Alto
Affordable Housing Conceptual Design
Location
Santa Fe, NM
Size
5,500 SF | Concept
Completed
Conceptual Design Only
We collaborated with our client homewise® to create an affordable housing design for a design competition in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The proposed design would have been constructed on an infill lot and would have blended modern and traditional Santa Fe architecture styles. Although our design was not chosen, we are proud of the hard work we put into crafting a modern and eco-friendly design.
The Townhomes
These six townhomes are truly unique! They have been thoughtfully arranged to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, with stunning views and abundant natural light. The design features wood studs, stucco, deep-set windows, rounded corners, and parapets, which all contribute to a delightful Santa Fe feel. The parking and circulation areas are made of crusher fines, while the walkways are paved with beautiful brick pavers, and coyote fencing completes the look.
The Courtyard
The development’s design incorporates a beautiful courtyard that follows the site’s natural slope and leads to the Santa Fe River. This central area serves as the main entrance and circulation space and is intended to emulate the graceful movement of water and people on the site. The courtyard also fosters a sense of ownership within the shared space, functioning as a community gathering spot and providing access to each unit’s individual entry level. Additionally, the courtyard plays a vital role in managing water on the site, with planting areas featuring water collection and infiltration features. The preservation of a mature tree on the property’s northern edge further enhances the courtyard’s already captivating ambiance.
Sustainability Concepts
This project emphasizes sustainability through stormwater management, solar power usage, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. To prevent runoff near the Santa Fe River, the courtyard area uses permeable materials, rainwater harvesting, and surface ponding. Nonpotable water is used for irrigation to ensure long-term success in our arid region.
The building envelope is highly efficient, using high-performance windows and increased insulation on the walls and roof. This helps reduce the load and size of the mechanical system, lower utility bills for future homeowners, and create more long-term affordability. Additionally, the increased insulation improves acoustic quality within the homes, providing a quiet and private environment.
Rooftop solar panels are utilized to provide sustainable electrical generation to each unit, reducing carbon emissions and building a more resilient power grid with distributed power. This will also lower utility bills for residents and reduce their cost of living.
Energy needs are further reduced by using high-efficiency HVAC systems, combined with LED lighting and natural daylighting strategies. This, along with the enhanced building envelope, exceeds code requirements for energy reduction.
Finally, standardizing floor plans helps use materials more efficiently, reducing waste and expediting the construction process. This helps make the units more affordable and limits disruption to the neighborhood during construction.
Location
Santa Fe, NM
Size
5,500 SF | New Construction
Completed
Conceptual Design Only