integrates thoughtful urban planning principles to promote connectivity, with shared spaces that encourage interaction and private areas that offer personal retreat. By prioritizing sustainability and affordability, the design aligns with Habitat for Humanity’s mission to empower families through stable, long-term homeownership.
The design draws inspiration from Arizona’s desert environment and the region’s growing urban vitality, aiming to create welcoming, durable, and aesthetically pleasing homes that elevate the standard of affordable housing. CHB Architects focused on creating a cohesive community aesthetic that balances modern minimalism with warm, inviting elements, ensuring the complex feels both aspirational and accessible. The project
The design draws inspiration from Arizona’s desert environment and the region’s growing urban vitality, aiming to create welcoming, durable, and aesthetically pleasing homes that elevate the standard of affordable housing. CHB Architects focused on creating a cohesive community aesthetic that balances modern minimalism with warm, inviting elements, ensuring the complex feels both aspirational and accessible. The project integrates thoughtful urban planning principles to promote connectivity, with shared spaces that encourage interaction and private areas that offer personal retreat. By prioritizing sustainability and affordability, the design aligns with Habitat for Humanity’s mission to empower families through stable, long-term homeownership.
Design Concept & Inspiration
Commissioned by Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, CHB Architects designed a groundbreaking 100-unit townhome and apartment complex, completed in 2025, with 64 units in Phoenix and 36 units in Surprise, Arizona. This innovative project marks the organization’s first initiative to provide tenants with long-term financial ownership opportunities, redefining affordable housing by blending contemporary design, sustainable practices, and community-focused spaces. The complex is tailored to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment, offering residents modern, high-quality homes that support sustainable living while reflecting the vibrant character of Central Arizona’s urban and suburban landscapes.
Private Patios and Balconies Each unit features a private patio or balcony, designed to offer residents personal outdoor space for relaxation or small gatherings. These areas are accented with desert-inspired hardscaping and planters, blending seamlessly with the communal landscape.
Sustainable Design The complex incorporates eco-conscious features, including low-flow plumbing, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and solar panels on select buildings. Native, drought-tolerant landscaping minimizes water use, while recycled and locally sourced materials reduce the project’s environmental footprint.
Ownership-Oriented Layout The design supports Habitat for Humanity’s innovative ownership model, with flexible unit configurations (two- and three-bedroom townhomes and apartments) tailored to diverse family needs. Units are designed for long-term durability, with soundproofing and high-quality finishes to ensure lasting value.
Regional Contextual Design In Phoenix, the units reflect urban vibrancy with sleek, modern lines and rooftop terraces for select townhomes, capitalizing on city views. In Surprise, the design leans into suburban tranquility, with larger patios and garden-facing layouts that emphasize open space and family-friendly living.
Contemporary Material Palette The complex features a refined selection of materials, including textured stucco in earthy desert tones, corten steel accents, and locally sourced stone cladding. These choices create a modern, elevated appearance that harmonizes with Arizona’s arid landscape while ensuring durability and low maintenance.
Thoughtful Colors and Textures A palette of warm beiges, terracotta, and soft sage green reflects the desert’s natural hues, complemented by tactile finishes like wood-grain paneling and patterned concrete. These elements add visual depth and a sense of warmth, making the complex feel inviting and timeless.
Innovative Lighting Design A layered lighting approach enhances both aesthetics and functionality, with energy-efficient LED fixtures illuminating pathways and common areas. Private patios feature subtle, ambient lighting, while solar-powered exterior lights reduce energy costs and align with the project’s sustainability goals.
Community-Oriented Outdoor Spaces Expansive common areas include landscaped courtyards with native plants like agave, yucca, and desert marigold, designed to foster social interaction. Shaded ramadas, communal gardens, and children’s play areas create vibrant gathering spots that strengthen community bonds in both Phoenix and Surprise.
Regional Contextual Design In Phoenix, the units reflect urban vibrancy with sleek, modern lines and rooftop terraces for select townhomes, capitalizing on city views. In Surprise, the design leans into suburban tranquility, with larger patios and garden-facing layouts that emphasize open space and family-friendly living.
Contemporary Material Palette The complex features a refined selection of materials, including textured stucco in earthy desert tones, corten steel accents, and locally sourced stone cladding. These choices create a modern, elevated appearance that harmonizes with Arizona’s arid landscape while ensuring durability and low maintenance.
Thoughtful Colors and Textures A palette of warm beiges, terracotta, and soft sage green reflects the desert’s natural hues, complemented by tactile finishes like wood-grain paneling and patterned concrete. These elements add visual depth and a sense of warmth, making the complex feel inviting and timeless.
Innovative Lighting Design A layered lighting approach enhances both aesthetics and functionality, with energy-efficient LED fixtures illuminating pathways and common areas. Private patios feature subtle, ambient lighting, while solar-powered exterior lights reduce energy costs and align with the project’s sustainability goals.
Community-Oriented Outdoor Spaces Expansive common areas include landscaped courtyards with native plants like agave, yucca, and desert marigold, designed to foster social interaction. Shaded ramadas, communal gardens, and children’s play areas create vibrant gathering spots that strengthen community bonds in both Phoenix and Surprise.
Private Patios and Balconies Each unit features a private patio or balcony, designed to offer residents personal outdoor space for relaxation or small gatherings. These areas are accented with desert-inspired hardscaping and planters, blending seamlessly with the communal landscape.
Sustainable Design The complex incorporates eco-conscious features, including low-flow plumbing, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and solar panels on select buildings. Native, drought-tolerant landscaping minimizes water use, while recycled and locally sourced materials reduce the project’s environmental footprint.
Ownership-Oriented Layout The design supports Habitat for Humanity’s innovative ownership model, with flexible unit configurations (two- and three-bedroom townhomes and apartments) tailored to diverse family needs. Units are designed for long-term durability, with soundproofing and high-quality finishes to ensure lasting value.
