Solana³ is a proposal for the Small Lots, Big Impacts competition, which seeks innovative housing solutions to address Los Angeles’ housing crisis. The design reinterprets Southwestern courtyard homes and Spanish haciendas for a postsuburban urban future, offering flexible, compact living arrangements on underutilized city lots. The project features three sculptural row houses arranged around private courtyards, allowing for both community interaction and personal retreat. With an emphasis on community resilience, the design incorporates sustainable materials such as limewash, weathered wood, and stone aggregate, while also prioritizing cost-effective construction methods. Solana3 offers a forward-thinking model for creating affordable, high-quality housing on small urban parcels, addressing both the city’s housing shortage and its post-fire recovery needs.

 

Location
Los Angeles, CA

Units

6

 
 
 
 

Native planting and on-site rainwater collection support fire resilience and long-term sustainability. A 12’x16’ courtyard is carved from each unit, bringing air and light into both single- and multi-level configurations. Roof terraces and thermal chimneys further enhance airflow and livability while activating underused rooftop space.

 
 
 
 

This housing concept is organized around a 36'x36' modular grid, originally designed for Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) due to its sustainability, fire resistance, and efficient construction. The consistent dimensions allow for shop-fabricated units that can be stacked, transported easily, and assembled quickly on-site. The design balances warm, exposed interiors with a more industrial exterior, referencing southwestern courtyard housing. While CLT informed the initial scheme, the layout remains flexible enough to be built with other systems, including SIPS or standard framing. This adaptability supports cost-efficiency, reduced waste, and a range of fabrication strategies.