Manor Collective

Located on a corner lot in Altadena impacted by the Eaton Fire, this project reimagines a single-family parcel as a compact, community-oriented housing cluster. The proposal rebuilds two original homes while introducing three additional dwellings, expanding the site from two units to five through a careful application of by-right planning incentives.

The project is conceived as a study in missing middle housing. Rather than overwrite the neighborhood fabric, it works within it, increasing density while maintaining the scale, rhythm, and character of the surrounding residential context. The new buildings draw from the clarity and openness of California mid-century modern housing, with an emphasis on natural light, cross ventilation, and a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor space.

The unit mix includes one three-bedroom residence and four two-bedroom homes, each with direct access to private outdoor areas. The site is organized as a series of smaller volumes arranged around shared open space, balancing individual autonomy with a sense of collective living.

In the wake of loss, the project offers a model for rebuilding that is both pragmatic and forward-looking. It demonstrates how incremental density can support housing needs across Los Angeles while preserving the qualities that make neighborhoods like Altadena resilient, livable, and deeply rooted in place.