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.
Ground Floor Plan
From left to right:
- Covered Parking
- Studio Unit
- Bike Storage
- Lobby
- All-Season Sunroom / Patio
- Three-Bed Unit
- Communal Planter
The neighborhood’s 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.
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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