As part of a research-based community design studio, this project aimed to synthesize affordable housing and passive house standards within a psychologically  nourishing design.  The design derived from a body of research dealing with the concept of “Prospect and Refuge” based on Grant Hildebrand’s book “Origins of Architectural Pleasure.”  The design concept was to create a home that fostered to the innate human needs of “Prospect” - a feeling of future and possibility - and “Refuge” - a feeling of safety and protection.  An analysis of this concept occurred on both the site and unit scale.  At the unit scale, the 600 SF home was broken up into a prospect space made up of kitchen, dining, and living, and a refuge space made up of bedroom and bathroom.  An angled wall leading to a window seat greets the user when entering the building and also serves to separate the prospect and refuge spaces.