Judges' Comments
- The jury really admired this building and felt the architects accomplished a lot on a small budget. The composition of the front elevation and the spatial quality of the interior courtyard were applauded. This project really elevated the idea of container architecture and the jury hoped to see more projects like this being developed.
Project Data:
Completion Date: 12/20/2016
Square Footage: 10187
Building Use: Affordable Housing / Homeless Veterans
Location: Midway City, California
Project Description:
The first veteran housing project in the country to be built from recycled shipping containers, this project embraces its status as a symbol for the power of transformation for both its occupants and construction materials. The non-profit organization is dedicated to permanently ending the cycle of homelessness. In delivering this development, the project team renovated modified-steel shipping containers, transforming them into fully functional and aesthetically pleasing housing units that harmonize with the surrounding area and environment.
Completed in late 2016 and opened in early 2017, the energy-efficient and sustainable project addresses two of the community’s greatest issues: veteran homelessness and mental health. The project is comprised of 15 units to accommodate homeless veterans, 1 unit to accommodate an on-site manager and on-site services that include individual and group counseling, medical care, veteran’s liaisons and employment programs. Each unit is about 450 square feet and have a bedroom/dining area, a kitchen and a bathroom. The complex offers both indoor and outdoor common spaces where residents have the opportunity to interact with each other. These common spaces were closely integrated into the project design to cultivate an ongoing sense of community.
The timeline for construction was rapid compared to most projects because the units are prefabricated off site, and for this project, the factory is located within the same county.
The project was also awarded a grant from The Home Depot Foundation in the amount of $100,000 and hands-on help from community Team Depot volunteers. Such financial and physical outpouring support is another “shout-out” to make chronic veteran homelessness a problem of the past.
The complex has a modern, urban look that complement the community. The design team strived to create the best project on the block so people can realize these can be beautiful projects that can improve communities. In support of their efforts to secure a stable home and achieve a self-sustaining way of life, our heroes can find a safe harbor and welcoming community at this new place they call home as they rebuild their lives. Homes of steel for the brave of heart.
C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment
Submitted By: |
SVA Architects, Inc. |
Design Architect: |
SVA Architects, Inc. |
Associate Architect or Firm: |
None. |
Landscape Architect: |
None. |
Owner / Developer: |
American Family Housing |
Engineer: |
Dry Utilities & Site Electrical - tk1sc |
General Contractor: |
Del Amo Construction |
Consultant: |
Recycled Shipping Container Supplier - GrowthPoint Structures |
Photographer: |
Robert A. Hansen, Fine Art and Commercial Photography |
Potter's Lane
Category
Residential Planned Development
Winner Status
- Merit Award