half a house, half a solution

I have a problem with this particular project.  I understand the goal is to offer an affordable, expandable, and customizable home, but I feel that it is a cop out in that rather than pursuing further a more complete and economical solution. The area that could be used for future builds could have been incorporated into the structure so that the envelope of the building was completed.  More customization could be completed on the interior through work that need not be structural. It would be safer than allowing and encouraging that type of expansion. In the apartment building by Jean Nouvel he was able to increase the size of the apartments while remaining on a budget and allow the residents to completely customize the interior.  

I understand that the unlicensed additions will occur regardless and that this is safer than no framework, but I believe trying to make a better space that would reduce the need for the unsafe additions would be preferable.

 alejandro aravena half house

jean nouvel nimes housing