Community First! is a 51-acre master-planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness in central Texas. Located 9 miles east of downtown Austin, Community First expanded its original 27 acres to add 200 more supportive housing units through a design competition called Tiny Victories. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA) designed a prototype home for this remarkable project that was an A+ Awards finalist. The MHOA team is also working with Project Transitions in Austin on Burnet Place, a new residential development providing 61 units of affordable housing for Austinites living with HIV. The project is currently in design phases.
Architects Ken Johnson and Micah Land of Michael Hsu Office of Architecture present the creative process behind these innovative housing projects alongside Erin Lindsay of EQUITONE, which is providing key materials for each of these projects. The panel will reflect on how, by harnessing the right materials, architects can help to produce innovative social housing that truly serves its community.
During this talk, you’ll learn:
- How, with smart material specifications, high quality housing can be constructed without breaking the budget.
- How working closely with clients can help architects produce spaces that are truly functional for their users.
- How smart, resilient, and economical façades can be achieved with the right materials and detailing
About Erin Lindsay
Erin Lindsay is a Project Manager for EQUITONE Façade Materials. Erin has spent the past 20 years representing manufactures within in the construction and architectural communities across the US. For the past 10 years Erin been based out of Los Angeles working specifically in the world of facades.
Ken Johnson, LEED AP
Ken Johnson is a Partner at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. Since joining the firm in 2014, Ken has overseen a range of both architecture and interiors projects. Ken’s notable projects include Habitat for Humanity Row Homes, Plaza Saltillo, Home Slice North Loop, Academy residence, 907 South Congress, and Uptown Sports, which is currently under construction. Ken has overseen a host of the firm’s custom residential projects and is a team leader managing firm standards. He is the partner in charge of the Project Transitions Burnet Place Apartments project.
About Micah Land
Micah Land is a partner at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, where he has overseen dozens of projects since 2007. His projects range from fast casual restaurants to large mixed use, public realm and office developments. Notable projects include P. Terry’s restaurants, Bould in Creek, Lamar Union, South Congress Hotel and Autry Park, currently under construction in Houston. Micah leads the firm’s information technology operations. He is the partner in charge of the Community First Tiny Victories project.
Check out more work by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture on their Architizer firm profile:
Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry — and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!
