Among the Cliffs

Micro-homes are positioned as unique means to create sustainable futures. In a college environment such as Cornell, every parcel of space is important. This project takes the conventional ground plane and literally turns it on its side. In utilizing cliff faces for student housing through the device of the micro-home, Among the Cliffs is able to posit a different means of living and a more sustainable future for the built environment.

Nestled into the cliffs of Fall Creek Gorge minutes from Cornell's main campus, Among the Cliffs is a proposal for student housing in the form of micro-homes. These structures are embedded halfway into the cliffs to take advantage of its insulating properties while still allowing for scenic views of the gorge below. The formal geometries stem from the intersection of three rectangular shapes that emulate the intersection of different quads as symbols of knowledge.

Materiality was approached through the lens of sustainability. The primary horizontal load-bearing construction is CLT. Between each slab, hempcrete blocks provide vertical structural support. The glass used in the project is triple-glazed to help with harsh winters, and insulation is provided on the roof through green roof trays. Water is provided directly from a pump house at the base of the gorge, and electricity is provided through hydroelectric power.