This project marks the second collaboration with Louvis Services, a local nonprofit dedicated to innovative housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness. Building upon the research of the previous year, this prototype shifts focus from portability and prefabrication to prioritize permanence, on-site constructibility, and efficient construction practices. Designed from the outset for a defined client and site, the project reimagines transitional housing as dignified, durable, and replicable.
The program called for a compact duplex—two independent 500 square-foot units—that can serve a range of household types while remaining efficient to build and maintain. The design emphasizes clarity in construction and economy in material use, with strategies that balance cost-effectiveness and resilience. Central to the scheme is the deep screened porch, which acts as an intermediary zone—bringing the outside in while offering a protected space for retreat, socialization, or rest. Its layered threshold is particularly attuned to the realities of transitional living, where a sense of safety and gradual reentry into domestic space is essential.
Sheet metal cladding, integrated rainwater systems, and the generous porches provide environmental responsiveness, passive performance, and security—reflecting the nuanced needs of residents in transition. Where the previous prototype explored mobility and rapid assembly, this iteration roots itself in place. Built entirely on-site, UB20 responds directly to local permitting strategies and the challenges of rebuilding within a dispersed urban fabric. Located in the Lower Ninth Ward, the project is part of an ongoing effort to restore density and reestablish neighborhood continuity. The students worked to ensure the home remains a replicable model for future sites, while treating the specific needs of its first residents with care and intention.
