Student Work
Course Description
Between Home and Community
Student: Mario Merino
Studio: ARCH 400 — Rob Humble — Fall 2025
Location: Seattle, Washington
Project Description
As housing costs continue to rise, this project demonstrates how small-scale residential infill can add much-needed homes while supporting existing residents. Developed in partnership with a family interested in increasing density on their property, the proposal creates fourteen new housing units within a compact footprint. The design balances economic feasibility, zoning requirements, and neighborhood character, showing how incremental growth can contribute to more attainable housing options.
The homes are organized around a central courtyard that serves as the social heart of the site. Townhouses and stacked flats frame this shared outdoor space, encouraging interaction among neighbors while maintaining privacy within individual homes. The courtyard creates opportunities for gathering, play, and everyday encounters that strengthen community connections.
Flexible interior layouts allow select rooms to be converted into independent rental units, providing residents with opportunities for passive income and increasing housing accessibility. The project was designed with financial viability in mind, achieving a projected 14% profit while maintaining estimated construction costs of $620 per square foot. By combining adaptable housing, shared community space, and a feasible development strategy, the proposal offers a practical model for adding density that benefits both property owners and the broader neighborhood.
Images from Between Home and Community.
