Project Data:

Completion Date:     8/1/2028

Square Footage:      289700

Building Use:           To create the first off-grid, modular multifamily development with an affordable component that responds to climate readiness.

Project Description:

The Living EmPower House vision is to create the first off-grid, zero carbon, affordable, replicable, scalable, and equitable multifamily development designed for transactive energy. After securing a $1 million EPIC Grant for the research phase last year, the project team has been awarded a $9 million Next EPIC Grant Construction Loan with an additional $5 million matching funds from the California Energy Commission.

Sustainability takes center stage with a robust solar array, generating 1.39 megawatt hours of electricity annually, providing thermal shading and visually celebrating the commitment to renewable energy. The 945-kilowatt solar roof reduces power by 22%, and with 2.5-megawatt hour battery storage, allows the project to operate independently from the energy grid during peak demand times. Residents will be able to control energy usage via user friendly “apps” to reduce costs.

The north building has lower density in response to the adjacent small-scale residential neighborhood and consists of three bars with the west facing’s single loaded corridor acting as a “solar shield” shading the other two bars. The denser south building has several large portals that capture prevailing winds and views with a lush landscaped interior court - “cooling oasis”. Building materials and colors are light to reflect heat. The development stands as a beacon of inclusivity, offering a blend of 20% market-rate and 80% affordable-housing, creating an environment where diverse individuals and families can thrive. Not only is the development centered around creating a strong community but will support the evolution of a walkable interconnected neighborhood linked to jobs, retail, transit, health care, and schools.

Design for Equitable Communities, Design for Energy, Design for Well-being, Design for Change 

Design for Equitable Communities
The Living Empower House is poised to have a transformative impact on the Santa Ana community and beyond, demonstrating a model for creating diverse, accessible, walkable, just, and human-scaled urban environments. By replacing underutilized office buildings with a mixed-use development that includes both market-rate and affordable housing, the project directly addresses housing inequality and fosters an inclusive community. The integration of modular construction methods not only reduces costs and environmental impact but also accelerates the availability of affordable housing options.

To ensure that no community member is left behind, the design process has been meticulously crafted to identify and remove barriers that traditionally hinder vulnerable populations. This includes providing user-friendly energy management systems that empower residents to control their energy consumption and costs, transforming them from mere consumers to active 'energy prosumers.' The development’s amenities, such as a daycare center, pet wash/park, and ample communal outdoor spaces, are designed to promote social equity and inclusion, ensuring that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality, supportive environments.

Opportunities for human connection are abundant within the Living Empower House. The design emphasizes community-building features such as roof terraces with stunning views, patios with fire pits, and dining courts with BBQs, all of which encourage social interaction and foster a sense of belonging. Additionally, the project's strategic location within a revitalized, walkable neighborhood ensures easy access to jobs, retail, healthcare, and schools, further integrating residents into the broader community fabric.

In terms of health and resilience, the Living Empower House is designed to support the well-being of its residents during both everyday circumstances and emergencies. The project includes features such as bike kitchens and ground-floor retail that enhance daily life, while its robust solar array and battery storage system ensure energy resilience during peak demand times and potential power outages. By creating a self-sustaining energy ecosystem, the development can maintain essential services and support residents during emergencies, enhancing overall community resilience.

Design for Energy
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the Living Empower House, aligning with the California Energy Commission’s vision of providing affordable, reliable, and environmentally acceptable energy choices. The project integrates a robust solar array capable of generating 1.39 megawatt hours of electricity annually, along with a 2.5-megawatt hour battery storage system. This not only reduces the development’s reliance on the grid but also allows it to operate independently during peak demand times, contributing to net zero energy and net zero carbon goals.
Passive design strategies play a crucial role in the project’s energy performance and form. The buildings are oriented to optimize solar gain and natural ventilation, with features like horizontal canopies, narrow windows with shade fins, and deeply recessed large windows to minimize heat gain and enhance cooling. The use of light-colored materials further reflects heat, reducing the need for artificial cooling. By exceeding building code efficiency standards and incorporating clean, renewable energy sources, the Living Empower House sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban development.

The project also includes continuous performance monitoring to ensure ongoing energy efficiency. Residents can actively manage their energy consumption through user-friendly apps, reducing costs and promoting sustainable living. This proactive approach to energy management not only benefits the environment but also empowers residents to participate in the energy market, fostering a community of informed and engaged energy users.

Design for Well-Being
The Living Empower House is designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle through various thoughtfully integrated features. The development includes ample outdoor spaces, such as roof terraces, patios with fire pits, and dining courts with BBQs, which promote physical activity and social interaction. Additionally, the incorporation of a daycare center, pet wash/park, and bike kitchens ensures that residents have access to essential services and amenities that support daily well-being.

Occupant comfort is a priority, with design elements aimed at creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. The project’s community rooms, ground-floor retail, and accessible transit stops foster a sense of belonging and connectivity. The design also emphasizes the connection to nature, with lushly landscaped outdoor spaces, mountain and ocean views, and ample street trees that enhance the urban experience and provide mental and physical health benefits.

Material selection is another critical aspect, aimed at reducing hazards to occupants and communities throughout the supply chain. The use of sustainable, non-toxic materials ensures a healthy indoor environment while minimizing the environmental footprint. This holistic approach to design not only supports occupant health but also contributes to the overall resilience and sustainability of the community.

Design for Change
The Living Empower House is strategically designed to address future risks and vulnerabilities arising from social, economic, and environmental changes. By utilizing modular construction, the project can quickly adapt to changing market demands and future uses, ensuring long-term viability and flexibility. This approach also allows for the efficient allocation of resources, reducing construction time and material waste.

The development’s focus on passive survivability and livability ensures that residents are well-prepared for emergencies and can maintain a high quality of life during challenging times. The robust solar and battery storage systems provide energy independence, while features like operable windows, ceiling fans, and cross-ventilation enhance comfort and reduce reliance on mechanical systems. These design elements collectively support the community’s health and resilience, ensuring that residents can thrive in both everyday and emergency situations.
By anticipating future changes and incorporating adaptive design strategies, the Living Empower House serves as a model for resilient urban development. The project’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and community empowerment positions it as a beacon of innovation, setting a precedent for future developments aimed at creating equitable, healthy, and resilient urban ecosystems.

Completion Date:     8/1/2028

Square Footage:      289700

Building Use:           To create the first off-grid, modular multifamily development with an affordable component that responds to climate readiness.

Location:                 Santa Ana, CA

Studio One Eleven

Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO)

Civil Engineer: C&V Consulting Inc.

M/E/P Engineer: Winston Engineering Inc.

Studio One Eleven

N/A

Energy and Sustainability Engineer
ARUP
Geffen Oren: geffen.oren@arup.com

Owners Representative and Sustainability Cost Containment
Forstrategy
Robert Fortunato : fortunato@forstrategy.com

Virtual Powerplant Consultant
Community Electricity
Felipe Cano: felipe@communityelectricity.io

Microgrid and Energy Policy Consultant
Energy Coalition
Marc Costa: mcosta@energycoalition.org

Renderings and Drawings by Studio One Eleven