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MBH Architects' Project Western Landing Recognized for Excellence

Western Landing recognized for excellence in Green Building Modular Multifamily housing

Western Landing exterior — Barry Schwartz Photography

MBH Architects, announced that Western Landing, a supportive housing development in Harbor City, Los Angeles, California, has received First Place in the Green Building Multifamily category at the Modular Building Institute's (MBI) 2026 Awards of Distinction. MBH Architects served as Factory Architect of Record on the project, which was built by general contractor Bernards, with modules manufactured by Harbinger Homes (formerly Factory_OS), in partnership with developer Abode Communities.

Western Landing was developed as part of Los Angeles' Proposition HHH initiative, a voter-approved effort to expand permanent supportive housing for unhoused residents. The 50,270-square-foot development comprises 80 volumetric modular units constructed in 555 days, delivering high-quality homes arranged around landscaped courtyards with native, low-water plantings. The project has also earned LEED® Platinum certification, the highest designation awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council, scoring over 82 points on the LEED® scorecard and cementing its role as a benchmark for sustainable, community-driven construction.

As Factory AOR, MBH Architects played a critical role in translating the project's design intent into precision-built modules, ensuring that quality, performance, and sustainability standards were upheld throughout the offsite fabrication process at Harbinger Homes' facility. The development achieves a 14.5 percent energy performance reduction beyond ASHRAE 90.1 2010 standards, incorporating high-efficiency low-flow fixtures, recycled-content insulation, low-VOC materials, and hardscape shading covering 81 percent of roof and paved surfaces to reduce urban heat island effects. Durable, non-absorptive exterior materials and the elimination of tropical wood further reflect the project's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Precision offsite fabrication enabled simultaneous site and factory work, compressing the construction timeline while ensuring rigorous quality control. Standardized module configurations reduced waste, lowered long-term operating costs, and established a replicable model for future affordable housing delivery in Los Angeles and beyond.

The MBI Awards of Distinction is an annual program recognizing outstanding achievement in the modular construction industry across categories including design, sustainability, innovation, and cost effectiveness.

For more information about Western Landing and MBH Architects' modular solutions, visit www.mbharch.com.