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
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
Sustainable site strategies include native plants and bioswales, permeable surfaces, and a green roof for maximum water retention.
South-facing living spaces are open to light and air but private from the street.
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’.
2nd Floor Plan
The units allow for gradual build-out with an additional bedroom and expanded kitchen.
3rd Floor Plan