AUT Art + Design Company of Silence

Finalist
Credits
  • Te Kapa Tauira / Student Team
    Heather Garside, Naiki Saito, Riya Patel, Coco Zhu, Sophie Mebius
  • Kaiako / Lecturers
    Dr Rachel Carley, Dr Lucy Meyle
Description:

Nestled among the silver ferns and hidden under the shadows of native Kauri sits “Company of Silence" ― a collaborative co-housing system situated at the heart of Coyle Park. This shared amenity caters to the group of introverts inhabiting the tiny homes, who feel most at ease in private, serene settings, free from the overstimulation of large crowds.

The site is divided into interconnected pathways resembling the branches of a kauri tree, which provide life and nourishment to its leaves, sustaining the tree's longevity. Similarly, the merging of bamboo pathways gently encourages natural interactions among residents throughout their day, bringing liveliness to the community while honouring the introverts' need to have their own spaces. The curvature of the boardwalk softens the angular structures of the tiny homes, creating an organic feel that mirrors the form of the moana and whenua present on and around the site. These elements enhance the tranquil atmosphere of the co-housing system and visually create a welcoming space.

A shared movie theatre is a central hub connecting the individually designed tiny homes, each created with elements of entertainment in mind. Such experiences of collectively watching a movie require no verbal communication, but users are still able to share mutual emotions through presence. The theatre embodies characteristics of Harakeke native to Aotearoa with its tall macrocarpa timber beams separating public and private space while facilitating ample fresh airflow. The spiral structural system features a single pathway reminiscent of a bushwalk, where residents have moments of interaction as they enter the theatre and disperse into their homes.