Canopy Commons

Long-term renovation strategy for distributed HUD affordable housing in Firebaugh, CA.
Firebaugh, CA
Concept Design
102 New Homes
2021

Canopy Commons is a retrofit and densification scheme for a public housing property in the rural farm country of central California. 

The design focuses on keeping as many structures as possible, while passive cooling elements to these buildings and the public space. 

New buildings are inserted and existing roads are put on a diet. The framework plan represents a radical departure from the tear-down and reconstruction approach that is typical to public housing sites today. 


Context transportation & access map

Site framework plan
Site plan program diagram
Site plan open space diagram



Renovations of building types developed over many decades took into account the many sizes and shapes of families that would inhabit them. 

View from public shaded sidewalk to new private outdoor space for renovated homes
View from main public gathering space with public shading umbrellas and native plants



Public streets are put on a diet, with added bike infrastructure and shading elements to make walking more enjoyable. 

Existing buildings will have added solar, passive shading devices, and new private outdoor space.







The entire site can be phased to allow all existing residents to stay in place while their new units are being built or renovated.



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