Overview
The Boxus module concept was designed by Christchurch company F3 Design to meet a need for flexible, mobile structures in post-earthquake Canterbury, and in particular to help seed a return of arts to the central city after the Canterbury earthquakes. Sited near CPIT on the corner of Madras and St Asaph Streets, Boxed Quarter comprises multiple cube spaces which are configured in clusters as separate buildings. The development has progressed through two stages. The first, ArtBox, provided display space for artists during the temporary closure of the Christchurch City Art Gallery for repairs. This led on to BeatBox, a second stage to provide modular spaces for performing arts. The cubes are now gaining popularity and are being used as offices, restaurants and even a hair dresser.
Structural system
Each ‘Box’ is a 2.9 metre cube which is portable and can be joined with other modules in various arrangements. The construction comprises standardised 3-layer XLam Douglas fir panels fixed within a preassembled bolted steel framework. Each cube is structurally independent and can be bolted to others to expand up and out. The XLam panels provide a 60 minute fire rating between the cubes without any additional protective fire linings. Panels were factory-prepared for rapid on-site fixing in place. While intended for temporary use, in future the modules can be disconnected and re-fitted as fully code-compliant homes or hospitality and retail venues.
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