This project began at MIT, in a studio course instructed by Jan Wampler. Students designed rooftop live-work penthouses meant to sustain themselves and minimize dependency on city utilities. To generate his design, Kris devised a structural exoskeleton that supports both the building within and a system of components, or ‘green grid’ modules, mounted onto it. Available modules include photovoltaic and solar thermal panels, green roof and wall planters, rainwater collectors, and bird habitats. The exoskeleton ribs would also serve as conduits for the electrical, water, and coolant lines required to operate the modules. 

The building envelope, mounted within the exoskeleton, is designed to emphasize the geometric primacy of the structural conduit ribs. Ribbons of glazing run between the ribs, creating full height windows that connect seamlessly with skylights. The glazing is allocated to take advantage of the predominant views and provide varying levels of natural illumination. The opacity of the glass would transition from clear around public spaces to one-way or opaque around more private rooms. All rooms are gathered as geometric modules around a central atrium.