436 Indiana resides in a comfortable and well-connected neighborhood a short walk from Burcham Park and the cultural vibrancy of downtown Lawrence, Kansas. Being located near a bus stop, 436 Indiana expands the possibilities of travel around Lawrence. The historic Pinckney Neighborhood is a perfect place to integrate the history of Lawrence with the future of sustainable design.  

The Indiana Street Residence will be built to the U.S. Green Build Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Standards. Such efforts fit the mission of Studio 804:  to better the community and environment by minimizing negative environmental impacts by all metrics. In addition to the financial benefits that a LEED Platinum project has for the homeowner, it also provides a certain peace of mind that their home is not destructive to the earth.  

Studio 804 selected a unique site in Lawrence, a previously developed overgrown lot near a stormwater swale. This lot was an exciting find as it meets our goal of staying within the highly developed center of the city, where property is quite rare. Because of the city drainage easement, there is no alley running behind the lot. The swale acts like an extended forested backyard that wraps the property on the East and South. The pleasant view offers a feeling of being secluded in the trees where the private spaces are located. Our design keeps the vital function of this stormwater swale intact while taking advantage of the greenery that has developed on it over the years.  

Studio 804’s 2024 project strategies align with the long-term mission of the city of Lawrence for creating a sustainable future. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend in the Lawrence housing market; Douglas County’s population is growing at a high rate, while the average household size is dwindling. A study also found that residents are open to seeing small-scale lots and dwellings fill their neighborhoods to combat the housing shortage. The city has adopted the Horizon 2040 plan which will prioritize infill development and interior growth. ” Increasing urban density in established neighborhoods like Pinckney neighborhood provides a sustainable way to accommodate a growing population by utilizing existing resources and infrastructure.