into the nest

In partnership with Julie Chen and Megan Clevenger

An affordable housing prototype developed through community engagement, iterative design, and sustainable residential strategies.

Overview

In partnership with NEST, a nonprofit housing organization, this studio explored affordable housing prototypes for Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood. Guided by NEST's master plan, the project sought to create housing that supports a diverse community through affordability, sustainability, visitability, and neighborhood revitalization.

The design process began with meetings between the studio, NEST, and Northside residents to better understand the community's priorities. These conversations identified three primary design goals—visitability, sustainability, and affordability—which informed subsequent research into the neighborhood's demographics, housing needs, and development strategies.

Using these findings, the studio developed a design matrix that established unique parameters for each student. The framework organized design decisions into four themes—sustainable strategies, massing, site conditions, and occupant type—ensuring that every housing proposal addressed shared community objectives while responding to a distinct set of constraints.

Part 1

My proposal investigated split massing and occupiable roof spaces as primary organizing strategies. Through a series of massing studies, the design evolved into a residence centered around a double-height courtyard that promotes daylight and natural ventilation. Affordable construction methods informed a simplified building form, while reclaimed wood and salvaged materials were incorporated into the façade to reinforce the project's emphasis on sustainability and cost-conscious design.

Following the first design review, the proposals were presented to NEST and members of the Northside community. Their feedback informed a second design phase that refined the original framework by removing unnecessary constraints, introducing more site-specific design parameters, and strengthening strategies that resonated with community members.

Part 2

The revised proposal prioritized efficient land use, passive ventilation, and maximizing livable space within a compact footprint. Split-level organization and stack ventilation became key architectural strategies, while iterative floor plate studies optimized both spatial efficiency and environmental performance. A transparent glass entry paired with operable louvers creates an inviting street presence that encourages community interaction while allowing residents to adjust privacy as needed.

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