The Stahlhäus

The
Stahlhäus

MICRO-STRUCTURE

2025

The Stahlhäus Project represents an initial conceptual exploration into modular micro-home design.

By integrating sustainable materials and passive design strategies, Stahlhäus optimizes natural light, ventilation, and energy consumption. The design emphasizes minimalism and practicality, reducing material waste while maintaining a refined architectural identity. Every element is carefully considered to enhance livability without excess, creating a space that is both compact and comfortable.

Through a balance of form and function, Stahlhäus presents a streamlined approach to micro-living, demonstrating how small-scale architecture can be both sustainable and aesthetically compelling.

PROJECT TYPE

MICRO-STRUCTURE

YEAR

2025

ROLE

Lead Designer

Architectural Design

Material Strategy

STATUS

UNBUILT

SITE

Undisclosed

PROGRAM

Private Residence

PROJECT TYPE

MICRO-STRUCTURE

YEAR

2025

ROLE

Lead Designer

Architectural Design

Material Strategy

STATUS

UNBUILT

SITE

Undisclosed

PROGRAM

Private Residence

Core Materials

01.0

01 Concrete

Interior Wall Finish

Main Floor

Slabs

02 Corrugated Steel

Container Frame

Container Roof

Half-Cylinder Roof

03 Ebonized Oak

Cabinetry

Millwork

Built-ins

04 Tempered Glazing

Windows

Interior Doors

05 Brushed Aluminum

Frames / Handles

Panels / Fixtures

Minor Details

06 Cement Tile

Bathroom Walls

Interior Floor

Backsplash

Modular Overview

Modular
Overview

02.0

The following orthogonal plans display the three primary spatial conditions of the StahlHäus system. Ground level is programmed for access and core functionality, with vertical transitions leading to the roof level and enclosed dome addition. Each elevation layer is dimensionally standardized, following ISO container guidelines. All modules follow a 40’x8’ high-cube logic with consistent structural framing intervals. Circulation, utilities, and access orientation are integrated within the longitudinal axis.

Ground Floor Plan

East Entry Orientation

Spatial Organization

01 Main Entry

(East Accordion Door)

02 Sleeping Quarters

03 Sanitary Core (Open Wet Space)

04 Kitchen Spine

05 Utility Niche

06 Dining, Work Area

07 Living Area (West End)

Notes:

All zoning, dimensions, and wall types illustrated in this plan are conceptual. Final assemblies and specifications are subject to revision during technical detailing and coordination.

Design Logic & Environmental Strategy

Zonal Ratio

The container is proportionally divided into a 1:2 spatial hierarchy. The first third (north) contains the bedroom and sanitary core, clad in corrugated aluminum dome shell. The remaining two-thirds (south) transition into concrete exterior cladding, hosting the kitchen, dining, and living space.

Natural Lighting

Three large openings on the south and two floor-to-ceiling apertures on the north face provide passive lighting and controlled transparency throughout. Combined with frosted glass partitions, the design ensures a consistent light gradient and spatial permeability.

Partition Strategy

Interior walls are minimized. All full-height separations utilize frosted glass to maintain visual depth while offering privacy. This includes the wall between the sanitary zone and bedroom, as well as the transition between sleeping and living zones.

Envelope Thickness

Wall thickness varies based on material and structural system. The corrugated aluminum dome is structurally self-supporting, resulting in a lighter and thinner envelope. In contrast, the concrete zone requires additional structural layers, leading to a thicker profile. This variation reflects the logic of each material’s structural role and visual presence.

Top of Container

Roof Assembly View

Spatial Organization

01 Solar Panels

02 Corrugated Metal Roof

03 Partial Dome Base

Notes:

Roof elements are simplified representations for spatial organization. Material logic, structural strategy, and assembly methods will be developed in subsequent sections.

Design Logic & Environmental Strategy

Photovoltaic Logic
The roof accommodates three Tesla solar panels placed centrally, allowing maximum solar exposure along the container’s north-south axis. These panels are essential to StahlHäus’ off-grid strategy.

Material Understanding

A corrugated aluminum or galvanized metal surface is proposed, offering durability, weather resistance, and compatibility with solar mounting brackets. Its lightweight nature also reduces structural load on the container walls.

Thermal & Water Strategy

The roof’s pitch and ribbed texture enable rainwater collection and natural runoff. Thermal insulation strategies can be embedded underneath the roof skin to regulate interior heat gain.

Assembly View

This level also allows access to the dome anchor ring. While not habitable, it is crucial for the integration of the dome structure above, both mechanically and formally.

Half-Cylinder Roof

Assembly View

Spatial Organization

01 Passive Skylight Ventilation

02 Circular Roof Aperture

03 Structural Ring Anchor

Notes:

Assembly components are simplified representations for reference. Full material logic and structural connections are explored in subsequent sections.

Design Logic & Environmental Strategy

Form Efficiency

The curved half-cylinder form promotes aerodynamic resistance, natural snow/rain shedding, and optimized load distribution across the structural span. This geometry reduces material usage compared to angular or multi-pitch roof systems.

Light & Ventilation

A linear passive skylight runs along the dome’s crown, optimizing natural lighting while enabling passive stack ventilation. This reduces dependency on artificial lighting and HVAC systems, aligning with the project’s off-grid potential.

Thermal & Structural Considerations

The dome’s geometry naturally facilitates passive ventilation. Warm air rises and exits through the top vent, while cooler air is drawn in from below, establishing a thermal chimney effect. This supports passive cooling and air circulation across all levels.

Elevation Analysis

Elevation
Analysis

03.0

These elevation drawings serve as simplified visual references to convey the project’s spatial form and material rhythm. At this stage, they are not intended to illustrate complete construction or assembly logic, but rather to establish a representational understanding of massing, proportions, and fenestration.

North Elevation

Glazed accordion doors anchor the entry sequence, establishing transparency and connection with the site.

Container unit sits beneath the curved roof, creating distinct programmatic zones.

Service core visually separated to articulate massing hierarchy.

East Elevation

Circular dome form intersects with container to form a centralized skylight.

Verticality emphasized through arched geometry for both form and structural legibility.

South Elevation

Singular punched window breaks the solid plane to allow for framed daylight.

Opaque rear wall provides privacy and enclosure for service functions.

East Elevation

Secondary arched portal balances composition and offers ventilation outlet.

Clean termination of the curved roof edge articulates symmetry across the plan axis.

Form, Apertures & Spatial Hierarchy

Geometric Legibility

These representational elevations establish the project’s formal logic through simplified massing and geometry. The consistent use of rectilinear and semi-cylindrical volumes provides visual clarity, defining both programmatic zones and circulation thresholds across the envelope. Vertical alignments and horizontal datum lines suggest a measured modular rhythm derived from the container grid.

Aperture Strategy

Openings are strategically placed in relation to expected use and environmental response. Full-height glazed panels along the primary length suggest a social or public interior function with visual and physical connection to the exterior. In contrast, minimal openings on opposing sides imply privacy, orientation control, or utility-based programming.

Material & Expression

Without specifying surface treatments, the proportions and void-to-solid relationships begin to imply material behavior, lightweight framed openings contrasted against heavier envelope spans. The arched terminations and recessed apertures signal spatial transitions while reinforcing the language of curved geometries established in plan and section.

Formal Rhythm

The elevation views emphasize the visual ordering system embedded within the project’s massing and aperture placement. Repeating vertical grids, proportional alignments, and centralized symmetry offer clues into the building’s underlying structural and spatial logic. Though surface materials are abstracted here, a disciplined approach to spacing, offset, and visual anchoring signals a hierarchy of program and an intentional modulation of the building envelope.

Technical Summary

01 Envelope Dimensions

Primary Container Length:

40’-0” (plus finishes)

Primary Container Height:

9’-6” (plus finishes)

Primary Container Width:

8’-0” (plus finishes)

Curved Roof Apex:

13’-9”

02 Glazing

Glazing panel width:

3’-0” average

West Elevation Panels:

(3) Glazed accordion units

North Elevation:

(1) Glazed aperture

South Elevation:

(1) Secondary void

East Elevation:

(1) Fixed horizontal punched window

North Elevation

Glazed accordion doors anchor the entry sequence, establishing transparency and connection with the site.

Container unit sits beneath the curved roof, creating distinct programmatic zones.

Service core visually separated to articulate massing hierarchy.

East Elevation

Circular dome form intersects with container to form a centralized skylight.

Verticality emphasized through arched geometry for both form and structural legibility.

South Elevation

Singular punched window breaks the solid plane to allow for framed daylight.

Opaque rear wall provides privacy and enclosure for service functions.

East Elevation

Secondary arched portal balances composition and offers ventilation outlet.

Clean termination of the curved roof edge articulates symmetry across the plan axis.

Form, Apertures & Spatial Hierarchy

Geometric Legibility

Aperture Strategy

Material & Expression

Formal Rhythm

Technical Summary

01 Envelope Dimensions

Primary Container Length:

40’-0” (plus finishes)

Primary Container Height:

9’-6” (plus finishes)

Primary Container Width:

8’-0” (plus finishes)

Curved Roof Apex:

13’-9”

02 Glazing

Glazing panel width:

3’-0” average

West Elevation Panels:

(3) Glazed accordion units

North Elevation:

(1) Glazed aperture

South Elevation:

(1) Secondary void

East Elevation:

(1) Fixed horizontal punched window

Representational elevations provided to establish massing and balance contrasts prior to full section detailing.

Ratio Logic

Ratio

Logic

04.0

Form follows Ratio

01 Three-Zone Strategy

Zone 1 - Sanitary, Sleeping (Private)

Zone 2 - Kitchen, Utility (Transitional)

Zone 3 - Dining, Living (Public)

The horizontal layout is based on ratio-based spatial thinking.

Openings and spatial volume reflect a progression of openness.

Spatial flow follows a 1:2:3 proportional sequence in terms of:

(1) Programmatic privacy

(2) Spatial openness

(3) User interaction

01 Three-Zone Strategy

Zone 1 - Sanitary, Sleeping (Private)

Zone 2 - Kitchen, Utility (Transitional)

Zone 3 - Dining, Living (Public)

The horizontal layout is based on ratio-based spatial thinking.

Openings and spatial volume reflect a progression of openness.

Spatial flow follows a 1:2:3 proportional sequence in terms of:

(1) Programmatic privacy

(2) Spatial openness

(3) User interaction

01 Three-Zone Strategy

Zone 1 - Sanitary, Sleeping (Private)

Zone 2 - Kitchen, Utility (Transitional)

Zone 3 - Dining, Living (Public)

The horizontal layout is based on ratio-based spatial thinking.

Openings and spatial volume reflect a progression of openness.

Spatial flow follows a 1:2:3 proportional sequence in terms of:

(1) Programmatic privacy

(2) Spatial openness

(3) User interaction

02 Ratio Logic

The spatial arrangement follows a 1:2 ratio system, reflecting both physical partitioning and functional hierarchy:

Private Zones (Sanitary, Sleeping) - 1 part

Public Zones (Kitchen, Living) - 2 parts

This establishes a spatial rhythm - a measured balance between containment and openness, between pause and flow.

02 Ratio Logic

The spatial arrangement follows a 1:2 ratio system, reflecting both physical partitioning and functional hierarchy:

Private Zones (Sanitary, Sleeping) - 1 part

Public Zones (Kitchen, Living) - 2 parts

This establishes a spatial rhythm - a measured balance between containment and openness, between pause and flow.

02 Ratio Logic

The spatial arrangement follows a 1:2 ratio system, reflecting both physical partitioning and functional hierarchy:

Private Zones (Sanitary, Sleeping) - 1 part

Public Zones (Kitchen, Living) - 2 parts

This establishes a spatial rhythm - a measured balance between containment and openness, between pause and flow.

03 Design Logic by Zone

StahlHäus operates on a spatial system rooted in progression. The layout is divided into three conceptual zones, each responding to specific thresholds of privacy, circulation, and function.

Zone 1 - Sanitary & Sleeping

A tighter spatial configuration, marked by minimal openings and maximum privacy. The threshold is narrow, reinforcing the intimate use of the space.

Zone 2 - Kitchen & Utility

A transitional zone, acting as a core hinge between private and public life. Here, strategic openings and compressions meet along the circulation spine.

Zone 3 - Dining & Living

The most expansive of the three. Defined by full-span glazing and open width, this area acts as a release in the spatial rhythm - social, breathable, and light.

04 Openings Hierarchy

Openings along the primary circulation spine reinforce the logic of progression:

Sanitary Core (03)

Narrow opening (1 part)

2:1 wall-to-opening ratio - enclosed, private

Sleeping Quarters (02)

Wider Opening (2 parts)

1:2 wall-to-opening ratio - semi-open, transitional

Kitchen to Living (04-07)

Full-width Opening (3 parts)

1:1 wall-to-opening ratio - fully open, shared

This subtle system of spatial access ensures the design responds to behavior - not just program.

Circulation Logic

Circulation

Logic

04.1

A Spine Between Spaces

01 Linear Spine Strategy

Circulation in StahlHäus is structured along a single-loaded linear spine, running the full length of the container’s northern edge. This primary axis functions not just as a path, but as a spatial datum, from which all rooms branch.

The line runs from entry (01) through the sleeping and utility core, and terminates in the open living zone (07).

01 Linear Spine Strategy

The line runs from entry (01) through the sleeping and utility core, and terminates in the open living zone (07).

01 Linear Spine Strategy

The line runs from entry (01) through the sleeping and utility core, and terminates in the open living zone (07).

02 Compression and Expansion

The circulation experience is measured by transitions in width and programmatic intensity.

The spine begins narrow, flanked by enclosed private rooms.

At the core, lateral openings increase.

At the terminus, the plan expands fully into the public zone.

This logic mirrors breath - inhale (entry), hold (core), exhale (living)

02 Compression and Expansion

The circulation experience is measured by transitions in width and programmatic intensity.

The spine begins narrow, flanked by enclosed private rooms.

At the core, lateral openings increase.

At the terminus, the plan expands fully into the public zone.

This logic mirrors breath - inhale (entry), hold (core), exhale (living)

02 Compression and Expansion

The circulation experience is measured by transitions in width and programmatic intensity.

The spine begins narrow, flanked by enclosed private rooms.

At the core, lateral openings increase.

At the terminus, the plan expands fully into the public zone.

This logic mirrors breath - inhale (entry), hold (core), exhale (living)

03 Public-to-Private Flow

The layout inverts traditional corridor logic. Rather than being a means to pass through space, the spine holds space.

It acts as a behavioral gradient:

Entry (01) - Controlled pause

Sleeping (02) - Soft release

Utility (05) - Interruption

Living (07) - Spatial openness

03 Public-to-Private Flow

The layout inverts traditional corridor logic. Rather than being a means to pass through space, the spine holds space.

It acts as a behavioral gradient:

Entry (01) - Controlled pause

Sleeping (02) - Soft release

Utility (05) - Interruption

Living (07) - Spatial openness

03 Public-to-Private Flow

The layout inverts traditional corridor logic. Rather than being a means to pass through space, the spine holds space.

It acts as a behavioral gradient:

Entry (01) - Controlled pause

Sleeping (02) - Soft release

Utility (05) - Interruption

Living (07) - Spatial openness

*Dotted vertical line represents the Primary Circulation Spine; horizontal cuts represent lateral access into programmatic zones.

Structural Strategy

Structural

Strategy

05.0

Container Structure as Frame System

01 System Overview

StahlHäus relies on the inherent strength of ISO shipping containers as a structural system. Rather than overcomplicating the build, the project leverages the container’s existing frame integrity.

02 Span & Load Strategy

Lateral steel beams span between the container’s corner posts, forming a stable load-bearing system. Openings are reinforced where cut, and the roof dome rests on a tension frame system.

02 Span & Load Strategy

Lateral steel beams span between the container’s corner posts, forming a stable load-bearing system. Openings are reinforced where cut, and the roof dome rests on a tension frame system.

03 Slab Connection

The container frame connects directly to a cast-in-place concrete slab via bolted anchor points. This system allows for flat, minimal structural intrusion into the interior.

03 Slab Connection

The container frame connects directly to a cast-in-place concrete slab via bolted anchor points. This system allows for flat, minimal structural intrusion into the interior.

04 Openings and Reinforcement

Where walls are removed for access or flow, steel channels are welded along cut edges. This maintains lateral rigidity while allowing spatial openness.

04 Openings and Reinforcement

Where walls are removed for access or flow, steel channels are welded along cut edges. This maintains lateral rigidity while allowing spatial openness.

05 Structural Framing

Steel Type: ASTM A36 structural steel

HSS (Hollow Structural Section): ASTM A500 Grade B for cut openings

Bolts: ASTM A325 high-strength bolts

Welds: AWS D1.1 standard for structural steel

Anchoring: Corner castings bolted to slab with embedded steel plates

06 Connections to Slab

Slab: 4”-6” cast-in-place reinforced concrete

Thermal Layer: Vapor barrier and rigid insulation below slab

Interface: Bolt plates embedded flush with slab for rapid anchor

Role: Slab acts as both foundation and thermal mass

06 Connections to Slab

Slab: 4”-6” cast-in-place reinforced concrete

Thermal Layer: Vapor barrier and rigid insulation below slab

Interface: Bolt plates embedded flush with slab for rapid anchor

Role: Slab acts as both foundation and thermal mass

07 Metal Fabrications

Roof Arch: Aluminum curved beam frame (half-cylinder roof, (proposed) skylight)

Brackets and Tubing: Steel tubing and plates used where structure is modified

Exterior Rails (optional): Stainless steel Type 304

All exposed metal: Ground smooth, galvanized, aluminum, or stainless where applicable

07 Metal Fabrications

Roof Arch: Aluminum curved beam frame (half-cylinder roof, (proposed) skylight)

Brackets and Tubing: Steel tubing and plates used where structure is modified

Exterior Rails (optional): Stainless steel Type 304

All exposed metal: Ground smooth, galvanized, aluminum, or stainless where applicable

08 Finishes and Protection

Shop Primer: Zinc-rich primer SSPC Paint 20

Galvanizing: ASTM A123 for exposed steel

Fasteners: Stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized depending on exposure

Interior/Exterior Coatings: Concrete overlays, board-formed finishes, GFRC

08 Finishes and Protection

Shop Primer: Zinc-rich primer SSPC Paint 20

Galvanizing: ASTM A123 for exposed steel

Fasteners: Stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized depending on exposure

Interior/Exterior Coatings: Concrete overlays, board-formed finishes, GFRC

01 System Overview

StahlHäus relies on the inherent strength of ISO shipping containers as a structural system. Rather than overcomplicating the build, the project leverages the container’s existing frame integrity.

02 Span & Load Strategy

Lateral steel beams span between the container’s corner posts, forming a stable load-bearing system. Openings are reinforced where cut, and the roof dome rests on a tension frame system.

03 Slab Connection

The container frame connects directly to a cast-in-place concrete slab via bolted anchor points. This system allows for flat, minimal structural intrusion into the interior.

04 Openings and Reinforcement

Where walls are removed for access or flow, steel channels are welded along cut edges. This maintains lateral rigidity while allowing spatial openness.

05 Structural Framing

Steel Type: ASTM A36 structural steel

HSS (Hollow Structural Section): ASTM A500 Grade B for cut openings

Bolts: ASTM A325 high-strength bolts

Welds: AWS D1.1 standard for structural steel

Anchoring: Corner castings bolted to slab with embedded steel plates

06 Connections to Slab

Slab: 4”-6” cast-in-place reinforced concrete

Thermal Layer: Vapor barrier and rigid insulation below slab

Interface: Bolt plates embedded flush with slab for rapid anchor

Role: Slab acts as both foundation and thermal mass

07 Metal Fabrications

Roof Arch: Aluminum curved beam frame (half-cylinder roof, (proposed) skylight)

Brackets and Tubing: Steel tubing and plates used where structure is modified

Exterior Rails (optional): Stainless steel Type 304

All exposed metal: Ground smooth, galvanized, aluminum, or stainless where applicable

08 Finishes and Protection

Shop Primer: Zinc-rich primer SSPC Paint 20

Galvanizing: ASTM A123 for exposed steel

Fasteners: Stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized depending on exposure

Interior/Exterior Coatings: Concrete overlays, board-formed finishes, GFRC

StahlHäus is a study in architectural restraint. It is a structure built not through excess but through proportion, clarity, and control. Every spatial decision is intentional, driven by system rather than style, and reinforced only where the architecture demands it. What emerges is not a visual exercise but a functional framework defined by logic, grounded in construction, and executed with purpose.

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