The Strobel House
Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
The Strobel House provides permanent supportive housing and is the first structure in Nashville that addresses homelessness. This project marks a pivotal moment for the Nashville community, as the city responds to the critical need for stable housing and supportive environments.
Awards Year | 2024
Project Statement
Located across from Nashville’s East Bank, the Strobel House offers 90 efficiency units, designed to provide a permanent pathway to housing for residents, many of whom face mental health challenges, addiction recovery, and physical disabilities.
The development is part of a larger master plan for Cumberland River, which seeks to enhance the river greenway, create new pedestrian attractions, and foster a vibrant, inclusive community. The permanent supportive housing initiative is a step in transforming the riverfront into a place where everyone feels at home.
The building’s facade is designed to invite the public as well as residents, with individualized window patterns that help residents easily identify their homes from the outside, while also giving the residents a sense of ownership. The building boasts a large private terrace with stunning views of the Cumberland River, providing a space for community gatherings and personal reflection.
The interior features trauma-informed design principles, using an earth-tone color palette to promote a calm environment that reduces anxiety and fosters well-being. Each floor features laundry rooms, community spaces, and outdoor balconies overlooking the river, spaces designed to promote interaction and a sense of belonging.
Materials for the building were selected based on their recycled content, life-cycle attributes and future recyclability. Furniture was acquired from a dormitory, since it was still in good working order, it saved materials that would have otherwise gone to the landfill to live another useful life.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
## **Equitable Communities**
More than just providing housing, the project aims to encourage social interaction among residents. By nurturing a supportive environment, the design helps individuals rebuild their lives and find personal importance within the community. Nashville’s Permanent Supportive Housing building is a testament to the city’s commitment to social equity and community enrichment.
## **Integration**
Surrounded by market-rate and affordable housing developments, the building ensures inclusivity and community cohesion. A local artist was commissioned to create meaningful connections through public art on parts of the building to make every corner of the building a reflection of its residents' stories. The building is sensitive to human scale
## **Well-being**
Designed to address a wide range of mental health challenges, the building program offers a holistic approach to social and mental support, with case management offices located on the first floor, and a vibrant multi-purpose room where community connections unfold. Each unit features expansive windows, offering stunning views of the river and maximum access to natural light.
LEED/Green Certifications
LEED Gold
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