113 House

1+1=3. All relationships follow this basic equation. There is one individual, another individual and then the collective individuals as a pair, three important things that have to be taken care of in order for the relationship to succeed. Therefore, when addressing the needs of two generations under one roof, it calls for three spaces: privacy for one generation, privacy for the other generation, a space to share and grow. 1+1=3 Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas' Historic West Side, the 113 House project is a departure from the conventional approach to housing, steering away from profit-driven motives and bureaucratic solutions to affordable housing. This architectural venture aims to tap into the essence of the community, embracing the diverse cultures that define the neighborhood—cultures rooted in a deep-seated value for mutual care and support. At its core, 113 House is an exploration of multigenerational living, a concept ingrained in the various cultures that make up the Historic West Side. The project seeks to provide a practical and dignified solution that allows traditional ‘nuclear’ families to thrive with the help of their grandparents and older family members, without compromising privacy or individuality. The solid concrete walls dividing the spaces are metaphors for strength and unity, requiring the strength of one another to be structurally sound under the same roof. The design reflects a commitment to preserving family bonds and elder care, resulting in a higher quality of life for all members of the family. Central to this project, the Historic Westside, and its residents is a sense of pioneering and ownership of space. When African Americans were forbidden in the strip, the Historic Westside became a thriving scene built by the residents for the residents. 113 House provides flexible, unbuilt spaces between its walls, allowing residents of the space to decide for themselves what they need, and what is worth investing in. Architects can deliver a house but those who live in it make it a home. The restrained design of 113 House invites the family to take ownership of their space. Amidst rising housing costs, it is increasingly imperative to give people what they need, not what is assumed they need. 113 House seeks to give people what they need, a foundation, not cast in concrete, but in the short walk across a living room floor that connects one generation to the next, strengthening the home.