Scope: Competition, AIA Chicago

Program: Overall site plan for a 106 ft x 120.6 ft lot that includes 10-12, 350 sqft housing modules along with a 1200 sqft communal space (accessible, and can accommodate meetings, social gatherings, laundry, office, and storage space); trash and recycling receptacles; bike storage; a hardscaped area that accommodates parking for 3 cars; lighting and general site security; complete design for one 350 sqft affordable housing module that includes a full bathroom, kitchen, twin bed, storage space, as well as a secure door and window(s)

2016

Brownstone walk-ups surround the 4318-24 S. Vernon site. This is a vacant lot in Chicago's Bronzville neighbourhood which, given its built perimeter, has the appearance of an inner city courtyard. The design concept borrows this for its composition by organizing the tiny home community in pods, which themselves form a network of internal courtyards, facilitating both protection from the outside world, and connection between residents, encouraging peer-to-peer support.

Privacy increases as visitors move from public arrival point, through the community centre’s shared courtyard and hearth, to 3, 3-4 unit pods (11 in total) oriented around a courtyard, to the enclosure of each resident's own private space. To maximize the number of units on the site, the strength of the courtyard typology generates three pod-like formations of 'archetypal' micro-homes to house youths for whom 'home' has a troubled connotation.

These units surround the semi-private courtyard spaces with lavender plantings reclaiming and celebrating the flower's historical association with the American queer experience. The tiny homes are fully visitable, have 4-aspect daylighting, as well as abundant, natural cross-ventilation. Additionally, large window banks on each side of each dwelling create a slightly offset transparency. This forms a jogging through-line from one side of the site to the other, creating a clear visual connection between residents and each other, and when desired, between residents and life in the neighbourhood.

A communal hearth warms a small gathering space in the community centre, which also has a kitchen to cater events, as well as office space, a laundry room, and small health clinic for residents. The recreation space is flanked by overhead garage doors that open to an inner communal courtyard on the west, and face public life on South Vernon. Their prosceniums will frame open mic nights, improv, and fashion shows. They will host “familial” gatherings and events, create community, and invite the neighbourhood to share in their joy and accomplishments.

Satisfying physical and emotional needs, the tiny home community's residential experience is at once introverted and extroverted. Residents live alone, but together. But they are always part of. The micro-home community sets the stage for its residents to forge essential peer connections, an independent path, and build momentum for a healthy adulthood.