THIRD PRIZE WINNER!
Na Shen
U.S.
Na Shen is an architect deeply interested in sustainable design and innovative technology in architecture. With a diverse background in multi-disciplinary fields and a focus on eco-friendly living solutions, her work aims to bridge the gap between human habitats and the natural environment for Home 2124. She believes in creating designs that meet the needs of evolving societies while preserving and restoring nature’s balance. Her passion for sustainability and adaptability in architecture drives her to explore solutions that challenge conventional thinking, while maintaining practical, long-term benefits for both people and the planet.
Interview with the Winner
Introduction
Hi, I’m Na Shen, an architect deeply interested in sustainable design and innovative technology in architecture. With a diverse background in multi-disciplinary fields and a focus on eco-friendly living solutions, my work aims to bridge the gap between human habitats and the natural environment for Home 2124. I believe in creating designs that meet the needs of evolving societies and preserve and restore nature’s balance. My passion for sustainability and adaptability in architecture drives me to explore solutions that challenge conventional thinking while maintaining practical, long-term benefits for both people and the planet.
Design Concept
The "Nestship," is a fusion of two concepts: the Earthship, known for its sustainability and self-sufficiency, and the nest house, which is integrated into its natural surroundings. The Nestship is designed as an octahedron, elevated on a single central pole, allowing the structure to interact minimally with the earth, creating a low environmental footprint while still being highly functional. The octahedral form is not just visually striking but also geometrically efficient, allowing the structure to withstand various environmental conditions such as high winds or seismic activity, while providing an optimized internal layout. Its modularity means that it can be transported and "rooted" in various locations around the world—whether in a dense forest, atop a cliff, or even near the coast—without significant disruption to the natural landscape.
The key principle behind the Nestship is its emphasis on adaptability and minimal impact on the environment, making it suitable for individuals or communities who wish to live in closer harmony with nature while enjoying modern comforts. By combining advanced modular construction techniques with sustainable materials, the Nestship is designed for flexibility, enabling it to be assembled, disassembled, and relocated as needed. This mobility allows users to connect with different landscapes while maintaining a consistent sense of home.
Adaptability & Sustainability
The Nestship is designed to adapt to both the needs of its occupants and its environment. The single central pole reduces the footprint of the structure, minimizing land disturbance and making the design compatible with a wide range of ecosystems. The modular components can be customized according to climate, location, and user preferences, ensuring that the Nestship meets the environmental and social demands of its inhabitants.
One of the standout features of the Nestship is its adaptability. The facade system is designed to dynamically respond to the climate based on the geographic latitude of its location. For example, in colder climates, the facade utilizes triple-glazed windows and insulated metal panels with high R-values to maximize thermal efficiency and reduce heat loss. In contrast, for hotter, low-latitude environments, the design employs solar control glazing, reflective finishes on metal panels, and extensive shading devices to prevent overheating while enhancing natural ventilation. This adaptability allows the Nestship to function efficiently in a wide range of climates, ensuring sustainability while optimizing energy use.
Additionally, the design promotes sustainable living by encouraging resource sharing within larger Nestship communities. As the units cluster together, they form micro-communities that can share resources like energy, water, and food production, further enhancing the sustainability of the living environment. By doing so, the Nestship not only minimizes its environmental footprint but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility for the ecosystem.
Innovation & Technology
Incorporating technology into sustainable design is essential, especially when preparing homes for the future. The Nestship integrates an adaptive facade system, which changes based on climatic conditions. For instance, in regions with extreme heat, the building can automatically adjust its shading devices and open windows to maximize airflow and reduce the reliance on air conditioning. In colder climates, the facade can trap solar heat during the day to keep the interiors warm, reducing heating costs and energy consumption.
Moreover, the modular construction of the Nestship is enhanced through the use of AI-driven design systems, which allow for quick customization based on the specific needs of the user or environment. This ensures that every Nestship is tailored to its surroundings, enhancing both functionality and comfort. By leveraging modern technology, the Nestship is able to provide a high level of customization while ensuring that energy usage is kept to a minimum, contributing to its sustainability goals.
Pushing Boundaries & Challenging Preconceptions
One of the primary objectives of the competition is to push the boundaries of what we think a "home" can be. The Nestship takes a bold approach by challenging the idea that homes need to be static and heavily grounded. By elevating the structure on a single pole, minimizes the impact on the earth, almost as if the building were floating above the landscape. This departure from traditional, grounded structures opens up new possibilities for building in sensitive environments where large footprints could be damaging.
The design also challenges the notion that sustainable living means sacrificing comfort or modernity. With its dynamic facade system, the Nestship demonstrates that a home can be both eco-friendly and technologically advanced. Additionally, the use of AI in the design and customization process allows for greater personalization while still maintaining a focus on sustainability, breaking away from the one-size-fits-all mentality of traditional housing.
Environmental Considerations
Climate change and environmental degradation are critical issues that the Nestship seeks to address directly. The octahedral shape, combined with the elevated structure, minimizes land use and disruption to natural ecosystems, allowing flora and fauna to thrive beneath the structure without interference. Furthermore, the building's adaptability to different climates ensures that it remains energy efficient no matter where it is located. By focusing on both the immediate and long-term environmental impacts of its design, the Nestship positions itself as a forward-thinking solution to the environmental challenges of the future.
Vision for the Future
The Nestship represents a shift in how we view housing in the future. By combining sustainability, adaptability, and community, the design aims to inspire a new generation of architects and homeowners to think beyond traditional housing models. The home of the future must not only serve the needs of its inhabitants but also contribute positively to the world around it.
The modular, mobile nature of the Nestship allows it to serve a wide variety of purposes, from personal homes to community centers and eco-tourism accommodations. As the world continues to face challenges related to population growth, climate change, and resource scarcity, the Nestship offers a flexible and sustainable solution that can adapt to these evolving needs.
Contributing to a Lasting Legacy
Being part of the "Home of the Next Century" competition is an honor and an opportunity to contribute to a lasting legacy in architectural design. Through the Nestship, I hope to inspire others to embrace sustainable, nature-integrated living while pushing the boundaries of what architecture can achieve. My vision is to create a blueprint for future homes that balance human needs with nature.
Checkout our Latest Competitions
