The building steps down at the stair to break the scale of the long-side of the project
Bringing straw to Boston’s
affordable housing
From the 1880s to the 1930s the “triple decker” - three stacked flats, typically owned by one of the families living there - provided a pathway to affordable home-ownership for Boston’s recent immigrants. Unfortunately, 100 years later, the economics have changed. At this point, the City needs a denser housing model that productively builds on that legacy.
As part of the “Future Decker” competition, the City will donate land to the winning team for development into 80–100% area median income (AMI) affordable home-ownership units.
Our 8-unit proposal reimagines the triple decker’s perfunctory stair as a hub that economically fosters community. The stair abuts a south-facing “all-season” room for shared meals, resident gatherings, and plants.
As part of the “Future Decker” competition, the City will donate land to the winning team for development into 80–100% area median income (AMI) affordable home-ownership units.
Our 8-unit proposal reimagines the triple decker’s perfunctory stair as a hub that economically fosters community. The stair abuts a south-facing “all-season” room for shared meals, resident gatherings, and plants.
Traditional Triple Decker
Proposed Future Decker
Half the stairs, triple the units, and shared social space
The neighborhood is home to many colorful, clapboard buildings, so we embraced that. Generally, we never want our projects to be ostentatious; we want them to integrate and reveal themselves over time.
Ground Floor Plan
From left to right:
- Covered Parking
- Studio Unit
- Bike Storage
- Lobby
- All-Season Sunroom / Patio
- Three-Bed Unit
- Communal Planter
The project is a mix of conventional clapboard & vertical siding; a cost effective, subtle way to add texture
The stair abuts a two-story sunroom; part community-builder, part antidote to Boston’s loooooong winters
Third Floor Plan
The central stair looks in to—or in this case, on to—a communal, greenhouse-like sunroom. The units’ living spaces are at the corners to capitalize on natural light & cross ventilation.
The central stair looks in to—or in this case, on to—a communal, greenhouse-like sunroom. The units’ living spaces are at the corners to capitalize on natural light & cross ventilation.
The stair links 3 three-bed units in the front to 3 studios and 2 two-beds in the back
Sponsor
City of BostonTimeline
2024Status
CompetitionLocation
Dorchester, MassachusettsServices
ArchitectureInterior Design
Credits
African Community Economic Development Corporation (ACEDONE),Community Outreach & Homeowner Engagement Consultant
Chess Engineering,
Civil Engineering
Croft,
Prefab Consultant & Straw Panel Provider
JGE Architecture + Design,
Design Advisor
LB Development Partners,
Development Consultant
Passive to Positive,
Sustainability Consultant
Pristine Engineers,
MEP-FP Engineering
RSE Associates,
Structural Engineer
Star Contracting Co,
Construction Management
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