future fun shack

residential co-op

Future Fun Shack (FFS) cohousing project is a community house for three families in Beacon Hill, Seattle - including Ten Penny founders Kelly and Brandon. The project has been our families’ dream for years. We started gathering regularly in early 2022, the design was permitted in July 2023, and the house is currently in construction.

In addition to this being a house for three families, we also see this project as a significant prototype for co-housing and co-living on a typical city lot, increasing our quality of life and lowering our ecological footprint.

We have preserved the essence of what was once a large front yard that has served as a hub for community gatherings, kids’ play, potlucks, and more. To maintain this sense of welcome, we designed the ground floor to be as permeable to the community as possible, with an open plan and large sliding/folding doors on both the front- and interior-facing façades–a space that opens up completely to the outside. Meanwhile, the second floor provides more private spaces for personal retreat, balancing communal living with individual needs.

This approach is a deliberate departure from typical single-family homes, where private space takes precedence over community connection. By maintaining this openness, we aim to disrupt the norm and create spaces that foster relationships, both within and beyond the home.

Our current small one-bedroom home on the lot will remain in place, located at the back alley. This project, on a typical 4,000 sq. ft. lot, aligns with upcoming changes in Washington state’s zoning code, which will allow more homeowners to explore similar developments. Ten Penny Studio is eager to be a part of this new wave of thoughtful, community-oriented design.

We’re committed to function as a family–we will contribute what we can to building this co-house, and take what we need. We’re exploring financial and legal structures that allow people with different resources to come together and build equity together, which is a healing and liberating process. Additionally, we’re hosting monthly conversations for those interested in creating these communities of their own. Email info@tenpennystudio.com to learn more!