Independent Project 3 |
Mera Habashi
Site Plan
The new dwelling integrates as an extension of the existing house, using the courtyard and preserved tree as a buffer that creates privacy, separation, and shared moments.
Floor Plan
Compact circulation wraps around the courtyard, organizing spaces for privacy while maintaining visual connection to the tree and family activity.
Section AA
Living space oriented to the east captures morning light, offering a warm daily routine for elderly residents.
Section BB
Transparency creates layered views across the dwelling, extending the small interior through the courtyard.
Section CC
Visual connection to the grandchildren’s play space reinforces intergenerational bonds while maintaining interior comfort.
Courtyard Haven is a small dwelling designed for elderly residents in Newark as an extension of an existing home. Centered around a preserved tree, the project creates a private courtyard that provides both separation from the main house and a shared connection to family life. Large transparent openings expand the sense of space and allow grandparents to watch their grandchildren play outside, even during cold weather. Though compact in scale, the design offers dignity, light, and comfort—addressing Newark’s housing challenges for older generations through thoughtful micro-architecture.