Group 3: The Stitch Shelter

Design Process:

For our approach, we first started with Marco Rebaza Rodriguez’s design, analyzing it and determining the potential modules he used for the design. Next, we used those modules to play around with shelter shapes to discover opportunities and challenges. From this point, we scaled the modules to fit our project more effectively. We continued to iterate and think further into possibilities for the interior layout, structure, and connection possibilities. Additionally, our team created an overall concept so we could focus on what we personally wanted to incorporate into our design.

Design Proposal:

With our design, we embraced the idea of verticality by incorporating a lofted space enclosed by a shed roof with various openings for daylighting. Additionally, we included a covered entry and a large window for ventilation.

Modules & Assembly:

With the idea of simplicity in mind, we only have two SSP modules in our design. A 4×8 rectangle and a 4×8 right triangle; both are designed to have no material waste.

Kit of Parts:

In addition to the plywood and 2×4 lumber used to fabricate the SSP panels, we will also be utilizing a T-nut and bolt system, wooden dowels, and other typical fasteners like nails.

Connections:

We proposed a T-nut and bolt system for our corner connections and a wooden dowel system for our in-plane panel to panel connections.

Structural & Environmental Analysis:

Our karamba analysis highlighted different stresses/strengths and any displacement associated with our design. Additionally, we proposed a translucent tarp for waterproofing and hemp wool insulation for thermal purposes.

Further Design Opportunities:

We also experimented with additional designs that could be made with our kit-of-parts and how they may start to be arranged on a site.

Project Achievements:

Some of the major achievements with our design include maintaining only two unique building modules, minimal waste through utilizing entire 4×8 panels, creating a warm & welcoming space for emergency shelter users, variable module layouts for different shelter styles, and lastly, being able to use inspiration from Marco’s design to create triangular modules.