Roxbury Sustainable Housing
Roxbury, MA
Studio G’s concept design for an urban site in Roxbury mediates between a former industrial site and an historic residential neighborhood. The 4-story, 36,000SF building has 24 relatively compact units, with three 3BR and three 2BR units per floor. Facing three parking lots, the terracotta-clad building anchors the corner with a 5-story tower holding the elevator, stairs, and a shared sitting area at each floor. The glass-enclosed tower gives access to a green roof gathering space and gardens, providing the only significant green space on this tight urban site.
At grade, the double-facing entry lobby has doors toward the residential neighborhood and the public side with a gallery space inside to welcome residents and visitors. First floor units facing the residential street create an engaging pedestrian facade, with individual entries, porches and gardens.
Designed with a well-insulated, high performance envelope and mechanical systems, this building can achieve Passive House and LEED certifications. A green roof over the lobby, the rooftop gardens and stormwater storage for irrigation all contribute to the sustainable design. The proposed solar electric rooftop panels could bring the building to zero net energy, or even energy positive.
The parking garage is tucked below, utilizing a change in grade for access, and otherwise not visible.