
Third Place Winner
The Peg Refuge
Design by
Aleksandra Forystek
Highly adaptable and innovative with a unique reconfigurable design. It creates a harmonious environment that integrates light, shadow, and nature, though it could benefit from more detailed feasibility information.
Aleksandra Forystek
Aleksandra Forystek is a Chicago-based designer with a background in both Architecture and Interior Design. She leverages her expertise in these complementary fields through both teaching and professional practice. Currently, she balances her passion for educating the next generation of interior designers with the exploration of innovative spatial concepts through conceptual design projects.
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Introduction
I am Aleksandra Forystek, a Chicago-based designer with a background in both Architecture and Interior Design. I leverage my expertise in these complementary fields through both teaching and professional practice. Currently, I balance my passion for educating the next generation of interior designers with the exploration of innovative spatial concepts through conceptual design projects.
Awards, Competitions and Publications:
2018 - University of Illinois Chicago - Faculty Choice Award - Best Undergraduate Project
2019 - University of Illinois Chicago - Faculty Choice Award - Best Undergraduate Project
2020 - KoozArch Magazine - Project Publication and Interview
2021 - University of Illinois Chicago - Pella Fellowship Prize for Best Undergraduate Project
2021 - AIA Chicago Foundation 2021 - Student Design Competition Nominee
2022 - Archisource - Drawing of The Year - Publication
2023 - Archisource - Drawing of The Year - Publication
2024 - IFDA 2024 - International Furniture Design Competition
2024 - Archiol - Zero Emission Wonders - Off The Grid Design
I'm particularly drawn to projects that allow for experimentation and exploration. The freedom to think outside the box and develop innovative design solutions is incredibly motivating. My current focus is on off-the-grid, sustainable living spaces. This realm excites me because it requires a creative approach to creating functional and comfortable environments with minimal environmental impact. The Zero Emission Wonders - Off The Grid Design competition provided the perfect platform to explore this concept – designing a small-scale dwelling where the occupants are directly impacted by the behavior and performance of the object itself.
Design Concept
This concept reimagines everyday objects as the inspiration for livable structures. It focuses on a specific object, like a pegboard, and translates its functional characteristics and modularity into architectural elements. These elements are then "domesticated" to serve the everyday needs of the occupants.
The resulting house functions as a large, modular object. It's movable, adaptable to changing needs, and allows for expansion. Similar to a pegboard, new living spaces can be added by incorporating additional components, enabling the house to grow or shrink organically. This transformation alters the form of the house, creating a dynamic and evolving living environment. The occupants actively participate in this transformation by manipulating the modular components. The house becomes a playful space where the residents can experiment and influence the form through their actions. This allows the house to evolve organically, reflecting the changing needs and desires of its inhabitants. This organic growth or shrinkage directly influences the form of the house, transforming it into a dynamic and evolving entity. Consequently, the occupants transcend the role of passive residents, becoming active participants in this transformative process.
This pegboard-inspired modular dwelling stands out with its innovative use of locally sourced bamboo, a renewable resource, and a flexible pegboard system for maximum space efficiency. Integrated rainwater harvesting and solar power create a self-sufficient home, while the modular design minimizes waste and adapts to changing needs. These features contribute to a sustainable future by promoting resource efficiency, circular economy principles, and inspiring eco-friendly living.
Sustainable Design Integration
Sustainability is paramount in our Off the Grid design. By prioritizing eco-friendly principles, we've created a truly self-sufficient dwelling. The use of locally sourced bamboo minimizes environmental impact, while the modular pegboard system optimizes space and reduces material waste. Integration of rainwater harvesting, and solar power eliminates reliance on traditional utilities, creating a truly off-grid lifestyle. The home's compact nature reduces land consumption and preserves natural habitats. This adaptable design not only meets the challenges of off-grid living but also serves as a model for sustainable residential architecture, promoting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
This innovative design offers a compelling vision for off-grid living. A modular pegboard system maximizes space, allowing for flexible configurations tailored to individual needs. Constructed with locally sourced bamboo, the dwelling minimizes environmental impact. Integrated rainwater harvesting and solar power ensure self-sufficiency. The modular design promotes adaptability and reduces waste, aligning with sustainable living principles. This harmonious blend of form and function creates a visually appealing and eco-conscious living space, empowering residents to connect with nature while enjoying modern comforts.
Creative Use of Space
The Peg Refuge maximizes its 37-square-meter footprint through innovative space utilization. By adapting the pegboard concept, the design achieves a dynamic and adaptable interior. Walls function as organizational tools, allowing for flexible room layouts and furniture arrangements. The modular wooden components transform into seats, bookshelves, and tables, optimizing space efficiency. The perforated design introduces versatility, enabling light penetration, ventilation, and privacy control. Plumbing and electrical systems are seamlessly integrated into the modular framework, further enhancing flexibility. This approach creates a multifunctional environment where every element serves multiple purposes, optimizing the limited square footage without compromising comfort or functionality. Essentially, the Peg Refuge demonstrates how intelligent design can transform a small space into a comfortable and versatile living area.
The pegboard-inspired tiny house redefines living by prioritizing flexibility and efficiency. Its core innovation is a modular pegboard system that allows for dynamic space configuration. Walls, furniture, and even utilities can be rearranged to suit changing needs, transforming the home into a versatile living space. Blurring traditional room divisions, the design creates multi-functional areas. A living space can effortlessly convert into a dining or sleeping area. Vertical space is maximized through perforated walls and floors, letting in natural light while optimizing floor area. By integrating nature through strategic window placement and the use of natural materials, the home fosters a strong connection to the outdoors. Sustainability is a key focus. Rainwater harvesting and solar power systems contribute to self-sufficiency and minimize environmental impact. This tiny home proves that comfort and functionality can coexist within a compact footprint, offering a model for sustainable and adaptable living.
Off-the-Grid Living Vision
The Peg Refuge offers a compelling vision of self-sufficient living. By prioritizing adaptability, resource efficiency, and environmental harmony, it challenges the reliance on grid-dependent structures.
Key to its sustainability is a modular design using locally sourced bamboo. This flexible system optimizes space, reduces material waste, and minimizes environmental impact. Rainwater harvesting eliminates dependency on external water sources while natural light and ventilation reduce energy consumption. The home's compact nature and integration of solar power further enhance energy efficiency.
By demonstrating that comfortable, functional living is possible without grid reliance, the Peg Refuge offers a blueprint for sustainable habitation. It inspires a shift towards more resilient and environmentally conscious lifestyles.
Design Evolution
Inspired by the pegboard's transformative potential, we envisioned a dwelling that could evolve with its inhabitants. Okinawa's natural beauty and unique climate influenced our design, leading to a structure that harmonizes with its surroundings. Using locally sourced bamboo, we created a modular pegboard system that defines flexible spaces. Perforated walls and ceilings allow light to filter through, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Rainwater harvesting and solar power ensure self-sufficiency. The result is a living system that seamlessly blends with nature, offering comfort, adaptability, and a deep connection to the environment.
The Peg Refuge embodies sustainable living through innovative design. A modular pegboard system maximizes space and adaptability. Locally sourced bamboo reduces carbon footprint and supports local economies. The design harmonizes with the environment by incorporating natural elements, minimizing reliance on external resources. Perforated walls and floors optimize light, ventilation, and privacy. Rainwater harvesting and potential solar power systems demonstrate a commitment to self-sufficiency. This holistic approach creates a dwelling that is both environmentally responsible and human centered.
Community and Environmental Impact
The Peg Refuge is more than just a dwelling; it's a platform for individual empowerment and community well-being. Its modular design empowers residents to create personalized spaces, fostering a strong sense of ownership. The home's connection with nature enhances mental and physical well-being. By utilizing locally sourced materials and promoting sustainable practices, it fosters community engagement and environmental stewardship. Ultimately, the Peg Refuge aims to enrich lives and create a positive impact on the world.
The Peg Refuge embodies a holistic approach to sustainable living. Its modular design promotes adaptability and reduces waste by eliminating the need for major renovations. By utilizing locally sourced bamboo, the structure minimizes environmental impact and supports local economies. Rainwater harvesting conserves precious water resources, while natural light and ventilation reduce energy consumption. The design's integration with the natural environment fosters biodiversity and improves indoor air quality. Through these features, the Peg Refuge offers a model for sustainable and ecologically responsible living.
Reflections on Winning
Winning the Zero Emission Wonders - Off the Grid Design Competition is an immense honour. It's incredibly gratifying to see our vision of a sustainable, adaptable, and harmonious living space recognized on such a prestigious platform.
The Peg Refuge offers a compelling vision of how we can harmoniously coexist with nature while addressing pressing environmental challenges. By rethinking traditional housing concepts, we can create living spaces that are not only efficient but also inspiring.
This design demonstrates that sustainable living doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. It's about finding innovative solutions that respect our planet and enhance our quality of life. I encourage everyone to explore the possibilities of modular, adaptable housing and to prioritize sustainable practices in their own lives.
Let's work together to build a future where humans and nature thrive in balance.
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