Lloyd Architects was introduced to The Other Side Academy (TOSA) earlier this year. We learned about their training school and vision to build a community for people coming out of chronic homelessness. The connection came through Cathy Holt, TOSA Director of Development, whom Warren Lloyd served with on the board of the House of Hope. The desire to give back to the Salt Lake City community through pro bono work is strong at Lloyd Architects, and TOSA’s The Other Side Village presented a project that the entire team was happy to support. 

The Other Side Village is a master planned community that aims to provide permanent housing for people coming out of chronic homelessness. More than a collection of houses, what will make this property special - and hopefully ultimately successful - is that building a sense of community and connection for residents is a central part of The Village’s mission. The neighborhood will feature plenty of “tiny homes”, walkable streets and paths, retail and commercial spaces, and community service spaces, giving residents access to a full range of goods and services and encouraging them to take part in their new, shared community through employment opportunities, shopping, and gathering. 

Lloyd Architects is one of many architecture firms contributing their time and design skills to help The Other Side Village come to fruition. Our team designed 4 housing types as part of Phase I of the project. The units are designed in single, duplex, and fourplex configurations and include units designed for people with physical disabilities. The modular pieces are designed to be 3 and 4 feet to reduce construction waste. To keep building costs down, the team developed a simple design approach to the homes with minimal detailing and maximum efficiency. Each home features a porch, cement board siding, and metal roofing, providing residents with a long-lasting and durable home. Inside, each unit averages 400 square feet and includes a bedroom large enough for a queen-sized bed, a bathroom with shower, and a living space with a kitchen, dining, and living room area.  We recognize the importance of safety, comfort, and durability for the future occupants of the Village but more so, we appreciate how each “tiny house” has the opportunity to change the lives of those who have the opportunity to call these spaces home. 

With our design work finished on this project, Lloyd Architects looks forward to continuing its work with The Village to review the pre-fab construction process with the contractor. Construction on these units will start soon. We invite you to learn more about The Village and how you can support this important project.