[ Narrow Envelope Modular ADUs ]
Northeastern University Research + Design Studio / 2015 + 2016 / Boston, MA / supervised by Matthew Littel + Ariel Noyman
Boston faces a housing crisis due to a lack of undeveloped parcels and resistance to new large scale development. Inefficient zoning and divisive parcel boundaries create large, unclaimed spaces between some homes in an otherwise regular urban fabric. These side yards are often utilitarian and undermaintained by the residents. By allowing accessory dwellings in these large side yards, the city could unobtrusively increase its housing stock and improve unsightly side yards in the streetscape.
The Narrow Envelope Modular (NEMO) ADU system is a mass customizable modular system designed vertically for sites as narrow as 20’ from wall to wall. The 12’ to 18’ wide light wood structural bay scales to fit the specific site conditions. Compact circulation organizes the living and service programs, allowing thousands of potential arrangements and unlimited aesthetic customization. Such a system could add as many as 3000 new units between Boston’s triple deckers and help bring down rental rates in Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, South Boston, and Dorchester.
The home shown to the right represents one site-specific ADU in Jamaica Plain. The 750 square foot, 2 bedroom unit is designed for students or young professional roommates and accommodates 4 total parking spaces in a space currently used for parking only.
