AUTONOMOUS ARTISANS HOUSING

An existing warehouse is converted to work space held in common by artisans working in several disciplines. Against the warehouse wall, houses are built in a pattern allowing for private gardens between each house. The plan/section is based on the shotgun type.

The individual autonomous artisan’s craft is expressed in the second level of each house: the paper maker’s has a roof terrace shaped specifically for drying paper; the wood worker’s house displays the skills of a boat builder; the mason has a brick barrel vault roof. A roof of etched glass covers the glass etcher’s entry way. Similarly, expressions of craft exist in the plasterer’s and metal worker’s houses.

Outdoor areas include private gardens between each of the houses, as well as roof terraces. The urban street edge is maintained with the alignment of the front walls. Construction of the foundation level of each house is insulation-filled concrete block and wood floor joists. Roofs and second level elements are in different materials according to each artisan/concept.