Shelter Resort Hotel (1999)

CLIENT: The Valor Group.

CONCEPT: A flexible design grammar has been prepared which defines living / sleeping unit sizing and arrangement. The design grammar establishes an interface protocol around which an open kit-of-parts has been designed. The kit-of-parts can be used to create small units or larger luxurious quarters, simply by connecting different sections according to the interface protocol. In addition, new sections can be designed and added to the kit-of-parts library as the need arises. The arrangement of individual units into nodes and splines suggest areas for larger public spaces and service areas.

This system is mainly based on a 2’ x 2’ (610 x 610mm) grid with emphasis placed on the economical 4’ x 8’ (1,220 x 2,440mm) module. A full working resort has not been designed, however an attempt has been made to conceive of the pieces required for many types of space. In this design study, unit floor areas range from 160sf (15m2) to 688sf (64m2), but the open system allows for creative additions.

Other innovative ideas included infra-free, environmentally sustainable power production using photovoltaics built in to the membranes, and windmill rotors (see concept image showing membrane rotors below).

DESIGN TEAM: A. Scott Howe and Nancy Y.W. Cheng.

COST: None estimated.

DATE: 1999.

STATUS: Only conceptual design steps were taken for the purpose of submitting materials to the Shelter Resort Competition sponsored by The Valor Group in 1999.

Other images and animations:
Shelter Resort paper (PDF)