Studio One Eleven has unveiled its design for a four-story transitional housing development using modular construction in Los Angeles’ Watts neighborhood. Watts Works, at 9502 S. Compton Avenue, uses stacked shipping containers to create 24 320-square-foot, studio apartments for low-income residents and one 480-square-foot manager’s apartment. The project also offers bike storage and multiple community spaces.
Watts Works is a joint development between Decro Corporation, Daylight Community Development, and The People Concern. The developers were recently awarded $23.8 million in City of Los Angeles Measure HHH loans to continue this approach to building innovative, low-cost affordable housing. These funds will also help create additional projects in other Los Angeles neighborhoods for a total of 132 units for homeless individuals.
Site Plan 
Image © Studio One Eleven 
Framework 
Typologies
Set on a street corner, the attractive design embraces the surrounding neighborhood. The building massing steps back to preserve an existing 70-year-old avocado tree, considered one of the oldest species in the region. In addition to the shaded, ground-floor community space around the tree, there are patios, a “tranquility garden,” community room, rear barbecue area and a level-three amenity deck.
The design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living – including exterior corridors and open stairs – while creating privacy and security. The design and construction are created in partnership with modular manufacturer Indie Dwell. “We have explored modular construction with several successful outdoor urban eateries,” said Studio One Eleven Senior Principal Michael Bohn, AIA. Source and images Courtesy of Studio One Eleven.