Project Data:

Completion Date:     12/1/2021

Square Footage:      655818

Building Use:           Mixed-Use Residential

Project Description:

The age-old question: how to create a sense of stability and space in the midst of an ever-changing, fast-paced world? The city planned a futuristic new BART/VTA station, enhancing connectivity to key employment and entertainment districts in the Silicon Valley. Adjacent to this bustling station, a pair of contemporary, transit-oriented residential projects occupy an 8.5-acre site and deliver 582 market-rate rental units and 5,000 square feet of retail. The development offers an iconic, richly textured living environment, combining sustainable luxury and modern conveniences for a diverse group of residents.

Architecturally, the two projects personify the paradox of movement as form. Cues were taken from the BART station itself, including extensive use of metal paneling and a unique contemporary design. The sweeping concave curves of the facades are meant to be read as one bold statement across both buildings, forming a prominent entry into the transit area. Fluidity, complementary curves, and unexpected angles in multiple dimensions all give a sense of kinetic movement. Balconies engage with angled acrylic railing and are highlighted by vertical metal grill panels. Angled bay windows, wrapped in metal, further contribute to this dynamic energy. The project’s color palette is monochromatic with the added depth of metal panel cladding systems, metal awnings, and fiber cement panels.

Despite its monumental architectural gestures, the project carefully considers the human scale and the experience of the resident. The projects contain 5,000 SF of neighborhood retail space behind angled storefronts. A 2.1-acre public park, to be maintained perpetually by the developer, has been gifted to the city with $1 million slated for public art. Both buildings sport expansive rooftop recreation zones, each with a pool offering panoramic city views. Open concept units include top-of-market gourmet kitchens and finishes. Many residences enjoy expanded views as the result of cleverly angled interior walls. In the end, it is the dynamism of the architecture and execution which come together to form the epitome of a place to call home.

Firm Name:              AO

Completion Date:     12/1/2021

Square Footage:      655818

Building Use:           Mixed-Use Residential

Location:                 Milpitas, CA

Project Description:
Design for Integration: A fast-paced, constantly evolving environment inspired the way this project connects to its surroundings. The fluid curves, sleek materials, and unexpected protrusions create energy that flows from the transit station and acts as a dynamic transition to the stark industrial-styled neighbors. Utilizing contextual placemaking, modern architecture, and quality execution, the design resulted in an integrated mixed-use development that truly considers the residents’ experience. The project goal was to thoughtfully create a community where residents could thrive, have city access, and engage in social and sensory experiences.

Design for Equitable Communities: Adjacent to public transit, this development offers new housing with modern commodities located in a prime location that connects commuting residents to the surrounding region. Residents have direct access to the new Milpitas BART/VTA Station, providing access to jobs and entertainment throughout the Bay Area. Within minutes of the community are employers including Tesla, Cisco, Apple, Google, and thousands more, as well as entertainment hubs like Levi’s Stadium, which is less than 5 miles away from the community. Despite rent prices skyrocketing in the Bay Area, working professionals living in this community have a dwelling option that is more affordable than renting in the heart of the city without sacrificing time in traffic and instead welcoming the convenience of a car-less lifestyle.

Design for Energy: In compliance with the California Green Building Standards Code, both buildings are LEED® certified, sporting expansive rooftop recreation zones, each with a pool offering panoramic city views. Open concept units ranging from 509-to 2,050 square feet include top-of-market gourmet kitchens and energy-efficient finishes.

Design Architect:
AO

Associate Architect or Firm:

Landscape Architect:
MJS Design Group, Inc.

Owner / Developer:
AntonDevCo

Engineer:
Carlson, Barbee & Gibson, Inc.

General Contractor:
AntonDevCo

Consultant:
Catalina Design Group

Photographer:
Jonathan Mitchell