THE THREE PROTOTYPES 

A solution for housing that prioritizes dignity and social space.

Type: Professional Work | EnneadLab 

Team: Tom Wong | Anna Baez | Stefani Fachini 

Client: Miami Local Developer | ongoing 

Program: Single-family housing

Location: Miami, FL

The Project: 

With Miami’s latest developments and the increase in rent and market value of properties, people from several neighborhoods have been forced to move to other areas. The neighborhood Liberty city in Miami is currently facing this issue. Our client, born and raised in the area, wants to build affordable homes so families can buy a house in the neighborhood instead of having to leave their communities. 

This series of prototypes allow for more efficient and affordable single-family homes for the community. 

Publications:

How do we design affordable homes that foster community? EnneadLab

Arch-Vizz | Architecture Visualization tutorial: Split | Florida Room | Courtyard | Section | Plan

The three prototypes respond to specific characteristics of this area:

1. The houses have been raised 2 feet to accommodate for the required flood zone.

2. The designs respond to the ideal solar orientation of the area, allowing for more natural light to enter the house from the North and South, blocking most of the East and West sunlight.

3. The neighborhood architectural character is kept, therefore hip and gabled roofs have been incorporated to the design.

4. Exterior spaces are integrated with the interior, and shaded areas have been added where families can hang out outside on a hot day.

Prototypes are 1500-1600 sq. ft., 3-bedroom homes for the typical 50’ x 120’ lot.

Prototype I: The Split

The private rooms are organized around the public spaces, facing the backyard. Two entrances are added, shaping the overall volume and exposing the main room. Adding glass to the back of the main volume emphasizes the florida room and creates a strong connection to the backyard. A gabled is added to the main volume, making the design more contextual to Liberty City’s neighborhood. 

Prototype II: The Florida Room

The program is divided into Public rooms towards the street and Private room towards the backyard. Two courtyard areas are carved out to bring daylight into all rooms and provide a connection to the outside. Two porches are carved at the front and back to provide a shaded outdoor space. To accentuate the program split, two assymetrical hip roofs are added, emphasizing the living room

Prototype III: The Courtyard