Practicing ArchitectureAwards

2010 AIA Housing Award Recipient

Category 4: Specialized Housing

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Notes of Interest

The new 30,150 sq. ft. structure on a 7000 sq. ft. site provides 46 studio apartments of permanent affordable housing and supportive services for the homeless and mentally disabled population. The project also includes ground level commercial/retail space and subterranean parking for 20 cars. The density of the project is 258 dwelling units/acre, which exceeds the average density of Manhattan, N.Y. (2000 USA Census Bureau Data) by more than 10%.

A striking yet light-hearted exterior makes the new building a welcome landmark in downtown Santa Monica. Custom water-jet anodized aluminum panels on the main façade creates a dramatic screen that sparkles in the sun and glows at night, while also acting as sun protection and privacy screens.

The building distinguishes itself from most conventionally developed projects in that it incorporates energy-efficient measures that exceed standard practice, optimize building performance, and ensure reduced energy use during all phases of construction and occupancy. The planning and design of the project emerged from close consideration and employment of passive solar design strategies. While California has the most stringent energy-efficient requirements in the United States Step Up incorporates numerous sustainable features that exceed state-mandated Title 24 energy measures by more than 30%.