WESTMINSTER SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

with Truthbox,Inc; MULTI, Design for People (Accessibility); Shawn Friedberg (Landscape Design)

WHAT: Invited Housing Competition for sustainable, affordable mixed-use development
including four residential units and three retail spaces

CHALLENGE: Sustainability, Affordability, Accessibility (1 unit)

STRATEGY: Pervious & native site materials to contain and purify storm runoff;
passive solar design in base design, with adaptability to future active solar;
walkway creates common space for retailers and residents. Flex space in both
retail and residential portions.

LINKS: WBNA

WESTMINSTER SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

Sustainable building strategies:

1 Extensive green roof (maximize insulation and minimize run-off)
2 Optional solar water heater
3 Low-E, argon-filled windows
4 Natural cross-ventilation
5 Super-insulated structure (minimizes heat-loss in winter and heat gain in summer)
6 Recyclable, low-emission finishes
7 Daylighting (open in south, closed in North)
8 Concrete and Steel Framing
9 Optional gray water system
10 Optional ground-source heat pump

WESTMINSTER SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

Sustainable site strategies include native plants and bioswales, permeable surfaces, and a green roof for maximum water retention.

WESTMINSTER SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

South-facing living spaces are open to light and air but private from the street.

WESTMINSTER SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

Ground Floor Plan

While the accessible unit is located on the ground floor (instead of a terrace, it has a garden), its entrance is grouped with and treated like all the other units’.

WESTMINSTER SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

2nd Floor Plan

The units allow for gradual build-out with an additional bedroom and expanded kitchen.

WESTMINSTER SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

3rd Floor Plan