Microhome
Grow Together

Microhome for YCJ STUDIO

Grow Together is a modular micro housing solution addressing homelessness in Seattle by integrating off grid shelters into residential backyards. Designed for social reintegration, it balances privacy and community engagement through adaptable spaces, urban farming, and sustainable systems. Utilizing passive design strategies, and renewable energy, it offers a scalable, self sufficient housing model that fosters dignity, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility.

Yanci Chen 2025 Partnership Iron Press Kit № 170170

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Grow Together by Yanci Chen
Grow Together by Yanci Chen

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Microhome by Yanci Chen
Microhome by Yanci Chen

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Maximize the potential of this 1800-pixel image: at 300 DPI, it delivers exceptional detail up to 6 inches, while at 150 DPI, it offers clarity for prints up to 12 inches. Press accreditation offers watermark-free high-res downloads. For immediate needs, low-res images are ready now. Image Credits Section holds all necessary photo accreditation details.

Yanci Chen Grow Together
Yanci Chen Grow Together

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With an 1800-pixel resolution, create stunning prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or expand your storytelling to 12 inches with a clear outcome at 150 DPI. High-res images, watermark-free, are yours with press accreditation; or grab a low-res copy now, no wait required. Consult the Image Credits Section for information on photo credits.

Yanci Chen Microhome
Yanci Chen Microhome

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Harness the clarity of this 1800-pixel image for your prints—perfectly sharp at 6 inches with 300 DPI and equally clear at 12 inches when adjusted to 150 DPI. Press credentials grant access to download high-res, watermark-free images. Alternatively, download a low-res version instantly. Image Credits Section holds all necessary photo accreditation details.

YCJ STUDIOBrand Logo
YCJ STUDIOBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Leverage the high resolution of this 1800-pixel image for detailed, vibrant prints. At 300 DPI, it's ideal for up to 6 inches; at 150 DPI, it scales beautifully to 12 inches. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. To identify photo contributors, visit the Image Credits Section.

Unique Properties

Grow Together is an intergenerational community hub that integrates adaptive architecture, urban farming, and sustainable living. The design fosters cross-generational exchange through modular housing, shared greenhouses, and flexible communal spaces. Utilizing biophilic principles, passive cooling, and circular material strategies, it enhances resilience and well-being. Its unique strength lies in fostering social cohesion while promoting ecological responsibility and self-sufficiency.

Tags

micro-housing, intergenerational living, homelessness solution, modular architecture, urban farming, off-grid shelter, sustainable design, community reintegration, adaptive reuse, social impact

Production Technology

Grow Together utilizes prefabricated modular construction, integrating cross-laminated timber (CLT), recycled steel frames, and bio-based insulation for sustainability and efficiency. The design employs passive solar strategies, rainwater harvesting, and off-grid energy solutions to ensure self-sufficiency. Digital parametric modeling and AI-assisted spatial optimization guided the form and layout, maximizing adaptability, privacy, and seamless integration within existing urban fabric.

Design Challenge

The greatest challenge in Grow Together was balancing privacy and social reintegration while ensuring scalability and feasibility. Socially, resistance to backyard shelters required design solutions that reassured homeowners and preserved neighborhood aesthetics. Legally, zoning restrictions and permitting posed barriers. Technologically, optimizing off-grid utilities in a compact form was complex. Overcoming these required community engagement, modular innovation, and adaptive policy integration.

Project Duration

March 2024 Seattle

Operation Flow

Grow Together operates as a flexible micro-housing solution that reintegrates individuals experiencing homelessness into the community. Homeowners can install modular units in their backyards, providing temporary, self-sustaining shelters. Residents engage in shared gardening, skill-building, and social programs in communal spaces. The adaptable design ensures privacy while fostering interaction, creating a supportive transition toward permanent housing and social reintegration.

Research

Grow Together is based on social impact and architectural research addressing homelessness in Seattle. The objective was to explore backyard micro-housing as a transitional solution for reintegration. Using case studies, interviews, and spatial analysis, data was collected from homeowners, social workers, and unhoused individuals. Findings highlight the need for privacy, community engagement, and self-sufficiency. The project fosters scalable, community-driven solutions, influencing urban policy and inclusive design.

Inspiration

Grow Together is inspired by the urgent social challenge of homelessness in Seattle and the growing willingness of residents to share their backyards for micro/off-grid shelters. The project reimagines communal reintegration through modular, self-sustaining dwellings that offer transitional housing for individuals seeking to reconnect with society. By integrating adaptive architecture and urban farming, it fosters dignity, autonomy, and social inclusion.

Image Credits

Yanci Chen

Project Overview

Grow Together Microhome has been a Iron winner in the Social Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

 Award Logo
Iron Recognition

Yanci Chen was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Grow Together Microhome.

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Yanci Chen Newsroom

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You are currently viewing Media Showcase № 170170. Uncover the depth of Yanci Chen's achievements in their newsroom, featuring everything from high-res images to detailed interviews. Welcome to Press Kit / Media Showcase 170170 on Grow Together. Discover additional content in Newsroom 351060.

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