Housing prototypes commissioned by Habitat for Humanity

We were recently commissioned by Habitat for Humanity to develop a series of housing prototypes – a six-plex and a twelve-plex – exploring scalable approaches to attainable housing.

The prototypes explore how multi-unit housing can be introduced beyond the urban core while remaining responsive to neighbourhood context. Both schemes are grounded in principles of gentle density, with each home designed to feel individual and connected to the outdoors. Units are accessed directly from grade, with private entrances and dedicated outdoor space, paired with adaptable interiors that support a range of household needs. Shared courtyards, pedestrian pathways, and garden spaces structure the site and encourage informal interaction, while durable materials, high-performance envelopes, and all-electric systems support long-term environmental performance.

The six-plex organizes two-storey stacked homes around a shared central courtyard, creating a compact, community-oriented cluster. The twelve-plex builds on this approach at a larger scale, introducing three-storey forms and a broader mix of unit types to accommodate greater density while maintaining livability.

This commission reflects a shared commitment to advancing housing models that are scalable and grounded in community, demonstrating how increased density can be achieved without compromising livability or environmental performance.