spacer

Step(1) Housing

2022

Architects have experimented on disadvantaged people with good intentions but limited success. This idea is novel, but not experimental. It has been derived from listening to unhoused people themselves and the social service providers who have devoted their careers to taking on one of society’s most intractable problems: homelessness.

This is an ongoing project that has culminated in multiple built examples and proposals.

STATUS:
Ongoing research

BUILT:
Homekey Mountain View
San Mateo County Navigation Center

LOCATION:
California

AWARDS:Community Impact Award - 2023 Silicon Valley Business Journal
Structures Awards
Award of Merit: Government/Public Building - 2023 ENRCalifornia Regional Best Projects
PRESS: “It will be the biggest navigation center in Northern California. Can it end homelessness in this Bay Area?” Kevin Fagan, San Francisco Chronicle, December 26, 2022
“Cost of Ending California’s Homeless Crisis: $100B,”Jack Rodgers, ALM GlobeSt, December 22, 2022
“In Silicon Valley, a Successful Homeless Housing Solution“ Mike Welton, Architects and Artisans, October 14, 2022

spacer

Kit of Parts:

SL-3
3-Unit Sleeping Module
133 gsf/unit

SL-4
4-Unit Sleeping Module
100 gsf/unit

SL-2-BA
2-Unit Sleeping Module
w/ Private Bathrooms
200 gsf/unit

SL-FAM
Flexible Back to Back Modules
(2) 400 gsf units with private bathrooms
or (1) 400 gsf unit with private bathrooms + (2) 200 gsf unit with shared bathrooms
or (4) 200 gsf units with shared bathrooms
or (1) 800 gsf unit with (2) private bathrooms

TS-4
Toilet and Shower Module
(4) toilet + lavatory compartments
(3) shower stalls

TS-2
Toilet and Shower Module
(2) toilet rooms
(1) janitor’s Closet

SPT-4
Support Services Module
(4) offices
100 gsf/office

FS-1
Food Service Module

Site Installation:

Project Sites:

Mountain View
0.99 acres
1 story
102 doors
Completed

Palo Alto
1.44 acres
3 stories
104 doors
Under construction

San Jose
2.02 acres
3 stories
188 doors
Under construction

Redwood City

2.52 acres
3 stories
240 doors
Completed

These modules have been designed so they may be transformed into dwelling units with kitchens after being occupied initially as sleeping units without cooking:

A Pullman kitchen will be installed in the factory without a refrigerator or range hood.

Related Projects