Colin Mason

Architecture + Design

Slot Row

Urbana, Illinois

Fall 2025

This project explores the potential of timber as a catalyst for sustainable urban living. Slot Row investigates how wood can bridge the “missing-middle” gap in housing by creating attainable, human-scaled dwellings that foster community, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Through mass timber systems and repeatable construction methods, the project proposes replicable housing prototypes that balance affordability, constructability, and carbon responsibility.

Inspired by the traditional row house typology, Slot Row integrates seamlessly into the existing urban fabric of downtown Urbana. Adjacent units are defined by party walls, reflecting the rhythm and density of the surrounding context. Internally, spatial organization is reimagined—rather than relying on interior partitions, distinct floor slabs define programmatic zones. This vertical separation of space introduces a playful yet functional living experience, encouraging occupants to experience their environment through vertical movement.

Colin Mason

Architecture + Design

Slot Row

Urbana, Illinois

Fall 2025

This project explores the potential of timber as a catalyst for sustainable urban living. Slot Row investigates how wood can bridge the “missing-middle” gap in housing by creating attainable, human-scaled dwellings that foster community, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Through mass timber systems and repeatable construction methods, the project proposes replicable housing prototypes that balance affordability, constructability, and carbon responsibility.

Inspired by the traditional row house typology, Slot Row integrates seamlessly into the existing urban fabric of downtown Urbana. Adjacent units are defined by party walls, reflecting the rhythm and density of the surrounding context. Internally, spatial organization is reimagined—rather than relying on interior partitions, distinct floor slabs define programmatic zones. This vertical separation of space introduces a playful yet functional living experience, encouraging occupants to experience their environment through vertical movement.

Colin Mason

Architecture + Design

Slot Row

Urbana, Illinois

Fall 2025

This project explores the potential of timber as a catalyst for sustainable urban living. Slot Row investigates how wood can bridge the “missing-middle” gap in housing by creating attainable, human-scaled dwellings that foster community, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Through mass timber systems and repeatable construction methods, the project proposes replicable housing prototypes that balance affordability, constructability, and carbon responsibility.

Inspired by the traditional row house typology, Slot Row integrates seamlessly into the existing urban fabric of downtown Urbana. Adjacent units are defined by party walls, reflecting the rhythm and density of the surrounding context. Internally, spatial organization is reimagined—rather than relying on interior partitions, distinct floor slabs define programmatic zones. This vertical separation of space introduces a playful yet functional living experience, encouraging occupants to experience their environment through vertical movement.