RIBA Off-Grid Competition

Jason Scoot’s Lattice x Live x Work, was unusual among the entries as a retrofit, using a reconfigurable OSB grid to turn a derelict garage unit into off-grid urban flats. ‘I was mesmerised by all the geometries,’ said Stephen Proctor of Proctor & Matthews Architects. ‘It is so complex; I feel I could get lost in it or retreat into it.’

The intention was to create a ‘living mesh’ that can expand and contract to specific uses, respond to occupants’ needs and, most of all, create an off-grid alternative that promotes social change through sharing resources, responsibility and awareness. ‘There’s a visionary aspect to this entry,’ said Jan-Carlos Kucharek. ‘It’s a response to dense urban living and we have to get used to living in denser ways.’

Scoot Studio’s proposal was unique among the entries for proposing a radical retrofit of an existing building typology. The design enables occupants to live off-grid within a community setting, using an OSB lattice configuration to reconfigure the internal spaces. ‘I really liked this one as a response to an existing site,’ said Bethan Watson. ‘I like that it is reconfigurable inside.’