Developed for Habitat for Humanity, we were commissioned to design prototypes exploring new models for attainable, sustainable, and community-oriented housing within established neighbourhoods outside of the urban center. The prototypes apply principles of gentle density by introducing multiple homes onto infill sites in ways that reinforce the scale and rhythm of the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
The Six-Plex prototype rethinks low-rise neighbourhood housing through compact density that prioritizes livability, adaptability, and access to outdoor space. Organized around a shared central courtyard open to the street, the project introduces six family-sized homes onto a typical infill lot while creating a compact and connected residential environment. Each two-bedroom home has a direct exterior entrance, private outdoor space, flexible interiors, large windows, and multiple orientations for natural light and cross-ventilation. Community is central to the design approach. Shared outdoor spaces create opportunities for casual interaction, play, and neighbourly connection, reinforcing the courtyard as the social heart of the development.
Durable materials, high-performance building envelopes, and all-electric systems support long-term sustainability, resilience, and low-impact living. Designed as a replicable housing model that supports a broad range of households, including families, seniors, and work-from-home residents, the Six-Plex explores how small-scale infill housing can increase density and housing supply while supporting more connected and sustainable patterns of neighbourhood growth.
