Local Color

Project Details

Project Description

How can a new building pay homage to the aggressively eclectic cultural traditions and built vernacular of South Philadelphia urban fabric? The awnings, colors and textures of rowhouse fabric served as a starting point in finding an answer. The bold, turquoise-striped façade of this project in the rapidly evolving Newbold neighborhood playfully speaks to its neighbors. Lap fiber-cement planks were painted in a distributed linear pattern that varies from one facade to the next, creating maximum impact at minimal cost. The classic South Philly block structure is filled in by sixteen houses and a mixed-use corner. Parallel strips of public and private space define a new, more nuanced block formation organizing parking, terraces, roof decks and stoops. A combination of two- and three-story attached homes and a mixed-use corner building with neighborhood retail and flats above provide a range of affordable modestly-scaled unit types. The rowhouse units are built from the tradition of modestly scaled worker housing. These right-sized houses ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet provide smart ample spaces for contemporary living. Super insulated envelopes both above and below grade approach Passivhaus levels of air sealing resulting in enhanced energy performance. All units are LEED Platinum certified. Drivable grass in the shared parking alley and accessible green roofs with views north to Center City provide both semi-public and private social spaces, while doubling as stormwater management components.