Elm Place

Architect: Duncan Wisniewski Architecture

Owner: Cathedral Square Corporation

Location: Milton, Vermont

Special recognition

www.duncanwisniewski.com

Elm Place is built to the Passive House Standard. This brought energy costs down significantly—65% less than the same building built to code minimums. These key features allowed us to lower our energy use: increased shell insulation, robust air sealing, low u-factor windows and balanced ventilation with heat recovery. The benefits of Passive House (improved indoor air quality, lower energy consumption, increased thermal comfort) are critical for all new buildings, but especially for seniors.

Jury

David Banta, AIA (Chair), WDG Architects, Washington, DC

Paul Donaldson, AIA, PRDG Architects, Dallas, Texas

Karla Jackson, Studio Six 5, Austin, Texas

Dayle Krahn, Baptist Housing, Delta, British Columbia

David Lacy, Southminster, Charlotte, North Carolina

Jury comments

Elm Place stood out to the judges for four main reasons. The first is that it serves the low-income community of Milton, Vermont. Second is the creative use of public/private financing for funding of the project reflected in the use of TIF districts, grants and energy savings from sustainable design. Third, despite a target market for low income senior housing, the design team/developer also made a commitment to sustainable design by following the Passive House Standards. Lastly, the community features a simple design in a location within easy walking distance to services.

Image credits

Elm Place

Carolyn Bates

Elm Place

Carolyn Bates

Elm Place

Carolyn Bates

Elm Place

Carolyn Bates

Elm Place

Carolyn Bates