Completion Date: 3/1/2016
Square Footage: 120000
Building Use: Mixed Use - High density multifamily with 8,500 SF of ground floor retail
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Project Description:
The rezoning of a greyfield site containing a decaying strip mall and gas station to high-density residential and mixed-use, and a subsequent specific plan overlay, created the unique opportunities for this project. The primary goals were to provide much-needed workforce housing for Generation Y residents, establish an urban edge, and create public open space. The solution captures the ethos of this thriving beach community for the 21st century.
The BuildItGreen-rated project combines the values of community, diversity and sustainability with the sophisticated ease of beach living. The dwellings housed in two buildings range from efficiency studios to full live-work units, serving a wide array of income levels and lifestyles. Neighborhood shops activate the major street frontage and a row of live-work businesses line the secondary frontage. A broad linear public plaza is carved from the space between the two mixed-use buildings, creating synergy of both retail and residential uses. Within this public space, seating groups and a twisting metal sculpture invite engagement and conversation.
The exterior architecture delivers a sophisticated contemporary beach resort aesthetic, featuring angled glass towers reminiscent of lifeguard stands, clear glass balconies and custom wood siding recalling driftwood. Modern frame façades and sleek horizontal lines, rendered in stone and acrylic tiles, offer a sensitive interpretation of beach modern.
The embrace of surf culture extends into the project amenities, with circular motifs and wave forms throughout the interiors and landscape design. Crisp colors and raw materials create a hip, cutting-edge vibe on the project’s saltwater pool deck. An array of lifestyle resort amenities weave throughout the project, including an indoor-outdoor lounge, a dog/surf board wash, and a fire pit with a sand “beach.”
Promoting an intuitive embrace of sustainable principles, the project is situated within a short walk of a regional shopping destination, and the beach is a brief bike ride away. A major public transit corridor runs past the site, offering access to alternative modes of transportation. The ebb and flow of coastal life is elevated to a new standard with this community.
C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment
Submitted By: |
ARCHITECTS ORANGE |
Design Architect: |
ARCHITECTS ORANGE |
Associate Architect or Firm: |
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Landscape Architect: |
SITESCAPES Rick Polhamus rpolhamus@sitescapes.net |
Owner / Developer: |
GREYSTAR PROPERTIES Jim Ivory jivory@greystar.com |
Engineer: |
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General Contractor: |
REYLENN PROPERTIES Barney Addamo barneya@reylenn.com |
Consultant: |
INTERIOR DESIGNER A.P.T. DESIGN STUDIO Martin Langmead mlangmead@aptdesignstudio.com |
Photographer: |
CHET FROHLICH PHOTOGRAPHY Chet Frohlich chet@cmfphoto.com |
Elan Apartments
Category
Residential Planned Development
Description
The jury felt the architect exhibited a rigor with the architectural language and achieved a careful weaving of many elements. There is a high level of articulation both horizontally and vertically and the depth of shade, shadow, and color creates a lively presence supported by the building's context.
Congratulations ARCHITECTS ORANGE.
Winner Status
- Citation Award