Bsyinnaung Apartments

Bayinnaung, Myanmar
2025

How do we build dignified, high-quality apartments for working class residents?


A visit to Bayinnaung revealed a dense cluster of poorly constructed walk-up apartments, reflecting a development model that prioritizes unit count over quality of life. In response, this project proposes an affordable yet human-centered alternative by integrating communal spaces and greenery, curating natural light, and incorporating a mix of unit typologies to working class residents.

The unit layout is reimagined by placing two- and three-bedroom units on the lower floors to accommodate families while one-bedroom units occupy the upper two levels. Front balconies extend domestic life with herb garden walls and laundry drying areas, while buffer garden at the rear bring in natural light and shield bedrooms from the visual discomfort of the back alley. A front-facing stairwell doubles as a light filled space, channeling daylight into the building’s interior through glass block walls. Energy-efficient electrical systems and automatic solar-battery setups are integrated to ensure backup power during outages.

At the ground level, a communal lobby provides essential amenities with bike storage, trash management, mailboxes, and mechanical areas, addressing often-overlooked daily needs in similar housing. Crowning the building, a rooftop greenhouse supports urban agriculture and fosters long-term community interaction. Every element is designed with clarity, affordability, and precision to deliver dignified, well-crafted homes that enhance the everyday lives of working-class residents.