Home in the Highlands — Louisville, Kentucky

Home in the Highlands is a model for intergenerational urban living rooted in the history and social fabric of Louisville’s Highlands. Sited on a former parking lot, the project reimagines residential density through a contemporary adaptation of the Shotgun and Victorian house typologies. It proposes a neighborhood-scaled community that balances intergenerational living with shared communal spaces.

The housing strategy offers a mix of unit types—from senior flats to multi-bedroom homes—designed to evolve over time. Flexible layouts and modular organization allow homes to adapt to the changing needs of individuals and families across generations. Front patios, private yards, and green communal areas foster a balance of retreat and connection.

At the heart of the site is a preschool and community center designed for daily and seasonal transformation. It supports early childhood programming during the day and shifts to accommodate events, gatherings, and community activities in the evenings and on weekends. With a storefront presence, the building can be adapted in the future for retail, food service, or office use. The design emphasizes sustainability through the use of mass timber, rooftop photovoltaics, rainwater harvesting, and high-performance envelopes made from natural materials.

Drawing from the Highlands’ rich material heritage—wood and masonry—the project honors the neighborhood vernacular while looking toward the future. Home in the Highlands is a housing framework to support continuity and change, offering residents of all ages the opportunity to grow, gather, and thrive in place.