The brief was to design for a car-free Cork city in the year 2050. According to statistics, Cork city’s population is expected to reach “850,000 residents by the year 2050” , increasing demand for accommodation in the city centre. The project involves repurposing a multi-storey car park as apartments by installing prefabricated pod like units into the existing concrete frame. Repurposing the structure is more sustainable than demolishing and rebuilding due to the embodied energy of the mass concrete. The timber pods are fully insulated, made of sustainable materials and contain winter gardens. A mix of one, two and three bed apartments allow for a diverse mix of ages and families in the apartments. The roof of the car park will have allotments for sustainable food growth, a public venue, grey rainwater harvesting and solar panels. The project was heavily influenced by the work of architects Lacaton & Vassal.

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How to Install an Apartment in a Carpark

Heat Generation