Recognition: Honorable Mention

This proposal offers a strategy for low rise density and affordability through compact unit sizes and shared common spaces. The arrangement of housing units draws from the established precedent of single and two story “terrace housing” - a housing typology that can be found in many of Denver’s older neighborhoods where units are arrayed in a row-house type fashion. The overall planning intent is to achieve a critical mass of density that is key to affordability while keeping a permissive and permeable layout- one that feels cohesive unto itself but still open and connected to the surrounding neighborhood.

With a total of (37) units ((28) studios and (9) one-bedrooms), this proposal increases occupant density over an area that would typically accommodate only five to six single family dwellings. While zoning relief would be required, the proposal seeks to demonstrate that increased density can be realized while respecting the existing scale and character of the neighborhood. This is achieved by meeting required front-of-lot setback dimensions, moderating the width of each housing band, and dispersing pieces of shared program throughout the scheme to break up each housing band.

At 300 square feet, the studio apartments in this proposal are what one may characterize as micro-housing. These units are intended to fill a chronically underserved segment of the tenant population that falls outside of the traditional requirements of the nuclear family, not to mention the growing movement of small house enthusiasts that are simply seeking a life with less stuff and less wasted space. While space within each unit is economized, the overall scheme is supported by shared spaces: community room, co-working space, laundry facilities, workshop, large kitchen/dining room, communal garden, and bike storage.