Student Work

Course Description

ALIGHT

Student: Curtis Chuang
Studio: ARCH 400 — Robert Humble — Fall 2025
Location: Seattle, Washington

Project Description

This housing complex explores a contemporary approach to multigenerational living by creating a home for a large extended family made up of four separate households. Inspired by the traditional Chinese sanheyuan, the design balances togetherness and independence through a collection of three townhouses and one main house organized around a shared central courtyard. The project responds to a growing interest in housing that supports family connections while respecting the needs of individual households.

At the heart of the design is a sheltered courtyard that serves as the family’s common living room. Protected from the weather, this shared outdoor space encourages everyday interactions, celebrations, and the creation of lasting memories across generations. To provide privacy, the primary living spaces are lifted above the ground plane. This strategy separates private family life from communal activity while creating a flexible area below for gathering, play, and informal events. The elevated homes overlook the courtyard, maintaining visual connections between family members while preserving personal space. By combining traditional cultural principles with contemporary housing needs, the project demonstrates how architecture can strengthen family bonds and create a resilient framework for shared living.

Images from ALIGHT.