M4 URBAN COMMUNITY - Family Housing
David, Lucas
Scott Parker 

Non-Negotiable Number 1: The Community
This project is driven by the vision of cultivating a closely-knit community where families thrive. By blending the advantages of walkable urban living with the personalization of single-family homes, my design embodies accessibility, convenience, and neighborly engagement. The ground floor podium has an accessible, affordable grocery store (like Staterbos). Offering fresh produce, meats, and a hot bar, it becomes a tool for family bonding as parents pick up groceries on their way home from work. Above the podium lies a sanctuary reserved exclusively for residents and their guests, seamlessly interconnected via ADA-compliant ramps. This thoughtful inclusion promotes community cohesion, enabling effortless interactions between neighbors. Once above the podium, residents can access any unit without having to use the stairs or elevators. From children embarking on Halloween adventures to families gathering for barbecues, every corner is designed to foster social connections. Furthermore, 25 out of the 30 units feature front yards that open onto a central courtyard, serving as extensions of personal living spaces. Adorned with seasonal decorations and reflective of diverse cultural celebrations, these yards become canvases for self-expression, enriching the communal atmosphere and promoting cultural exchange. The lower “A” courtyard offers a tranquil retreat, while the vibrant “B” courtyard buzzes with activity, catering to diverse preferences and enhancing the sense of community.

Non-Negotiable Number 2: The Environment

The north-south axis orientation facilitates passive design strategies such as cross ventilation for effective night flushing. Additionally, the strategically positioned ADA ramps double as overhangs, optimizing solar exposure to maximize warmth in winter while minimizing heat in summer.

Utilizing locally sourced masonry in targeted floor locations acts as thermal mass and promotes heat retention, ensuring cozy interiors during winter months. To minimize embodied carbon, I used floor assemblies with STC 58 ratings that don’t use lightweight concrete. Moreover, the exterior cladding of courtyard-facing walls incorporates salvaged studs from the existing building (adaptive reuse).
Furthermore, all grass pavers utilized in the project are sourced from the local masonry industry in Santa Ana, supporting the regional economy and reducing transportation emissions. While ideally avoiding limestone or cement composition, the benefits of local sourcing outweigh this concern and builds a circular economy.