Embracing Wellfleet’s Unique Character
In collaboration with the Preservation of Affordable Housing and Community Development Partnership, we were proud to create The Residences at Lawrence Hill (TRLH), a new and affordable neighborhood serving families and seniors from Wellfleet and surrounding communities. Sheltered by native woodlands and inspired by Cape Cod and mid-century modern design styles, TRLH provides beautiful and much-needed affordable housing for families of all ages.
Location
Wellfleet, MA
Client
Preservation of Affordable Housing / Community Development Partnership
Size / Area
66,075 SF
Certifications
Phius
Units
46
Serving Households of All Shapes and Sizes
Seven buildings featuring 23 townhouses and one apartment comprise the “Upper Village” at TRLH. We designed these units with families in mind, and parents or grandparents with young children can walk from their townhouses across Lawrence Road to school. With first-floor living/dining and kitchen and upper-floor bedrooms, these units can easily serve multiple types of households, including older adults with a next-generation caregiver and households of non-family members.
Prioritizing Aging in Place
The “Lower Village” has a single elevator building with 22 one- and two-bedroom apartments designed for easy aging in place. Singles, couples, small families, and those with mobility concerns can enjoy the convenience of this building with amenity spaces, mail/package room, property management, and tenant storage all under one roof. This building includes a community living room and adjacent trellis-covered patio and BBQ area, community gardens, and laundry.
Bringing the Community Together
A separate Community Building in the “Upper Village” is designed to provide a gathering space for all residents, serving as a hub for various service programs and events. The entry area includes resident mailboxes, a package concierge system, and the shared laundry room, allowing neighbors to get their mail and do their laundry while socializing in the large community living room.
With a sloped ceiling and large windows, this bright and daylit room opens to an adjacent trellis-covered patio with BBQs for easy access to indoor and outdoor spaces during activities and events. A galley kitchen and storage closet make the space flexible for multiple uses.
Universal Design Accommodates All Abilities
Universal design principles ensure that TRLH is comfortable and inclusive for varied and diverse households. All units are visitable under FHA guidelines and one townhouse includes a fully wheelchair-accessible, ADA-compliant apartment. All units in the Lower Village are designed for easy conversion to fully accessible units, with appropriately sized kitchens and bathrooms. One unit is adaptable for those with sight and hearing issues.
Taking Advantage of the Natural Beauty
Both Villages feature community gardens and include benches for residents of all ages to enjoy passive and active recreation in the tranquil woodland setting. An accessible fitness + walking path connects the Community Building and adjacent play yard to the Lower Village.
Existing pines, oaks, and rhododendrons will be protected and enhanced for a dense natural buffer. Common green spaces are scattered throughout the site, using the landscape to improve livability.
Sustainable Site Development
TRLH is sited primarily on previously developed and disturbed land to preserve surrounding woodlands in their natural state. We specify Low Impact Development techniques, including the use of crushed shells or pea gravel at parking areas to reduce impervious surfaces and encourage recharge of the aquifer. The existing well is anticipated to provide irrigation while plantings are established.
All buildings are airtight and Phius design certified, using all-electric systems. Upon completion, this project will achieve net zero or near-net zero energy with photovoltaic panels on south- and west-facing roofs. We are proud to be a part of such a beautiful and worthwhile development project on the Cape.
