Growth House + Decay House

Entering the 21st century, our household structure has fundamentally shifted, becoming smaller and more dynamic. Modern homes no longer cater to static, multi-generational families but instead adapt to evolving needs. The ideal contemporary house should facilitate both upsizing and downsizing within the same space, responding to changing family sizes.

The design exercise consists of two parts, Part one of the exercises developed the language of growth in a house. Part two of the design, show casing here, continues the language of growth from a pre-existing house, while introducing the concept of decay inspired by the Stitch House precedent by Sherefah AlHamdan and Mariam Alothman . Metal materials such as steel, copper, and brass distinguish the cubes, evolving organically over time due to weathering and decay. This process imparts a comfortable quality, with wear and tear creating unique corners that blend into a larger cluster, mirroring the diversity within a household.

The interior, shaped by decaying cubes, offers a cave-like experience contrasting with the harsh exterior. Soft light, eggshell-colored drywall, and lacquered wooden floors provide comfort. Both designs, the “Growth House” and the “Decay House,” use the organic language of growth and decay to depict homes as living entities constantly evolving, much like families navigating various stages of life.