This student village project represents a direct response to the need for affordable and accessible student housing at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California. Nearly 30% of the college’s 20,000 students are enrolled full-time, while almost 40% live outside the district boundaries. Many students experience housing insecurity, facing uncertainty about where they will sleep from one month to the next. This combination of housing instability and long commutes creates significant barriers to academic success, making the need for affordable on-campus housing solutions apparent. The design for these 200-square-foot dwellings provides a high quality of life through abundant natural light, connection to outdoor space, and full integration with the campus context and community, while prioritizing reduced environmental impact and net-zero energy.

Santa Clarita’s warm and dry climate informs each design element; the building is oriented to minimize heat gain while maximizing daylight. Net-zero energy is achieved through passive and active strategies, including glazing orientation to minimize heat gain and solar roof tiles and panels to generate energy on-site. Native plantings and natural stormwater management strategies support the local environment, and planting zones are placed thoughtfully to minimize the risk of fires. While the small units prioritize the individual residents, the shared courtyard fosters community and connection. This project demonstrates that thoughtful design can address community needs while achieving energy efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability, creating greater balance between the built, natural, and social environments.