Sober Living Prototypes
2024 // Multi-Family Residential // 4,800 sf per Residence
Carlsbad, New Mexico
Project Overview
The LifeHouse Sober Living Residences are a pair of purpose-built homes designed to support individuals in recovery through stable, dignified housing rooted in community. Developed as a repeatable prototype, the residences provide safe, structured living environments that emphasize shared space, personal privacy, and long-term durability within a residential neighborhood context.
Design Intent
The design objective was to create a residential environment that feels familiar, supportive, and non-institutional while meeting the operational needs of a sober living program. Rather than adapting existing housing stock, the project establishes a purpose-designed model that balances privacy and accountability, allowing residents to live independently within a structured community setting.
Each residence was carefully scaled and massed to integrate into the surrounding neighborhood, reinforcing the idea that recovery housing should feel like home — not a facility.
Architectural Approach
The two-story wood-framed residences are organized around shared communal spaces, including living areas, kitchens, and laundry rooms, with bedrooms distributed across both levels to support balanced occupancy and supervision. Clear circulation, durable finishes, and straightforward material assemblies were prioritized to ensure long-term performance and ease of maintenance.
The buildings were designed as prototypes, allowing the same architectural framework to be replicated or site-adapted for future locations while maintaining consistent program standards. This approach provides LifeHouse with a scalable housing solution that can grow alongside community needs.
Program Elements
8 resident bedrooms per residence
5 shared bathrooms
Communal living and dining areas
Shared kitchen and laundry facilities
On-site parking for residents and guests
Fully sprinklered residential construction
BSTK’s Role
BSTK Studio served as Architect of Record, providing full architectural design and construction documentation services for the LifeHouse Sober Living prototype. The project was developed in close coordination with LifeHouse leadership to ensure alignment with program goals, operational needs, and local zoning requirements.
The initial prototype design services were provided as a pro-bono community project, supporting LifeHouse’s mission to expand access to recovery-focused housing in southeastern New Mexico.
Project Metrics
Client: Carlsbad LifeHouse, Inc.
Location: 2406 & 2408 Tulip Street, Carlsbad, NM
Project Type: New Construction – Residential Prototype
Occupancy: R-3 Residential
Size: 4,800 SF per residence
Stories: 2
Fire Protection: NFPA 13-D Sprinkler System
