Layla Aspinall

I created this design by finding that there were issues in the UK, that the homes are in high demand but causing destruction to our environment. 

labConnects is a structured home using smart materials such as 'Yakisugi' a three-hundred Japanese method. It uses open fire to burn the wood, allowing the fire chars (black char wood) to give enhanced durability, is eco-friendly not harm the environment, has fire resistance, and is natural insect repellent. 

labConnects has a mini garden within the home and it is a centre point of all the rooms facing towards this garden. This garden is minimal maintenance and easy to manage while family life can be busy. To access this garden it has two glass doors. Above the garden, there is a reflection mirror and an open ceiling (solution) to create elements for the garden to thrive. The sunlight will reflect onto the mirror and the natural rain come through from the open ceiling to create a perfect atmosphere of photosynthesis. Overall design labConnects:

• Nine squares

• 7 natural glass windows (on both two levels

I created this to be a product innovation to shape a tiny home for a family of four (2 adults and  2 children). As a family that wants to downsize, improve their quality of health, and bring up their children by guiding them to learn by supporting the environment and biodiversity around them.

Functions of labConnects

A feature of moveable walls that allow for a family to adapt when family lifestyle changes. These walls can either push to expand a room to make it feel bigger for a family to enjoy as together or it can also create another way in-close area of the home. Behind this idea, if a family member is a remote worker it adapts by creating an office room when needed. These moveable walls are located in the bedroom (upstairs), dining, living room & kitchen. LabConnects home:

• Two bedrooms (upstairs & downstairs)

• Dining & kitchen has window glass ceilings

• Bathroom is underneath stairway

• Ideal for buyers and renters

To access this home it has a design glass fir char door that when walked in it accesses to the hallway. The second door access is from the dining area. Locations of labConnects Homes ideal to connect with the environment:

• Countrysides

• Woodlands

• Forests

• Open Fields

• Or it can improve those inner cities.

Brand logo: labConnects

The idea is to create something colourful relating to my design home. The box is the mini garden that why there is a tree popping up. The word lab is shortened the word Labrador as I have a dog called 'Winnie' who is a red fox. Connects is a scientific connection between the elements of supramolecular chemistry, the periodic table, and extended molecular biology that make all the materials of this home labConnects.

My reflection

I enjoyed the course T317. I loved how much input and inspiration through my studies helped me to design this home. Overall I'm very happy.