Theseus: A New Housing Typology

Theseus transforms steel cargo holds from dry bulk carriers into durable housing in flood-prone Chelsea, MA. Cargo-holds are separated and stripped to their structural steel core and inverted onto piles. Steel members suspend floor plates in tension freeing interior walls from bearing load allowing operable walls that enable units to be reorganized. The hung buildings create a floodable landscape and open civic space. Theseus responds to climate threats, material scarcity and housing instability through a framework that supports evolving family dynamics, public ground, and housing continuity.