Droukas Court

The Droukas Court Annex project proposes an expansion of Des Moines’ historic bungalow court to accommodate sustainable housing for climate refugees, emphasizing community cohesion and environmental responsibility. Organized on a grid layout informed by the site’s context, the design incorporates gentle curves at the street scale and geometric shapes at the building scale, maintaining harmony and efficiency. The housing units, designed in adherence to bungalow court principles, utilize sustainable lumber and innovative construction techniques to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, a community center serves as a focal point for social interaction and collaboration, featuring multipurpose spaces and outdoor amenities constructed with sustainable materials. The project aims to set a new standard for inclusive and environmentally conscious development in Des Moines by prioritizing sustainability and fostering community engagement.

The city’s goal of achieving 32% tree canopy cover by 2045 deeply resonated with my vision of creating the Droukas Court extension as a refuge and vibrant ecosystem within the city. The extension’s layout mimics a tree’s organic structure, with a vast green expanse at its core branching into clusters of homes. These clusters are positioned close together, fostering community engagement and privacy in the middle of a bustling urban landscape. To further enhance sustainability and maximize green space, the inclusion of duplex units allows for smaller footprints, reducing the overall environmental impact of the development. The urban forest is thoughtfully designed, with clusters of lush greenery strategically placed in a 5 by 5-foot grid system. Multiple squares of greenery are also allotted as community gardens.