New Birth “Micro Homes” Community

Details:

  • New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

  • Stonecrest, GA

Highlights:

  • Innovative housing scale: The New Birth “Micro Homes” are two- and three-bedroom residences ranging from approximately 650 to over 1,200 square feet, offering a middle ground between traditional single-family homes and very small “tiny homes.”
  • Integrated mixed-use community: The homes are part of a walkable, mixed-use development that includes neighborhood retail, dining, and recreational spaces, supporting attainable housing while fostering a connected sense of place.

Description:

TSW was retained by New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to develop a comprehensive master plan and architectural vision for The Benison, an approximately 35‑acre mixed‑use community in Stonecrest, Georgia. Envisioned as a walkable, live‑work‑play neighborhood, the development integrates thoughtfully planned residential environments with access to parks, retail, dining, and arts and entertainment amenities, fostering a strong sense of place and long‑term community vitality.

Working closely with church representatives, TSW led a multi‑disciplinary effort that included zoning analysis and recommendations, site programming, and the development of a flexible phasing strategy to support incremental implementation. The final program introduces more than 300 residential units, including single‑family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and a collection of innovative micro homes, all organized around a tree‑lined street network, neighborhood greenspaces, and a centrally located commercial core.

TSW’s Architecture Studio played a key role in shaping the residential character of the project, developing prototypical single‑family and micro home designs that balance attainability with livability. The micro homes, which are typically around 400 square feet, offer efficient layouts, flexible living spaces, and modern amenities, providing a compelling alternative to both traditional single‑family housing and conventional tiny homes. A variety of facades and floor plan options were created to promote architectural diversity while maintaining a cohesive community identity.

Complementing the residential architecture, TSW’s Landscape Architecture Studio contributed a wayfinding and signage framework that reinforces connectivity throughout the development, including trails, parks, and community amenities. Together, the master plan and architectural design establish a vibrant, mixed‑use neighborhood that supports attainable housing, encourages walkability, and reflects New Birth Baptist Church’s vision for inclusive, community‑driven development.