Not often do architects have the opportunity to work for a client whose goals align with the firm’s design philosophy. The development of this small but complex project represents that opportunity for us.  The owner approached us with the following development objectives: distinctive architecture, state-of-the-art sustainable elements, innovative but practical design that is financially feasible, and integration with the new planning controls.

Demolition of existing industrial buildings can be controversial, whereas retention of the existing building fabric is an environmentally responsible act, a kind of recycling of the building itself. A scheme of 45 residential units on 3 floors over the existing building will retain the current building envelope. The upper floor entrance will be carved out of an existing bay.

The structure of the new addition will be based on the rhythm of the existing column bays.  New columns and footings will be installed at the same locations as the current columns so that the existing roof members can remain unaltered. The existing concrete walls will be extended upwards while the new bay windows downwards to form an interlocking of new and old forms.

Both passive and active green features are proposed with anticipation of LEED Gold (or higher) certification. Passive features include sunshades on windows with high solar exposure, well-insulated walls with thermal windows, a “green” roof, and passive ventilation through the second floor plenum and two ventilation shafts integrated into the plans. Active features include photovoltaic panels on rooftop monitors and vertical axis wind turbines.