Housing Lopez

Village North Housing

MODULAR AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN

• ROLE:

  [Architecture, Site Planning, Universal Design Consultation]

• LOCATION:

  [Lopez Island, Washington]

• CLIENT:

  [Housing Lopez]

• SIZE:

  [Phase 1: 15 units in 4 buildings (42 units planned total across future phases)]

• COLLABORATORS:

  [Method Homes, Valdez Construction, Tom Bennett Civil Engineer, Housing Lopez, Ashley Vance Structural Engineer]

• LINKS:

  [Housing Lopez]

  [The Islands’ Weekly Article]

Village North Housing represents a thoughtful response to the affordable housing needs of Lopez Island's most vulnerable residents, including seniors, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with special needs. This multi-phase modular housing development brings 15 affordable units to the island in its first phase, with plans for 42 total units, addressing critical housing shortages in a rural island community. The $6 million Phase 1 project combines off-site modular construction with comprehensive universal design principles, creating accessible homes that allow residents to age in place with dignity while navigating complex wetland regulations and phased land use processes.

Building Community, One Module at a Time: Island-Scale Affordable Housing with Universal Design at its Heart

• 15 affordable housing units in Phase 1, with 42 units planned across multiple phases addressing island housing crisis

• Modular off-site construction approach enabling efficient delivery in remote island location

• Comprehensive universal design features tailored to seniors and accessibility needs, including enhanced ESDS accessibility credits

• Strategic phased development accommodating complex wetland mitigation and land use requirements

• Mix of unit types serving low-income seniors, individuals experiencing homelessness, special needs residents, and families

• Three two-bedroom family units integrated within senior-focused development

• Solar panel installation supporting energy independence and sustainability goals

• Comprehensive universal design features including slip-resistant flooring, grab bar backing in all bathrooms, removable shower thresholds, bidet-ready electrical, bathroom heaters, and thermostatic anti-scald faucets tailored to support wheelchairs, walkers, and residents with dementia, hearing, and vision impairments

• Completion and immediate occupancy achieved Fall 2025

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