LifeHouse

LifeHouse is a transformative residential facility for pregnant women experiencing homelessness, offering not just shelter but a comprehensive program to create a better future for mother and child. This 18,000-square-foot facility includes 16 residential units, community rooms, nurses’ office, and an administration wing. LifeHouse sets a new standard for facilities of its kind, embodying dignity, hope, and a nurturing environment for its residents and the broader community it serves.

LifeHouse presented a unique challenge: creating a secure residential facility for pregnant women experiencing homelessness that would also feel warm, non-institutional, and nurturing. Balancing heightened security with a welcoming environment required a design that could ensure safety without compromising on aesthetics or dignity for this vulnerable population.The design utilized a courtyard typology to provide secure outdoor space, fostering openness while maintaining privacy. This form was thoughtfully adjusted to preserve an existing walnut tree, with an administration wing integrated through an extruded courtyard. To strengthen the building’s connection with its surroundings, a second story was added, providing views of the nearby Mississippi River. Security was a primary consideration, particularly in the main living space, where large windows were protected by a brick screen that allowed natural light while safeguarding residents’ privacy. LifeHouse has had a transformative impact on the community, offering an architecturally significant, safe, and supportive home for women navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. This 18,000-square-foot facility includes 16 residential units, classrooms, a kitchen, community rooms, caseworkers’ offices, a nurses’ office, and an administration wing. LifeHouse sets a new standard for facilities of its kind, embodying dignity, hope, and a nurturing environment for its residents and the broader community it serves.