The Steelhead Townhouses project is a high-density, infill student housing project located near the University of Oregon. Since the site constraints for this project accommodated only one building tucked into a deep, narrow lot, units are arranged on one side of a community courtyard. Each unit has a semi-private outdoor space located along the courtyard and directly in front of the unit’s entrance. This outdoor area has a low garden wall for seating, which is designed to encourage social interaction among the tenants.

A sister project to the Coho Townhouses, the Steelhead Townhouses incorporate all of the sustainable design features of the Coho Townhouses. At the Steelhead Townhouses, material choices were made to emphasize sustainability, low-maintenance costs, and durability. Low-maintenance corrugated metal, stucco and cement fiber board siding are used on the exterior of the building. Durable granite countertops can be found inside. Solar panels are located on the south-facing roof. All of the stormwater run-off is treated on-site, reducing the load on the municipal systems. To encourage the reduced reliance on automobile transportation, extensive covered, lockable bicycle parking is provided in addition to the limited car parking provided on-site.

Both end units at the Steelhead Townhouses feature balconies that not only bring natural light and ventilation into the units, but also allow the residents to have a greater amount of interaction with the environment. Skylights in the stairs and the large windows in the angled bays along the façades allow the units to be flooded with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.