Today, Project Transitions is the one and only direct provider of housing for people living with HIV and AIDS in central Texas. The Austin-based nonprofit, shepherded by interim executive director Matthew Glazer, was founded in 1988 by Barbara Davis at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Its predicated on the firm belief that access to good housing is paramount to the treatment and recovery process. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA) partnered recently with the local nonprofit to build affordable housing in Austin for people living with HIV and AIDS. Burnet Place opened this winter, offering 61 units contained within a midrise building centered by a courtyard.Burnet Place has comprehensive support services, recuperative care, and hospice in compassionate and caring environments. Community gardens, outdoor seating, and leisurely walkways ideated by Nudge Design are spread throughout the site.The units face a shared courtyard. (Kristian Alveo)Our primary design goal was to provide a safe space for community and healing that supports the incredible programming of Project Transitions, Maija Kreishman, MHOA principal, said in a statement. At the heart is a warm and welcoming courtyard with a sunlit porch, community garden and quiet walking paths. We hope that weve created a home where residents can feel comforted and supported, and where they can thrive. By the numbers, 11 of Burnet Places 61 units are fully ADA accessible, and the remaining units can be easily retrofitted to support accessibility. Wood and other biophilic materials were selected to deliver a warm, residential feel, the architects continued.A mix of materials was used throughout the project, including tilework. (Kristian Alveo)A medley of materials and textures were used on the housing; each set of buildings features a volume clad in black and another faced white paneling. The bottom half of these structures adopt a more natural color palette, that introduces tile and wood to the project. The buildings are connected via a series of staircases and terrace spaces constructed using metal grates.Staircase and terraces allow residents an outdoor-indoor living experience. (Kristian Alveo)The ground floor has an abundance of resources for people in recovery. There, social services, telemedicine consultations, community events, and shared dining facilities are located. Theres also a porch connected to a treehouse on site that provides panoramic views of the neighborhood.In a lounge area a wood paneled wall is complemented by side tables crafted from wood logs. (Kristian Alveo)Outdoor spaces are faced with metal grates painted in an array of soothing, pastel shades. (Kristian Alveo)Were filled with gratitude to see this residence come to life, added Matthew Glazer, interim executive director of Project Transitions. When our neighbors with HIV have stable housing, their health improves, medical costs go down and the further spread of HIV is prevented. The Burnet Place partnership with Michael Hsu Office of Architecture will directly improve individual outcomes and our communitys health.Amenities inside the complex, include a shared dining facility for residents. (Kristian Alveo)For MHOA, the project is in line with other altruistic ones the office completed recently. Past MHOA clients include Austins Habitat for Humanity chapter, Austin Angels, and The Womens Home in Houston.