“This rigorous and artful composition of an architectural ‘kit of parts’ achieves a sense of substance, individuality, and community in a project that feels appropriately of its place.”
— Paul Danna, FAIA
Location Austin
Client Habitat for Humanity
Architect Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
Design Team Michael Hsu, FAIA, Micah Land, Ken Johnson, David Tucker
Contractor Austin Habitat for Humanity
Structural Engineer MJ Structures
Landscape Architect TBG Partners
This set of affordable townhouses consists of 11 attached, single-family homes that maintain their own individual identities while meshing with an overall design narrative. Three facades repeat across the units: brown brick in vertical and horizontal course; white fiber cement soffit panels; and grey board-and-batten fiber cement panels. Inset walls at each front porch are laid with colorful tiles, selected by the homeowners, that complement the decorative steel awnings, window surrounds, and address plates. The efficient interiors feature 10-foot ceilings and open living-dining-kitchen areas. Large windows and a skylight at the top of the stairs provide daylighting.