The Brook, Bronx, N.Y.
© Michael Moran / OTTO The Brook, Bronx, N.Y.


Alexander Gorlin Architects 

This six-story, 92,000-square-foot complex in the South Bronx provides affordable housing units and community spaces for low-income, formerly homeless, and mentally ill residents who are transitioning to full-time employment and permanent housing. Manhattan-based Alexander Gorlin Architects organized the 190 living units along double-loaded corridors on the upper stories of the L-shaped building, and installed recreational areas, computer labs, and supportive services on the ground floor. A green roof and rear gardens are complemented by red-painted terraces cut into the corner that anchors the intersection of Brook Avenue and East 148th Street. Despite what Josh Shelton referred to as “a severe streetscape,” the LEED Silver complex won praise from the jury for its savvy use of cost-conscious materials and its programming. “Its massing and use of materials are quite stellar,” juror Gregory Hoss said. “The way it is cut at the corner, allowing you to see the colors inside, really does reflect what's going on in terms of public or semi-public versus private space.”

Click here to see all of the winners of the 2014 Residential Architect Design Awards.

Interior at entrance.
© Michael Moran / OTTO Interior at entrance.
Outdoor terrace.
© Michael Moran / OTTO Outdoor terrace.
Brook Avenue facade.
© Michael Moran / OTTO Brook Avenue facade.

Drawings

Ground-level plan.
Courtesy Alexander Gorlin Architects Ground-level plan.
Second-level plan.
Courtesy Alexander Gorlin Architects Second-level plan.
Sixth-level plan.
Courtesy Alexander Gorlin Architects Sixth-level plan.

Project Credits

Project  The Brook, Bronx, N.Y.
Architect  Alexander Gorlin Architects, New York—Alexander Gorlin, FAIA
General Contractor  Mountco—Joel Mounty
Developer  Common Ground—Elissa Winzelberg, AIA
Landscape Architect  Balmori Associates—Sarah Wayland-Smith
Photography  Michael Moran/OTTO
Project Size  92,000 square feet
Units in Project  190
Construction Cost  Withheld