Unlike the typical Chicago house, the project's entire ground floor is dedicated to a collective yet private garden that maintains the qualities of an empty lot. In order to reach one's unit, each occupant must first make their way through the lot area which is given back to the community, then transgress through the garden and descend into their units. A single sunken entrance is placed along the façade wall, suggesting the start of private space.

Below ground, each unit contains the same exact characteristics that make the garden so desirable. 1) Access to sun-light, allowing for occupants to enjoy natural light despite living below ground. 2) Open space, concentrating many of the building's programs into a small rectangular block. The design is able to devote a majority of the private space to living and eating spaces. 3) Fresh air, placing windows on contrasting ends of each apartment space, a flow of wind is created, mimicking the conditions of the garden above.