Naples-based firm, Lot-ek has created a unique housing project called Drivelines Studios. It is a residential project in South Africa which is made of a total of 140 recycled shipping containers. Drivelines Studios is located on a triangular site in Johannesburg and consists of two distinct parts which are arranged in a V-shape. The building also has a courtyard area, a swimming pool and a garden at the center.
Lot-ek talked about the project and said, “Embracing the triangular geometry of the site, Drivelines Studios is conceived as a billboard where two separate volumes of residential units are hinged at the narrow east end of the lot, framing the social space of the open interior courtyard. As in a billboard, the building outer facades are straight and flush with the lot line while the facades in the inner courtyard are articulated by the staircases, the elevator tower and the bridges connecting all levels, and by the open circulation paths activated by the units spillover onto their outdoor space.”
The containers used in the project were selected by their color and were left unpainted. The containers were then stacked securely, modified on site, and also had insulation to overcome their poor thermal performance. Lot-ek also added windows to enhance the natural ventilation process. To access each of the seven floors, a staircase and elevators were also attached to the structure. The building has a total floor space of 75000 sq ft. The ground floor of the building is occupied by residential and retail area while the residential units take the upper six levels. The homes are arranged in an open plan and have different sizes from 300ft to 600ft. Each apartment has a kitchen and dining area, living area, bedroom, and a bathroom.
