Caterpillar
A Quonset hut isn’t a design, it’s a tool - think about it the same way you’d think about a brick. It’s a structural building unit with a particular personality.
We were commissioned to create an 8 unit project within one MASSIVE hut. We use the Quonset hut as a 9,000 SF sculpture that anchors a public park.
The units will have 23’ tall ceilings, ethereal natural light, calming curves, and a ‘Jetsons’ style genesis chamber that residents will use to transform from “just barely awake” to “ready for action.” Instead of front yards, the hut will be lifted and have a stoop that will look out onto a heavily planted park/ garden.
The Caterpillar is 192’ long x 46’ wide x 23’tall.
Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Category: Residential
Area: 9,000 SF interior / 13,000 SF exterior
Status: Completed 2021
According to Detroit zoning guidelines a maximum of 8 units are allowed in the combined lot. To obtain different rental opportunities within the project, an equal division of 8 units was ignored and instead opted for a range between small, medium and large.
There was also a desire to publicly connect the front and back of the site. By moving the units aside, a passage was created on the building footprint.
Programming
