It Takes a Community to Raise a Village

Michael Fifield, FAIA, was featured this past week in a KMTR16 News segment regarding Emerald Village, the community of tiny, affordable homes developed by SquareOne Villages for people who self-identify as “working poor.” The problem of housing affordability is certainly intractable, which is why the efforts of non-profit organizations like SquareOne Villages are so important and welcome. 

SquareOne believes everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. The organization, founded in 2012 by pastor Dan Bryant and others, seeks to bridge the often insurmountable gap between the street and conventional housing with a variety of simple, cost-effective housing options. Following its Opportunity Village pilot project (which consists of transitional micro-housing for otherwise homeless individuals and couples) SquareOne embarked on Emerald Village, which provides permanent, accessible, and sustainable homes for members of a housing cooperative. 

SquareOne goes beyond building individual tiny houses. The organization is building democratic communities in which each person has a voice in shaping how their community is operated and managed—creating a foundational sense of ownership on which the village thrives. By developing Opportunity Village and now Emerald Village, SquareOne is providing real solutions through innovative means. 

A big part of that innovation is enlisting the help of local architects, designers, and builders to make Emerald Village a reality. The design professionals who volunteered their efforts each designed one of the twenty-two homes or shared communal facilities. All the homes meet code definitions for a “permanent dwelling,” including sleeping and living areas, a kitchenette, and bathroom—all within 160 to 288 square feet per unit. 

Emerald Village Site Plan

To date fourteen of the twenty-two homes have been completed and occupied, of which Michael’s design (Unit 5) is among the latest. At 268 square feet, Unit 5 is one of the bigger Emerald Village homes. It is site-responsive, opening both to the communal walkway and open space to the west, and to a covered patio on the south. Michael separated the sleeping and bathing spaces from the living area to allow different activities to take place at the same time. In this respect, Unit 5 is suitable for a couple, which is exactly who now occupies the home (Gary and Pam are the proud residents). 

Unit 5 (EVE Micro Housing) by Fifield Architecture + Urban Design

Michael with Gary and Pam, who now call Unit 5 their home (photo by Essex General Construction)

The residents of Emerald Village are most definitely an intentional community. Each resident pays between $250 and $350 to cover their share of the cooperative costs (which pays for rent and includes utilities, maintenance, and operating expenses). Helping to keep the cost of living low, the residents have contributed sweat equity through their direct involvement with the construction of their homes. They can build equity as $50 of their coop share each month applies to a savings account, which can be cashed out if they choose to move elsewhere. The residents abide by a community agreement that outlines a basic code of conduct and duties toward the village. 

Michael says he isn’t sure why KMTR chose to interview him rather than somebody else, but he welcomed the opportunity to emphasize the value of engaging skilled professionals in a project like Emerald Village. 

SquareOne is planning a community open house/Grand Opening event later this summer so everyone in Eugene can see Emerald Village and celebrate what an achievement it is. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to see the village for the first time. 

Big props to Michael and all the other architects, designers, and builders who are volunteering their blood, sweat, and tears in helping make Emerald Village a reality. And of course, kudos and much appreciation to the staff, board of directors, advisory board, and the others behind SquareOne Villages for pioneering inventive models that directly address the huge problem of housing affordability.