Facilitating economical and ecological solutions for affordable housing in Harlem, this apartment complex utilizes applications of earth construction through a design that explores a new form of collective living. The development reimagines the structure of apartment duplexes, offering smaller space-saving private bedrooms and bathrooms to financially allow for amenity-filled shared living, dining, and green spaces below.

Passive thermal comfort strategies are used in shaping unconditioned, semi-conditioned, and conditioned spaces. These varying levels of outdoor access and connectivity push opportunities for porosity between gardens, users, and the community. The use of light straw clay construction in larger terracing elements takes advantage of winter sun while providing summer shading. The exterior materiality reflects the surrounding site’s existing character, but the building does so in a way that creates healthier spaces for residents and for the planet.