The design requirement was to design a small cluster or village for a blighted, infill site that had lost existing structures to arson. Located next to Frederick Law Olmstead’s Franklin Park, the project required significant historic and neighborhood approvals and collaboration. The design result is comprised of four buildings housing 12 units sensitively integrated into the steep, rocky site. While the building’s environmental performance is very high, the use of natural materials, Arts and Crafts details and the careful siting weaves the modern project into its historic context and setting.
The new village has received wide support from the community and provides integrated affordable housing. Sustainable strategies including natural daylighting and 8″ staggered stud walls with panelized construction combined with a carefully detailed envelope provide energy efficiency and durability. Site contours and landscape elements were used to enhance the overall sense of scale, provide private outdoor spaces for each unit, minimize the impact of a centralized parking court, and to completely control on-site storm water.
