Amber Young

“z-house: the new normal model”

COVID-19 has caused a dramatic shift in the way we live, work and socialise. How will our future dwellings adapt to this “new normal”? . With Generation Z making up the second largest proportion of the current Australian population with 4.6 million, “Z-house” and the new normal model explores the effect of the pandemic coupled with the rise of housing un-affordability for Generation Z, leading to the need of more affordable yet durable dwellings for first home buyers that can be adapted to suit different activities and needs throughout the day and over the years. Taking precedent from the post-war dwellings of the surrounding context, z-house is an adaptable, sustainable and affordable dwelling solution for both Generation Z and the future generations of Australia.

KEY DRIVERS

1: Sustainability
An integrated sustainability strategy that “future-proofs” the development by utilising latest technologies to create a more resilient and climate responsive development.

2: Adaptability
With short term program flexibility and the creation of a long term living solution for Generation Z fosters a strong sense of community between both the residents and their future families.

2: Sustainability
An integrated sustainability strategy that “future-proofs” the development by utilising latest technologies to create a more resilient and climate responsive development.

3: Wellbeing + Sanitisation
The creation of a welcome space as a new area in the home will become crucial in a post-COVID world.

4. Response to Context
Respecting and taking inspiration from post-war context is key to understanding how architecture can positively respond to a global crisis.