The changing and winding topography of the Chester site continues to pose a fascinating design challenge. From the wetland that divides the site in two to the towering hill along the southern edge, no two points on the site are alike. The material palette reflects this variation, shifting from tall, coarse grasses to softer, more cultivated landscaping. In considering how to situate a project within this landscape, it became clear to me that the slope is not an obstacle but an essential tool in shaping the design.

My proposal introduces a collection of micro-houses arranged along a hexagonal grid, allowing each unit to respond sensitively to the site’s topography. The grid provides an adaptable framework that supports variation in orientation, spacing, and views while maintaining an overall sense of cohesion. Locating the micro-houses farther from New York State Route 94 was a deliberate decision, as the highway’s constant noise and lack of privacy made the southern edge less suitable for habitation. Instead, Meadow Avenue offers a quieter and more intimate setting, creating an ideal environment for the small-scale community to integrate with the surrounding meadow landscape.