KU students and McCarthy Building Companies have joined forces to build Monarch Village, a tiny-home village that will serve the homeless in Lawrence, Kan.
The idea began with Studio 804, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation that offers a year-long design studio for graduate students at the University of Kansas Department of Architecture. Studio 804 is donating its design services as well as securing materials and labor, thanks to the help of McCarthy, to construct the project.
Located on the grounds of the Lawrence Community Shelter, the 12-home Monarch Village development will accommodate up to 48 individual family members.
“It’s because of partners and supporters like McCarthy that we can provide students with hands-on experiences with innovative building projects while serving practical needs in our communities,” said Dan Rockhill , J L Constant Distinguished Professor of Architecture at the University of Kansas and executive director of Studio 804.
McCarthy sourced, purchased and coordinated the delivery of 12 CONEX boxes that will form the structure of the tiny homes. These steel, intermodal shipping and storage containers provide a durable, cost-effective solution for the dwellings.
“We are honored to serve a practical role in helping to expand Lawrence Community’s capacity to serve its homeless population and to provide a safe, comfortable homelike environment,” said McCarthy vice president and project executive, B J Peterson.
Expected to be ready for occupancy by March 2021, the twelve private tiny homes will be placed in pairs, connected by shared covered patios and situated around the shelter’s existing community garden. Each 160-SF unit will include two separate sleeping quarters, kitchenette, shower and toilet.
With private, shared and common spaces, the village-style community layout will offer families the option to share childcare and connect with others in similar circumstances. The dwellings will also provide occupants with access to shelter services that can support their transition to permanent housing.
Future plans include the addition of a butterfly garden with walkways and a commons area with picnic tables.