5 Unique Housing Design Ideas - Residential Architecture

Residential architecture has certain significance in our lives, influencing how we live and how our homes reflect that. Our individual stories come to life inside these walls, providing comfort, company, and a genuine expression of who we are. 

Certain architects devote themselves to creating environments that reflect their principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and a harmonious relationship with nature amid the dynamic world of architectural trends and societal necessities.

These are a few examples showcasing their designs and philosophy: 

1. Le Corbusier's Unité d'Habitation
2. Alejandro Aravena's Half House concept
3. Belapur Housing by Charles Correa
4. Aranya Low-Cost Housing by Balkrishna Doshi
5. 79 and Park Residencies by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group)

1. Unite d'Habitation

The timeless Unité d'Habitation by Le Corbusier is a significant example of residential architecture. This revolutionary housing project in Marseille, France, completed in 1952, reshaped urban living. 

• The Unite d'Habitation reinvented communal living with its ground-breaking "vertical garden city" idea
• It provided inhabitants with spacious apartments, shared amenities, and a linked neighbourhood.

Functionality, modular structure, and a focus on natural light are design principles of Le Corbusier that continue to influence architects and the course of residential architecture even today.

2. Half-house concept

The Half House concept by Alejandro Aravena is a revolutionary principle in residential architecture. 

• Aravena maximises the use of the land by creating homes that only take up half of the lot.
• The design still offers enough outdoor space for expansion. 
• This is a prime example of social housing and proof that communities can be strengthened through smart design. 

The transformational power of design in tackling urgent urban concerns is demonstrated by this project.

3. Belapur Housing

Designed by renowned architect Charles Correa, this housing complex located in Navi Mumbai, India, exemplifies Correa's vision of providing affordable and sustainable homes for low-income families. 

• Completed in 1983, Belapur Housing blends traditional Indian architectural elements with modern design principles.
• This design creates a harmonious and culturally rich living environment. 
• The integration of open courtyards, natural ventilation, and communal spaces fosters a sense of community and enhances the quality of life for its residents. 

Belapur Housing stands as a testament to Correa's commitment to creating socially responsive and contextually sensitive architecture.

4. Aranya Low-Cost Housing

This ambitious project in Indore, India, was driven by architect Balkrishna Doshi and finished in 1989. Aranya is a prime example of inclusive design since it offers low-income households accessible housing while fostering a sense of neighbourhood and sustainability. 

Aranya provides a diversity of living typologies, including:

• public spaces
• good infrastructure, thanks to its creative and efficient layout
• social and cultural spaces, which assures a lively and coherent neighbourhood

This significant project demonstrates Doshi's conviction that architecture can be used to empower people and alter society.

5. 79 & Park Residencies

This architectural masterpiece in Stockholm, Sweden, was designed by the renowned firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group). 

• The unusual stepped silhouette and rich landscaping of 79 & Park Residencies provide a seamless fusion of the building's design with the natural surroundings. 
• The use of environmentally friendly materials, energy-saving devices, and shared green areas demonstrates BIG's dedication to building sustainable and livable communities. 

This project demonstrates the redefining potential of creative design in creating the urban lifestyle of the future.

These architects demonstrate not just how design can influence our immediate surroundings but also how important a role our houses play in defining our identities, building community, and harmonising with the surrounding environment.