A central lawn draws kids and parents in this previous Honor Award winner in Redmond, Washington.
Photo: Ross Chapin Architects
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Front porches, all facing the green, add more opportunities for socializing.
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11 winning home designs
Sunset selects the West's best houses. Take a tour of our 2006 Western Home Award winners
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Think of it as an instant village. This community of 12 houses, none larger than 1,000 square feet, gathers around an expansive green.
Why it won: Building small can feel generous. The homes, the central lawn, and a solar-powered community center use only 1.6 acres of the 9.5-acre site. There are no driveways and garages; the shared parking area is remotely located to encourage pedestrian traffic and reduce noise. It's the first completed project under the city of Redmond's Innovative Housing Ordinance, which allows developers to experiment with types of housing.
Design:Ross Chapin Architects, Langley, WA (360/221-2373); Jim Soules, the Cottage Company, Seattle (206/525-0835)
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