Three multifamily projects were among the 14 winners in the American Institute of Architects 2017 Housing Awards program. The jury assessed the architectural design, the integration of the buildings into their context, transportation options, and features that contribute to livable communities.
The winners:
Powerhouse carefully fits a dense cluster of 31 super-energy-efficient units into an urban block in Philadelphia. The design navigates existing fabric along a sloping site with a series of building typologies: single-family townhomes, duplexes, and two small apartment buildings. In the Philadelphia tradition of entry stoops, a sequence of entry platforms navigates grade changes, entry stairs, and basement windows. Stormwater is managed on site with green roofs and rain gardens along the curb line. All 31 units achieved LEED Platinum certification.
Hunters View Housing Blocks 5 & 6, San Francisco, designed by Paulett Taggart Architects. These two new blocks of affordable family housing are part of San Francisco’s HOPE SF program to rebuild parts of the city’s deteriorated public housing, even as the current tenants remain in the neighborhood. The design for these two city blocks organizes 53 units into two L-shaped buildings per block to form continuous street frontages and surround two secure shared courtyards. Each building contains stacked multi-level townhouses that step down with the street’s slope.
VIA 57 West, New York, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (architect) and SLCE Architects (associate architect). This pyramid-shaped, 940,012-sf residential building is 467 feet tall, with 709 apartments within 34 above-ground floors. It combines a European perimeter block and a traditional Manhattan high-rise that encompasses a 2,040-sf courtyard.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2022
Kraus-Anderson helps fill void in tight Twin Cities housing market
One project just came online, and another apartment building should be completed this summer.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 26, 2022
Fitness centers for multifamily housing: Advice from 'Dr. Fitness,' Karl Smith
In this episode for HorizonTV, Cortland's Karl Smith shares best practices for designing, siting, and operating fitness centers in apartment communities.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 26, 2022
Investment firm Blackstone makes $13 billion acquisition in student-housing sector
Blackstone Inc., a New York-based investment firm, has agreed to buy student-housing owner American Campus Communities Inc.
Mixed-Use | Apr 22, 2022
San Francisco replaces a waterfront parking lot with a new neighborhood
A parking lot on San Francisco’s waterfront is transforming into Mission Rock—a new neighborhood featuring rental units, offices, parks, open spaces, retail, and parking.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 20, 2022
A Frankfurt tower gives residents greenery-framed views
In Frankfurt, Germany, the 27-floor EDEN tower boasts an exterior “living wall system”: 186,000 plants that cover about 20 percent of the building’s facade.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 20, 2022
Prism Capital Partners' Avenue & Green luxury/affordable rental complex is 96% leased
The 232-unit rental property, in Woodbridge, N.J., has surpassed the 96 percent mark in leases.
Senior Living Design | Apr 19, 2022
Affordable housing for L.A. veterans and low-income seniors built on former parking lot site
The Howard and Irene Levine Senior Community, designed by KFA Architecture for Mercy Housing of California, provides badly needed housing for Los Angeles veterans and low-income seniors
Market Data | Apr 14, 2022
FMI 2022 construction spending forecast: 7% growth despite economic turmoil
Growth will be offset by inflation, supply chain snarls, a shortage of workers, project delays, and economic turmoil caused by international events such as the Russia-Ukraine war.
Wood | Apr 13, 2022
Mass timber: Multifamily’s next big building system
Mass timber construction experts offer advice on how to use prefabricated wood systems to help you reach for the heights with your next apartment or condominium project.