Social Housing for the Homeless — unSHELTERED

In the summer of 2024, NF Studio participated in the international unSHELTERED competition, focused on designing housing for homeless people in Toronto. This is our second project aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. Previously we developed a project for Infant Homes in Russia.

Like many major cities, Toronto is facing a severe shortage of affordable housing. In times of crisis, those experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable. The goal of the competition was to propose an effective, economically viable, and scalable solution to house 1,000 unhoused individuals while preserving quality of life.

We drew on international experience, particularly the Finnish Housing First model. Its core principle is to provide housing without preconditions, including to people with addictions, as having a home is the starting point for long-term recovery and reintegration.

Typology and Segmentation

Understanding that the causes of homelessness vary, we developed a settlement matrix based on gender and social segmentation. This approach made it possible to tailor the design to the needs of different groups and define the required functions for each building.

Typological groups include:

• Men / Women

• People with addictions

• Individuals with mental or physical illnesses

• People without additional needs

• Youth

• Parents with children (including single mothers)
  
  

Each group has its own architectural scenario, from the number of sleeping places and kitchens to medical units and children’s rooms. For families, for instance, we designed paired modules with separate areas for sleeping and play.

Modular System: 4 Building Types

The project is based on modular architecture — universal, quickly assembled, and adaptable to various urban environments.

Type 1: Emergency Shelter

For 1–2 people | Short-term stay

Compact, autonomous modules with a bed and bathroom, placed in urban zones (parks, transit hubs). A rapid solution for emergencies — to sleep, take shelter, and recover.

Type 2: Floating Settlement

For 20–30 people | Temporary floating housing

Assembled on a floating platform. After use, it can be towed to shore, transformed into land-based housing, or disassembled for reuse.

Type 3: Integration into Existing Buildings

For 20–30 people | Renovation of abandoned structures

Modular units are inserted into non-functioning buildings with preserved structural frames. This activates abandoned sites and reduces construction costs.

Type 4: New Construction

For 20–50 people | Built from scratch

Buildings are composed of modules and adapted to any urban plot. Common areas are on the ground floor, residential blocks above. The structure enables rapid assembly and flexible use.

Residential Modules: Structure and Atmosphere

The residential section consists of two basic module types:

• Individual modules

• Family (double) modules

The dimensions allow flexible combinations — e.g., three individual modules can connect with two family modules. Each unit includes a bathroom, storage area, and workspace.

Community Functions

Residential blocks are combined into fully functional homes through shared spaces, including:

• Kitchens and dining areas

• Communal lounges

• Medical rooms (for chronically ill groups)

• Children's rooms and play areas

• Public terraces

• Multipurpose spaces for art, coworking, libraries, and more

We prioritized quality of life: environmentally friendly and safe materials in neutral tones, cork panels for personalization (photos, notes, drawings), and clean, simple interiors that foster emotional comfort.

Both individual and family units are stand-alone modules and correspond to Type 1: Emergency Shelter. In Types 2–4, residential modules are integrated with shared kitchens, lounges, and vertical circulation to create complete, functional spaces.

In this project, we aimed not just to design a roof over one’s head, but to create dignified living conditions for those in crisis — offering a path back into society.

Architecture has the power to shape society. It can create spaces that help people in difficult situations rebuild their lives.

Michael Maltzan, Architect, Founder of MMA