This project explores alternative, collective living spaces through adaptive re-use of the abandoned silos of the old Victory Soya Mills. This design idea was roused when it became apparent that the structure was abandoned because of the high cost involving any construction work to a concrete structure of this scale; its future unknown. However, the silos were not forgotten; for some time they had been inhabited by a group of squatters.

Squatters, challenge the idea of property ownership and the lack of affordable housing by occupying abandoned spaces. From this, I have proposed a grassroots housing model that allow for the creation of an alternative life-style. The design consists of a scaffold system that acts as infrastructure that enables people to inhabit the outside of the silos and build a vertical community of individual shelters. The scaffolding is anchored to the silos and the shelters can be plugged into the grid system at the discretion of the inhabitants, leaving room for continuous change and expansion. The design is based on a do-it-yourself model. All construction materials are sourced -locally, recycled and light-weight.

Additionally, the interior of the silos are utilized as bio-digesters, as well as storm water runoff collection filtration cisterns:

Bio-digester
Through anaerobic digestion, the bio-digester breaks down biodegradable material to create compost and produce methane gas.

Storm water runoff collection
Water pollution that is carried by precipitation is filtered then used to replenish underground water reservoirs. These reservoirs are currently being depleted by the urban ground surfaces inability to absorb back water.