dive into the details
project goals
the units /
- create a space that is healthy, safe & comfortable
- incorporate sustainable, durable, & resilient assemblies
- use local materials, fabrication & craftspeople
- provide grandeur within a small footprint
- exemplify quality construction & craft
the firm /
- a case study in healthy and high-performance building
- showcase the work & core values of a/A architecture
- incorporate the principles of Building Biology
the site /
- accommodate multiple dwelling units on a small lot
- respect the materials & styles of the surrounding architecture
- capitalize on the Southern orientation & view facing Cathedral Park
- pay homage to the established maple tree
the city /
- provide a healthy alternative to conventional construction
- increase density within the existing character of the neighborhood
healthy /
- use natural & non-toxic building materials
- avoid synthetic products & chemicals of concern
- provide access to daylight & natural ventilation
- maintain indoor air quality through balanced ventilation
- use products and materials that are naturally mold-resistant
- passively regulate interior moisture & humidity
- mitigate electric and magnetic fields
design strategies
conscious /
- use ethically sourced & carbon sequestering building materials
- consider the human impact along the entire supply chain
- source from local suppliers wherever possible
- employ passive design strategies
durable /
- utilize high-performance & hygrothermal design strategies
- maintain high interior hydric buffer capacity to moderate humidity
- create an enclosure resistant to fire, insects, & rodents
- incorporate airtight & vapor-permeable assemblies
- use resilient & low maintenance materials
- minimize thermal bridging
building assemblies
foundation /
- fully insulated concrete slab & footings with foamed glass gravel
- continuous capillary break around all concrete elements
- durable metal perimeter flashing
interior /
- solid wood window frames, ceiling, & furniture
- casework free from added formaldehyde
- unsealed natural stone countertops
- certified organic latex foam mattress & cushions
- upholstery free of PFAS, VOCs, & flame retardants
walls /
- mass walls with a high resistance to sound transmission
- masonry blocks made from recycled wood pallets
- natural wood siding over continuous rainscreen
- triple pane aluminum-clad European windows
- hygric buffering clay & lime based plaster finishes
- assembly free of foam insulation & pressure-treated lumber
roof /
- standing seam metal roof and gutters
- non-vented assembly with wood fiberboard insulation
- continuous air control membrane behind electrical service cavity
- unfinished natural wood ceiling
building systems
electrical /
- ventless heat pump dryer
- all electric equipment & appliances
- integrated kill switches to shut off wifi & sleeping space
- electric meters located outside the service corner on each unit
- shielded electrical conduit in sleeping space
technological /
- reliance on passive systems to maintain interior health & comfort
- supplement with high-performance active systems
mechanical /
- ductless heat pump heating & cooling
- single outdoor unit for each unit
- balanced ventilation with whole-house filtration
- main living & bedroom supplies & bathroom exhaust
- recirculating range hood with multiple-stage air filtration
plumbing /
- electric heat pump water heater
- water-conscious fixtures with metal valves
- curbless shower threshold