Grow Together
Grow Together is a modular micro-housing project that addresses homelessness in Seattle. The design places compact off-grid shelters in residential backyards, offering transitional housing close to established neighborhoods. Each unit measures 3,000 by 6,000 millimeters and is built from cross-laminated timber and recycled steel for rapid assembly. Solar panels, rainwater filtration and composting toilets support self-sufficiency. Shared greenhouses and flexible communal spaces host gardening and skill-building programs. The layout protects privacy while encouraging social reintegration.
Grow Together Microhome by Yanci Chen was featured as a grand representation of communication design by the A' Design Awards. Grow Together Microhome received the Iron A' Design Award in Social Design in 2025. The A' Social Design Award is an international, meritocratic, just and fair design accolade which rewards superior design of community projects, social campaigns, public installations, educational programs, sustainable initiatives, healthcare solutions, inclusive design, cultural interactions and more.
