Overview
The Blue Houses were designed to better reflect how many single-family homes in the North Denver area are often shared between multiple smaller households. The team at architecture firm Productora saw an opportunity to create both private and shared space for occupants.
Located at the corner of East 36th Avenue and North Merion Street, the Blue Houses sit just north of downtown Denver in the Five Points neighborhood. Real estate developer Continuum Partners commissioned the project in collaboration with local nonprofit Biennial of the Americas.
Our Approach
In collaboration with the Denver Cultural Property Trust, CAST Colorado operates eight live/work affordable housing units for artists in the Five Points Neighborhood.
The Blue Houses are designed in four structures with two single standing, single occupancy houses in the southside of the lot with kitchen and bathroom and two large barn-style units that include 3-residential units with a kitchen and living room space for communal use. Live/Work spaces range from $1000 – $1200/month.
Impact
The Blue Houses provide eight units with shared amenities on a lot that would typically accommodate only two single-family homes.
By providing centrally-located, mutli-use, affordable housing in a low-density neighborhood, the project serves as a prime example of how space can be creatively used to best accommodate community members.
