Little Mod
The Little Mod reimagines urban density in Saint Paul’s West 7th neighborhood, offering a fresh approach to infill development. This modern duplex features twelve co-living bedroom/bathroom suites — six per unit — designed to foster community while offering privacy.
Rooted in Nordic aesthetics, the building’s minimalist material palette of corrugated metal and smooth, large-format panels creates a refined yet understated presence, complementing rather than competing with its surroundings. Its south-facing orientation, punctuated by expansive openings, harnesses natural light and passive solar heating, enhancing both comfort and sustainability.
Navigating a challenging site — with sixteen feet of grade change in two directions, shallow bedrock, and a compact buildable area — the design prioritizes simplicity and minimal environmental impact.
Targeting Zero Energy certification, The Little Mod integrates a high-performance building envelope with advanced mechanical systems. Energy modeling informs critical design decisions, from insulation strategies to the selection of high-quality windows and doors. The result: a Net Zero building that produces more energy annually than it consumes.
