
Would You Live in a Hexagonal House?
The article explores HIVEHAUS, an innovative modular housing concept developed by British designer Barry Jackson. Inspired by the natural structure of honeycomb, HIVEHAUS offers a flexible and affordable approach to living spaces. The system consists of self-contained, 100-square-foot hexagonal modules that can be combined in various configurations to meet individual needs and evolving lifestyles.
The genesis of HIVEHAUS was a garden room designed to be erected without planning permission, but it quickly evolved into a comprehensive and adaptable housing solution. Jackson likens the concept to "DIY architecture," empowering individuals to design and construct unique structures using uniformly sized components, much like a child's building kit. This modularity not only provides customization but also contributes to cost reduction, as the commonality of building components streamlines production.
The design allows for a single bedroom cell to be expanded into a complete home by adding bathroom, kitchen, and living room cells. The system's adaptability means that as a family's needs change, new modules can be easily integrated to expand the living space. The units are designed for ease of assembly, transportable by flatpack, and can be erected by two to three people. Adjustable legs accommodate uneven terrain, making them suitable for various locations.
HIVEHAUS units feature circular skylights that introduce natural light into the interior. Customization options include hexagonal decks, various window configurations, and interior partition walls, some with pocket doors for space efficiency. A notable design element is a fold-out kitchenette, developed in collaboration with Michael Culshaw, which smartly conforms to the hexagonal shape of the room, providing a fully functional kitchen that can be discreetly stowed away when not in use. Further multi-functional furniture designs are being developed to complement the HIVEHAUS aesthetic.
The cost of HIVEHAUS units starts at approximately $15,900, with the per-cell cost decreasing as more modules are added due to the reuse and sharing of individual wall units. Constructed with a lightweight steel frame and timber panels, the system can integrate various plumbing, heating, and electrical options, including underfloor heating, wood-burning stoves, air conditioning, and off-grid solutions like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets.
Beyond residential use, HIVEHAUS offers versatility for other applications, such as garden sheds, detached home offices, gyms, yoga studios, or guest cottages. Its portable and lightweight flatpack design also makes it suitable for commercial uses like pop-up shops or market stalls. The article acknowledges that the idea of a hexagonal house is not new, referencing a 1964 video and mentioning contemporary developments like Hexi-House for affordable temporary housing and a hexagonal living room addition to a Tokyo residence. This suggests a potential resurgence in the popularity of hexagonal architectural concepts in the 21st century.
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