Habitat for Humanity Partnership with Middlebury College
Student-Led Design for Community Impact
This project was the culmination of two semesters of collaboration between Middlebury College's Architectural Studies program and the Habitat for Humanity of Addison County. Focused on the design of two affordable homes at 27 & 29 Gorham Lane in Middlebury, Vermont, the project involved a team of 13 students working across three integrated studio courses. I participated in the first two phases, which took the project from site analysis and conceptual design through the completion of the schematic design phase. While I was not part of the third and final phase due to studying abroad, our collective work shown below laid the groundwork for the construction documents that were ultimately handed off to Habitat for Humanity to bring the project to life. The project is currently under construction.
Client
Habitat for Humanity
Date
January 2022 - May 2022
Industry
Architecture
Scope of work
Schematic Design
Problem
In a region where affordable housing was becoming increasingly out of reach—especially in the aftermath of COVID, which left many families struggling financially—we teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to meet a rising and urgent need. Our mission? To design homes that were not only energy-efficient and budget-friendly but also welcoming, resilient, and built to last. But this wasn’t just about making the most of a tight budget. We were also up against steep site conditions and the unforgiving Vermont winters, which pushed us to think more creatively about accessibility, insulation, and long-term durability. Every design decision carried weight, because we knew these homes would become the foundation for stability and comfort for families who needed it most.
Our Approach
Our approach was rooted in care, strategy, and deep respect for both the families we were designing for and the landscape they’d call home. We knew that delivering quality, sustainable housing meant going beyond the basics—so we dug deep. We started with solar and storm drain analyses to ensure each home would be energy-efficient and resilient in the face of Vermont’s harsh weather. We studied wind patterns and sun paths meticulously, allowing us to orient each home in a way that welcomed natural light and encouraged passive heating—reducing utility costs while making the interiors feel open and warm year-round.savings. See below the design of two duplexes for this project.
Given the size and constraints of the lot, our team saw an opportunity to maximize both space and resources by designing two side-by-side duplexes. This approach not only allowed us to serve more families but also gave us the flexibility to create homes that thoughtfully echo the character and architectural style of the surrounding neighborhood. The image above captures these two duplexes side by side.
FINAL PRODUCT
The final product was a true collaborative effort. As a team, we learned Revit from scratch, using it as both a design tool and a learning platform to bring our shared vision to life. Together, we designed two duplexes—housing four families total—that meet Vermont’s strict energy-efficiency and sustainability standards. From maximizing natural light and air circulation to reducing long-term living expenses, every element was thoughtfully considered to create healthy, comfortable homes. Beyond the technical achievement, it was an incredibly meaningful experience that allowed us to make a real impact in the community while growing together as designers.
