A semester long group project examined the potential of designing small houses for a Grand Rapids non-profit, SEEDS of Promise. We developed a design concept that catered to user needs and stakeholder values.

Initially, the brief given to us requested the design of tiny houses for the SEEDS pilot program: housing, job training, and employment in an effort to combat homelessness in Grand Rapids. We began by researching cost efficiency of the tiny house trend, along with benchmarking community living programs, housing-first models, and other non-profits in the area serving the homeless. Quickly, we realized tiny homes are not a cost effective solution for this type of housing, and would be an uphill battle with city zoning ordinances. After conducting stakeholder interviews, we were better able to understand the requirements for these homes, and crafted a concept that would accommodate the needs of four strangers.

Our Design Narrative:

1) At first, we were tasked with placing mutliple tiny houses on a lot. 

2) We decided to place as many as code would allow on one site, which we found to be 4.

3) Soon, we realized it would be more efficient if we used a common house for utilities and a shared kitchen.

4) We expanded on this idea, but the forms would feel out of place in comparison.

5) We shifted our focus to utilizing a traditional family home exterior, but rearranging the interior spaces in order to meet the needs of four strangers.

6) Once we landed on this as the most effective concept, we began to develop interior plans and dive into the details of each floor.