Tiny Homes Chicago

American Institute of Architects Chicago, Illinois

Explorations

Sustainable tiny homes concepts give south Chicago homeless young adults a leg up in the working world

Economic viability, response to surrounding community, and sustainability drove two concepts for housing homeless young adults in Chicago’s South Side. The concepts, driven by a competition hosted by the American Institute of Architects’ Chicago Chapter, target students and aspiring professionals who don’t have the economic resources to afford both school/internships and housing.

HIGHLIGHTS

350-square-foot spaces promote living, studying, and entertaining
Smart material choices reduce construction costs without sacrificing quality
Massing and materials respond to surrounding context
Both concepts include small dining room, living room, sleeping loft, kitchen, bathroom, and storage space

Modular Solution

This concept, designed by Ted Haug, is a modern interpretation of a two-story walk-up. It uses high-quality prefabricated modules whose easy installation saves construction costs. Every two units share a front and back porch to promote a sense of community, while a courtyard ties together all the units. Sustainable elements include solar panels and a green roof.

Lift Loft

Loren Johnson and Evan Menk’s Lift Loft uses a Chicago icon, the two flat, as a model. Each apartment has an upper and lower level, along with a covered entry and an upper level terrace. A unique construction concept uses shotcrete (i.e., a spray-on concrete) that lowers the labor and material costs through simplicity of detailing.

Tiny Homes Chicago

Sustainable tiny homes concepts give south Chicago homeless young adults a leg up in the working world

HIGHLIGHTS

Awards/Recognition

Awards/Recognition

Dignity and Community

Dignity and Community

Dignity and Community

Modular Solution

Lift Loft