtyard Affair
Lagos, Nigeria
2023
STATUS
Planning
LAND AREA
Design Synopsis
We proposed a residential concept that explores how final building forms should be intentionally designed as a bioclimatic response to present and future natural environment.
Situated in the new residential heart of Lekki Phase I, Lagos - a rapidly developing, high density…
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Form Conceptualisation
In developing this design concept, we identified 3 key outcomes that become scarce due to rapid urban development:
Thermal comfort
Airflow and ventilation
Visual connection
Thus, the concept is developed to mitigate against sunlight, improve airflow and harness wind, and provide visual connection to the environment — towards achieving a responsive building that is future-proofed against urban sprawl.
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Jenga Stacking for functionality & efficiency
Once the final form and the classification of apartments were decided, we experimented with various apartment arrangements and found the Jenga stacking to be most efficient in terms of maximising space within the final form, while also fostering social interaction in a Multi-family residential building.
Passive sustainability for better living
The roof level is raised to introduce roof gutters that allow the collection of rainwater which can be used to wash cars, wet green areas, etc. Additionally, the raised roof allows for openings on the side of the roof, creating an avenue for the exchange of trapped hot air that would have remained within the roof all day and raised the temperature within interior spaces.
Modular burnt clay blocks are also arranged in a way that creates openings for uninterrupted movement of fresh cool breeze through the building, forcing out hot air confined within stair areas. This reduces the possibility of increased wall and room temperature due to continuous high solar radiation during the day.
