Project Data:

Completion Date:     1/1/2026

Square Footage:      127400

Building Use:           Affordable Multifamily Residential

Project Description:

A celebration of modular design and simplicity, this 221-micro unit project does not shy away from its prefabricated roots. The fully affordable community packs a punch with its efficiency and innovative construction techniques, responding practically to the region’s housing shortage. The five-story Transit Oriented Development (TOD) transforms a former industrial site into a thriving urban setting. With a BART Station nearby as well as an adjacent bus stop, the project fosters the integration of mass transit and affordable housing. The contemporary architecture is a subtle balance of tensions, between the alternating colors and plane articulations that follow a rhythm of solid walls and glazed openings that create an active three-dimensional composition. The verticality of signage, stair, and elevator towers, anchor the colorful array of modules. Washes of cool grays and a charming ombre yellow color palette unify all the elements.

As modularization can be limited to module dimensional requirements based on transportation methods, pop-out modules were added to overcome this constraint, which increased the net livable area of these units by 2.6 feet, created articulation on the façade and met the max length requirement. Technically, the 3D volumetric buildings uniformly stack with a goal of 80% of the modules being built in the factory and 20% in the field to speed construction time. Plug wall proximity design is key in the corridors providing connection points to all necessary utilities. Micro units evoke simplicity, with clean lines and a modern minimalist vibe. Each of the two buildings offers a common amenity room, secure mail room and common laundry facilities. Using the latest technology in modular prefabrication, the compact project exceeds energy efficiency requirements and aspires to be a prototype of sustainable development for contemporary, affordable housing.

Firm Name:              AO

Completion Date:     1/1/2026

Square Footage:      127400

Building Use:           Affordable Multifamily Residential

Location:                 San Leandro, CA

Project Description:
Design for Equitable Communities: This 100% affordable community delivers thoughtful connection to nearby public transit, making it more accessible across all income and status levels within a housing market where rental housing rates are high above the national average. Integrated within the project, the common rooms and in-house amenities create a safe environment for residents to foster interpersonal interaction and engagement for a greater sense of community. Efficiencies of the micro units allow for smart layouts, incorporating open floor plans, designated work-from-home spaces, and storage in options ranging from studio to two-bedroom apartments that are attainable for a range of budgets.

Design Architect:
AO

Associate Architect or Firm:

Landscape Architect:

Owner / Developer:
AMG & Associates and The Pacific Companies

Engineer:

General Contractor:

Consultant:

Photographer:
NA - On-the-Boards Renderings Property of AO