Tishomingo Complex: Modular Housing & Attainable Infill Design
Modular Infill Development and Adaptive Re-Use Strategies
This infill housing development applies commercial modular construction strategies to a series of narrow residential parcels in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Working within tight site constraints, Green Couch Design developed a mix of single-unit modular homes and clustered micro-units, leveraging container-based construction to maximize density, reduce waste, and streamline build timelines.
The design emphasizes site efficiency, circulation clarity, and neighborhood cohesion—demonstrating how small-footprint housing can support both individual privacy and community interaction. Material consistency, staggered massing, and shared outdoor spaces create a unified architectural language across the development.
Single-Unit Modular Homes
The development begins with compact, single-occupancy homes built from two staggered shipping containers. This configuration widens the primary living area and introduces intimate end zones that support both functionality and personal retreat.
Each home includes approximately 613 sq ft of conditioned interior space—featuring a full kitchen, laundry, dining area, and integrated workspace—along with front and rear outdoor living areas. Staggered placement between homes enhances privacy while maximizing daylight, circulation, and yard usability on narrow lots.
A consistent material palette of light wood and monochromatic container finishes creates a warm, cohesive streetscape while ensuring long-term durability and low maintenance—priorities for attainable housing in Oklahoma’s climate.
Clustered Micro-Units (Container Complex)
Beyond the single-unit homes, the site expands upward into a clustered micro-unit complex, using eight containers arranged as two compact vertical clusters around a shared courtyard. Each cluster contains two stacked units (2-over-2), connected by covered stair towers and a 400 sq ft upper-level deck that serves as a communal gathering space.
Containers are rotated to approximately 135° to create layered outdoor zones, privacy between units, and efficient circulation—all within a constrained urban footprint. A central 18' × 46' courtyard, required parking, walkways, and screened service access complete the site, illustrating how container housing can support density, community, and livability without sacrificing comfort.
Project Overview
Project Category: Multi-Family / Infill Housing
Building Type: Modular / Container-Based Residential Development
Delivery Method: Design Development + Financing Package
Project Goals
Maximize livable density on narrow infill lots
Provide both single-unit and clustered housing options
Create ADA-accessible ground-floor units
Incorporate meaningful private and shared outdoor environments
Establish a cohesive material and neighborhood aesthetic
Navigate zoning and permitting for an innovative infill model
Deliver attainable, efficient, and dignified modular homes
The Tishomingo Container Housing Complex demonstrates how container-based construction can deliver smart, human-centered housing at small scales. Through efficient planning, layered outdoor environments, and durable material choices, this project offers a replicable blueprint for affordable, design-forward infill housing in growing Oklahoma communities.
