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Open Grid modular structure facilitates endless configurations with Rammeverk.
Rammeverk, meaning ‘framework’ in Norwegian, is a modular, open grid, demountable wooden apartment building developed by the Oslo-based studio, Fragment. Their design embraces the principles of open building, allowing for a high degree of flexibility in customisation and remodelling. The design’s core concept, inspired by Professor N. John Habraken’s theories on Open Building, integrates both fixed and customisable elements, offering a modular open grid framework that can adapt as the needs of its resident’s change.
Adaptable Layouts
At the heart of Rammeverk’s modularity is its fixed grid of columns, vertical shafts, and stairwells. This structure forms the foundation for an open layout, enabling residents to tailor floor plans to suit their needs. Kitchens and bathrooms are anchored near vertical shafts, while the rest of the apartment remains open to interpretation. Whether residents opt for spacious, open-plan living or more traditional partitioned rooms, the flexibility of Rammeverk allows for various configurations.
An additional feature of this modular design is the option for residents to place windows in desired locations, with up to 20% of the apartment’s usable area designated for glazing. This adaptability was conceived to allow residents to easily remodel their space as family sizes or preferences change. For instance, an extra room no longer needed can be rented out or sold to neighbours, creating an evolving, cost-effective approach to housing.
Resident Participation and Sustainability
A notable aspect of Rammeverk is the emphasis on resident involvement in the building process. By allowing individuals to have a say in the layout and window placement, the design encourages a sense of ownership and long-term investment in the space. This level of customisation promotes greater resident satisfaction while offering practical solutions to changing household needs.
Rammeverk is also looking to champion sustainability through the extensive use of reclaimed wood. The modular building system will be delivered flat-packed from the factory, incorporating elements such as solid wood walls, wood fibre insulation, and wooden decking – all sourced from reclaimed materials. According to company sources, this circular approach ensures that the building not only supports sustainable living practices but also minimises its environmental footprint.
A Future-Proofed Approach
It’s being positioned as a forward-thinking solution for urban housing, particularly in areas where demographic and lifestyle changes are inevitable. By facilitating easy reconfiguration, Rammeverk offers a model that extends the lifespan of its apartments far beyond conventional buildings.
The research project is backed by Norway’s SirkTre initiative.
