Located on a quarter block site (100’x100’) in Portland’s booming NW Slabtown Neighborhood, the challenge presented to the design team was to create a new type of urban housing to accommodate the city’s growing small household population. With a focus on quality design over large unit square footage, the average unit size is 310 sq.ft. (net). High quality finishes, built-in cabinets, and innovative architecture are geared toward a sophisticated urbanite that cherishes a ‘less is more’ ethos.

To mitigate the reduced unit footprint, YBA’s design goal for the unit interiors was to achieve a sense of spaciousness by using large 8’-0” x 8’-0” windows, Juliet balconies, increased floor to ceiling height, and abundant thoughtful storage space.  The building is organized as an “L” shape plate on the site so that the highest and best use can be achieved, and so that a private outdoor garden on the backside was possible. A view of this private garden is enjoyed by residents in rear facing units of the building. This allows for a quiet, introverted experience; different from the more extroverted experience that some residents like to enjoy in units that face the street.