Judges' Comments
- The jury liked the thoughtful massing and unique roof forms of this project. They admired the exploration of a qualitative approach to urban density that emphasized a connection to the exterior rather than a quantitative approach that maximizes unit count or square footage. They hope this can serve as a prototype for future housing typologies in Orange County.
Project Data:
Completion Date: 12/1/2018
Square Footage: 12600
Building Use: Residential Detached Small Lot
Location: Costa Mesa, California
Project Description:
The project responds to the challenge of providing new housing units in dense urban cities by transforming underutilized industrial properties into residential uses. Currently the .471acre site contains two industrial buildings used for auto storage. Adjacent properties have recently also been rebuilt as small lot detached homes under the City’s recent zoning code update.
To respect the scale of the surrounding residential properties, this project is a less dense solution than allowed. Three separate buildings are each two stories for a total of six homes that are accessed off shared courtyard entries. The buildings are substantially under the height limitation. Roof decks were not allowed by the City due to privacy concerns for surrounding developments. In order to promote a sense of community, a generous amount of common open space is provided and private open space exceeds required by 50%. Flexible multifunctional spaces provide for outdoor living, dining and play with edible gardens and sunny perches welcoming pets, friends and family. A dense planting of vegetation along the rear property line with mature trees will provide shade and acoustical and visual screening.
The architectural solution creates three pairs of units with mirrored plans having generous outdoor space separating each to allow for light and views into all interior spaces. The units have 2 large bedrooms and 2.5 baths and are approximately 2100 SF plus a 2-car garage and a total of 7 non-dedicated guest parking spaces. Each has private open space off the living area of 400 SF that adds an indoor-outdoor connection at the ground level. The upper level provides an outdoor terrace space screened for privacy off the master bedroom.
Interesting roof forms are reminiscent of traditional pitched roofs but with a more modern approach to architectural style by wrapping the roofing material continuously over upper elevations and lifting the roof corners.
Key elements incorporated into the design are natural light, fresh air, views, direct connection to nature, extending the living spaces to the outdoors.
Green building goals include ultra low energy use with LED lighting and natural ventilation, practices to avoid heat gain such as cool roof, and power generation with roof top solar panels. Sustainable practices in site development include vegetated swales, pervious pavement and cisterns for storm water capture and filtration. Environmentally friendly, recycled-content materials with low VOC ratings are planned throughout.
C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment
Submitted By: |
Annette Wiley, FAIA |
Design Architect: |
Wiley Architects |
Associate Architect or Firm: |
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Landscape Architect: |
Richard Ramsey Landscape Architect |
Owner / Developer: |
Wishes to Remain Anonymous |
Engineer: |
Duca McCoy Civil Engineers |
General Contractor: |
TBD |
Consultant: |
|
Photographer: |
Charle Commons
Category
Residential Planned Development
Winner Status
- Citation Award